Drunk driving accidents can cause horrific damage and may seemingly come out of nowhere. These traumatic accidents can cause severe or catastrophic injuries that may also result in overwhelming consequences and expenses. A Forest Acres drunk driving accident lawyer can help you get the justice you seek for what was taken from you.
Shelly Leeke Law Firm stands by you when you or a loved one has been victimized by a drunk driving accident. A Forest Acres car accident lawyer will provide you with compassionate service and is dedicated to securing the maximum compensation for your losses. With more than a decade of experience, we take the time to understand your situation and take the most effective actions to resolve your case.
Dealing With the Aftermath of a Drunk Driving Accident
Drunk driving accidents are likely to leave you stunned and significantly shaken. While you may be uncertain about what comes next, it is important to know what happens when you get hit by a drunk driver so you can be prepared for what actions to take moving forward. This is especially important since a drunk driver is not likely to have the same presence of mind as one who is sober.
As such, you should call 911 immediately after an accident so you both can receive medical attention and police officers can handle the situation. Request that a police report be filed to record the details of the accident and the driver’s level of inebriation. Get the other driver’s contact, vehicle, and insurance information as well.
Once these steps have been completed, you can file a claim with the drunk driver’s insurance company to recover compensation for your injuries and losses. You may also be able to file a personal injury claim against the driver, depending on the situation. However, before taking any action, you should hire a personal injury lawyer in Forest Acres to provide guidance on how to proceed.
The Effects of Alcohol on the Body and Driving
Mixing alcohol & driving should be avoided at all costs. As the alcohol enters the bloodstream, it begins to affect an individual’s ability to function and react. The effects of alcohol may vary from person to person, but each subsequent drink can impact an individual in the following ways:
- Drink one: Reduced inhibitions and lowered judgment and coordination.
- Drink two: Senses and reaction time begin to dull and relaxation sets in.
- Drink three: Impaired judgment and reasoning skills. Reaction time is decreased further.
- Drink four: Vision, speech, hearing, focus, balance, and reactivity are impacted.
- Drink five: Slurred speech and feelings of disjointedness occur. Inability to walk straight.
- Drink twelve: Risk of deep sleep, coma, or death.
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) reflects how much alcohol is in a driver’s system and how much it affects them. South Carolina prohibits individuals from driving with a BAC of .08 or more, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety. Law enforcement will assess a driver’s BAC at the scene of the accident, and this information can be used to support your claim.
Your Losses Could be Recovered Through Compensation
Recovering compensation after being hit by a drunk driver is vital to your recuperation and relieving your stress. Depending on the extent of the damage caused by the accident, you may be able to claim more than one type of compensation to ease your losses. The compensation you receive could cover the following:
- Medical costs.
- Vehicle and property damage.
- Lost wages.
- Funeral and burial expenses for wrongful death.
- Pain and suffering.
- Mental and emotional distress.
- Loss of enjoyment and quality of life.
- Loss of companionship.
- Loss of consortium.
Determining the average settlement in a drunk driving accident case can be challenging because each case is different and affected by different factors. Settlements can be impacted by the extent and severity of injuries, the amount of damage your vehicle sustained, the type of insurance coverage the other driver has, and the parties involved. Your drunk driving accident attorney in Forest Acres can provide clarity on what specific factors may affect your case and help you calculate how much your losses are worth.
File Your Claim Promptly After the Accident
In S.C. § 15-3-530, South Carolina outlines that victims have three years to file a claim to recover what they lost in the accident.
After this time passes, claims may no longer be permitted even if you sustained injuries. When your lawyer reviews your case, they will verify the remaining time available to file a claim.
A Forest Acres Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Navigates Case Complexities on Your Behalf
Given the driver’s condition at the time of the accident, drunk driving accident cases are nuanced and may have special legal considerations. It is important to hire an experienced lawyer who can skillfully maneuver through the various requirements to help you recover the maximum amount of compensation possible. They can also speak on your behalf and negotiate for you.
In a drunk driving accident case, your lawyer will focus on establishing the other driver’s negligence. Since the individual was intoxicated and got behind the wheel, your lawyer will show that the driver failed to take necessary safety precautions and caused the accident. The other driver is liable for any damages they caused due to negligence.
Throughout your case, your lawyer will listen to you and identify the approaches best suited to your case. They will help you gather ample evidence to support your claim and hold the other driver accountable. They are an invaluable source of support and provide trusted counsel from start to finish.
Let Shelly Leeke Law Firm Fight for You
Shelly Leeke Law Firm will fight to see justice done when you have been injured in a drunk driving accident. Our Forest Acres drunk driving accident lawyers understand that you might be facing immense challenges, and we are ready to partner with you so you get the results that you deserve.
We will sit down with you and thoroughly review your case and options when you schedule a free consultation with our firm today.
