If you are involved in an auto accident in which the other driver was driving while drunk, do not let this individual off the hook for their negligence. Let a Goose Creek drunk driving accident lawyer help. Your attorney can build a case to prove that the other driver was breaking the law and put you in danger and should be required to cover your accident-related losses.
With more than a decade of personal injury case experience, the Shelly Leeke Law Firm understands the challenges that you can face in your litigation. We can connect you with a Goose Creek car accident lawyer who prioritizes your case. Schedule a free case consultation with us.
Why You Should Take Legal Action Against a Drunk Driver
In terms of what happens if you get hit by a drunk driver, the implications of an accident vary. A drunk driver could face criminal charges. However, the legal system offers no guarantees, and this individual could have the charges against them reduced or dismissed.
By taking legal action against a motorist who was driving their car while drunk, you could prevent future accidents. This motorist may think twice before they get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. Plus, you could receive compensation from them that you can use to pay your medical bills and cover other losses you incur due to your crash.
Our Goose Creek personal injury lawyers make it easy to work with a proven attorney. We focus on helping you achieve outstanding case results. Contact us today to get started.
How a Goose Creek Drunk Driving Accident Claim Works
You have automobile insurance, and this can help you as you face the aftermath of a drunk driving collision. Following your accident, inform your insurer, and the business can start the claims process. Your insurance carrier can contact the other driver’s insurer, and both companies can investigate your claim.
A drunk driving accident lawyer in Goose Creek can explain what is uninsured motorist coverage and other parts of your insurance policy. They can represent you in discussions regarding your claim. If a liable party’s insurer chooses not to cover your accident-related costs or offers a lowball settlement, your attorney may encourage you to sue for damages.
Your attorney can provide insights into what are compensatory damages and how much money you could get for your accident-related losses. They want you to secure fair compensation. To accomplish this goal, your attorney calculates your losses and builds an argument designed to show a judge or jury that you deserve compensation for them.
Damages You Can Ask for in Your Lawsuit
A drunk driving accident attorney in Goose Creek can teach you about economic and non-economic damages. You may be eligible for one or both types of compensation. A judge or jury could award compensation for many reasons, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of income
- Medical bills
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional trauma
Your lawyer can share details about what is the average settlement for a drunk driving accident. They want you to secure maximum compensation for your losses. Therefore, they build a body of evidence that could compel a judge or jury to provide you with a favorable case outcome.
Evidence You Can Use in Your Lawsuit
Proof has far-flung effects in a drunk driving accident case. Having the ability to show a judge or jury that the other driver involved in your accident was negligent can impact your case results. You can use a wide range of proof to support your case, including:
- Accident scene videos and photos
- Police report
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test results
If the defendant in your lawsuit has concerns about your evidence, they may be inclined to propose a reasonable settlement. Just because you receive a settlement offer does not mean you have to accept it. If you want to make the defendant appear in front of a judge or jury, you can bring your case to trial.
How Negligence Relates to Your Case
A drunk driver is negligent, but you have to prove that they chose to act in a way that put you and others in danger. Your lawyer can provide information about negligence and how to prove it. There are four elements of negligence that you must illustrate were present at the time of your collision:
- Duty of Care: The defendant in your case had a legal obligation not to operate their vehicle while intoxicated.
- Breach of Duty of Care: The defendant broke the law by choosing to drive while drunk.
- Causation: The defendant’s actions directly contributed to your accident.
- Damages: You are dealing with losses because the defendant decided to engage in drunk driving.
Your attorney can give you a breakdown of negligence laws in South Carolina. They want to make it clear to a judge or jury that the defendant is fully responsible for your crash. If your attorney’s argument is successful, the court may punish the defendant for their negligence.
Tips to Help You with Your Drunk Driving Accident Case
Partner with a drunk driving accident lawyer as soon as you can after your crash. Your attorney will commit substantial time, energy, and resources to your case. They can assist you at each stage of your litigation.
Communicate and collaborate with your attorney throughout your legal proceedings. If a liable party or their insurance company reaches out to you, notify your attorney. From here, your lawyer can speak to either party for you and keep you updated about any conversations they have regarding your case.
Avoid publishing content about your case on social media. A liable party or their insurer will look on Facebook, X, and other online platforms for content to use against you. If you want to update family members and friends about your case, do so through phone and video calls, emails, and text messages.
Hire a Drunk Driving Crash Lawyer
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm takes personal injury cases seriously. We are here to help you request compensation from anyone liable for your drunk driving accident.
Request a free case consultation with our Goose Creek drunk driving accident lawyers today.
