Drunk drivers get behind the wheel, oblivious to the fact that they’re operating what could be a lethal weapon – a car or truck. Impaired driving can cause untold harm to innocent people. That is when a Denny Terrace drunk driving accident lawyer steps in.
Shelly Leeke Law Firm will represent victims, and there’s no charge for our services unless we win. Your Denny Terrace car accident lawyer understands your pain as a victim. We will work to gain compensation to help you recover after a drunk driving accident.
Potential Compensation in a Drunk Driving Accident Claim
Aside from damage to your car, you may claim for related costs and damages. This is not an attempt to profit from the accident. Instead, it’s a matter of achieving restitution for the harm you have been subjected to and determining who pays for medical bills after a car accident.
This includes:
- Medical and rehabilitation costs
- Loss of income you may otherwise have earned
- Emotional trauma caused by the at-fault driver
- Wrongful death when drunk-driving accidents turn fatal
Drunk drivers should not be on the road at all. When their disregard for others affects you, our Denny Terrace personal injury lawyers will fight for your rights.
What You Can Do to Reinforce Your Case
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving is involved in up to 32% of traffic accidents across the USA. Law enforcement authorities will determine if drunk driving played a role in your crash, and our investigations go even deeper.
If you are physically able to, you can help support your claim by gathering evidence yourself. Being under the influence of alcohol does not automatically mean a driver is responsible for an accident. The crash site information will be key evidence to use in your favor.
Evidence must show that the other driver was at fault or could have avoided the accident had they been sober. Police will investigate the accident, but extra evidence may be helpful. Dashcam footage and photographs, yours or witnesses’, may prove decisive.
What if a Drunk Driver is in Charge of a Commercial Vehicle?
When a drunk driver is performing their duties as a commercial driver, their employer may be held responsible for their actions. It is also worth noting that SC laws relative to impaired driving define impairment differently for private and commercial drivers.
A commercial driver is deemed to be driving under the influence if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.04% or higher. In contrast, private individuals are deemed to be drunk drivers when their BAC is 0.08% or higher.
In many instances, it is appropriate to claim damages from the company that owns a commercial vehicle even when the driver’s BAC is over the limit. However, this does not always apply.
Dram Shop Liability
In the wake of an accident involving a drunk driver, your damages can exceed what they are able to pay. Dram shop liability may mean the driver is not the only one to blame. If a restaurant, bar, or liquor store serves alcohol to a person who is underage or was already drunk, they may be liable for damages.
If we can find proof that a drunk driver was over-served before causing an accident, the establishment’s insurance may be called on to cover damages. This can help you recover a larger settlement than the driver can afford.
As your lawyers, we would investigate the drunk driving accident thoroughly. If the 2023-2024 Bill 1175 Dram Shop Act can be invoked, we would raise this point. It is one of the ways we help to ensure our clients receive the compensation they are entitled to.
What if the Other Driver Avoided Prosecution for Drunk Driving?
Drunk drivers are not always successfully prosecuted. For example, their lawyers may argue that police failed to follow correct procedures. Alternatively, there may not be enough evidence to prove intoxication.
This need not affect your ability to claim damages following an accident. If the other driver caused an accident because of negligence or reckless driving, they remain liable. Your Denny Terrace drunk driving accident attorney will guide you through what happens when you are hit by a drunk driver and how to hold them accountable.
For driver liability, we need only prove that:
- You sustained damages
- The accident caused damages
- The other driver’s negligence was responsible for the accident
Why You Need a Denny TerraceDrunk Driving Accident Lawyer
There is nothing to prevent you from claiming damages on your own behalf. Nevertheless, there are several reasons why it is advisable to get help from a drunk driving accident lawyer.
Determining Fair Compensation
Insurance companies may attempt to reduce their costs and may undervalue your damages. An attorney will estimate and pursue fair compensation. They will know what laws apply and will prevent other parties from blindsiding you.
Evidence Gathering
As your lawyers, we will investigate the case. In the process, we will gather all the evidence and information we need to support your claim. We will work on your behalf even if you are in hospital and unable to attend to the matter yourself.
You may have sustained far-reaching injuries, making your situation even more serious. We can help you recover the costs of lifelong treatment. Focus on your health and leave the rest to us.
Reducing the Chance of You Harming Your Own Case for Compensation
If you have been injured, the other party’s lawyers will exploit opportunities to reduce damages claims. If you were to ignore an instruction to rest and recover, they may argue that some of your losses stem from your own behavior.
Similarly, insurance companies or the other driver’s lawyers might try to prove that you are partly to blame for the accident. As your legal representatives, we can work to deflect a strategy that exploits your vulnerability as a layperson.
Shelly Leeke Law Firm Cares About Justice – And Your Wellbeing
Consult Shelly Leeke Law Firm when you need a drunk driving accident lawyer in Denny Terrace, South Carolina. We will work on your behalf, allowing you peace of mind during your recovery.
