Drunk driving is reckless and illegal. Yet every day, drivers under the influence cause serious crashes, injuring innocent people. If you’ve been hurt in a car accident involving a drunk driver, you may have the right to pursue compensation. The Columbia drunk driving accident attorneys at Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers can explain your options in a clear and compassionate way. We’re committed to helping accident victims with the legal process with confidence and without unnecessary stress.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is recklessly irresponsible, yet thousands of people are injured and killed in car, truck, and motorcycle accidents caused by drunk drivers every year. In fact, South Carolina has the 3rd highest fatality rate from crashes involving drunk drivers in the nation. We also hold the dubious honor of ranking 6th in the U.S. for drunk driving accidents caused by underage drinking.
At Joye Law Firm, we know the impact a drunk driving accident can have on your life. Since 1968, our award-winning firm has secured over half a billion dollars in verdicts and settlements for injured individuals and families in Columbia and throughout South Carolina. When you’ve been hurt by an intoxicated driver, the physical injuries, emotional distress, and mounting medical bills can be overwhelming. Our team of personal injury lawyers is dedicated to helping you recover the compensation you need to move forward.
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How Our Columbia Personal Injury Lawyer Supports Drunk Driving Accident Victims
We Understand What You’re Going Through
Since 1968, Joye Law Firm has represented thousands of injured clients across South Carolina, including many people in Columbia who were hurt by drunk drivers. We understand the real-life struggles you’re facing: the physical pain, emotional distress, and financial pressure from medical bills and missed work.
We’ve seen the long-term impact of drunk driving accidents, and we know what it takes to fight for those affected. Our work is grounded in real cases and actual results. That’s how we’ve earned the trust of families across the state. These are a few of the results we’ve achieved for victims of drunk driving:
- $3 million settlement for a man who suffered a TBI along with other injuries after being hit head-on by a drunk driver with an additional $1 million settlement in dram shop action against a negligent bar.
- $17,000,000 trial verdict for the survivors of a devastating crash that took the life of a couple and their infant son. The wreck was caused by an alcohol-impaired semi-truck driver on I-95 North.
- $937,500 settlement for a woman who suffered neck and shoulder pain along with PTSD after being struck head-on by an underaged drunk driver.
Built on Experience and Focused on Results
Our team brings decades of legal experience to every car accident case. We thoroughly investigate the crash, collect medical records, review the police report, and consult with medical professionals and other experts as needed. We gather witness statements and other key evidence that may help prove the other driver’s fault. We also review driving records to determine if this is a pattern of behavior and footage from bars or restaurants the at-fault driver visited prior to the crash. This thorough investigation helps build a solid case that allows you to pursue maximum compensation for your car accident claim. Whether you’re dealing with spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or long-term disability, our job is to help you prepare for what’s next.
Clear Communication Throughout Your Case
We know how frustrating it is to be left in the dark when you’re recovering from a drunk driving collision. That’s why we prioritize transparency. You’ll receive regular updates on your case, and we’ll explain each step clearly, so you always know what’s happening.
We deal directly with insurance companies and insurance adjusters, so you don’t have to. Many insurers try to pressure victims into accepting low offers before they even know the full impact of their injuries. We protect you from that. Our goal is to handle the legal process so you can focus on your health and your family.
You Don’t Pay Unless We Win
At Joye Law Firm, we’re known for our No Fee Guarantee. That means you don’t pay any attorney’s fees unless we recover money for you. This allows you to focus on getting the care you need without worrying about the cost of legal assistance.
We’re proud to be a trusted source of support for Columbia residents facing the aftermath of a drunk driving accident. When you’re ready to talk, we’re here to listen. We’ll walk you through your options and help you decide the next steps based on your case.
Why Drunk Driving Accidents Are Different
Drunk driving accidents are not like other car accident cases. When a driver under the influence causes a crash, both civil and criminal charges may result. While the criminal justice system handles penalties such as fines or jail time, it does nothing to compensate for your injuries or losses. That’s the role of personal injury claims. Filing a claim allows you to hold the at-fault driver financially responsible for your injuries, medical expenses, and other damages.
DUI cases can also involve punitive damages, awarded to punish drivers whose actions were especially reckless. This can include drivers who were far above the legal limit or whose impaired state contributed to a collision. Additionally, insurance companies often defend these cases aggressively, aiming to minimize payouts. Having a knowledgeable drunk driving accident lawyer on your side can help protect your interests.
At Joye Law Firm, our Columbia personal injury lawyers understand the emotional toll these accidents can take. Our team is dedicated to securing fair compensation that covers all the damages involved in the accident.
What South Carolina Law Says About Blood Alcohol Content
Driving under the influence is a crime in South Carolina. If a law enforcement officer suspects a driver to be under the influence, they may subject the driver to a field sobriety test. Additionally, a driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) can be tested by breathalyzer, blood, and/or urine testing. Exceeding the legal limit can lead to the driver being charged with a criminal offense.
The legal limits for BAC in South Carolina are:
- .08 percent for those aged 21 or older operating non-commercial vehicles
- .04 percent for operators of commercial vehicles over the age of 21
- .02 percent for drivers under the age of 21
Even if the driver’s BAC did not exceed the legal limit, it does not mean they can escape criminal charges or civil liability. Recovering damages in a personal injury case is easier if the at-fault driver was charged with a DUI at the time of the accident. However, it is not required. Any amount of impairment can serve as evidence that the driver was negligent and caused the accident.