If a drunk driver slams their vehicle into yours, take legal action. Work with a Greenville drunk driving accident lawyer who will prioritize your case. Your attorney can help you hold the liable driver accountable for their negligence.
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm has more than 10 years of personal injury case experience. Meet with us to learn how we can help you with your drunk driving accident case. Schedule a free consultation with a Greenville car accident lawyer from our team.
Damages You Can Get in a Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit
Your Greenville personal injury lawyer will give you insights into compensatory damages and why you should request them. Once you file a lawsuit, you may get damages for your quantifiable and subjective losses. Reasons why a judge or jury may award damages include:
- Car repairs or replacement
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
It is your responsibility to prove a liable driver is at fault for your accident. Your lawyer understands the burden of proof for drunk driving accident cases. They can collect evidence that makes it clear to a judge or jury that the other driver was operating their vehicle while intoxicated, and, as such, you should be awarded full damages.
Drunk Driving Consequences
According to the SC laws relative to impaired driving, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol can result in fines. If someone is hurt or killed in a drunk driving accident, the at-fault driver can face imprisonment. Meanwhile, the victim and family of a drunk driving accident may deal with the financial ramifications of a liable driver’s actions long into the future.
For example, a drunk driver causes an accident that leaves you with injuries. You may have to cover the costs of treating your injuries. In addition, you may have to pay for your car repairs and other accident-related expenses.
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm understands the short- and long-term impact of a drunk driving accident. Our Greenville drunk driving accident attorney can help you get damages from the at-fault driver. Request a free case consultation.
Filing a Drunk Driving Accident Claim
South Carolina requires drivers to have auto insurance. Following a drunk driving accident, the motorist who was operating their vehicle while intoxicated can be liable. You may submit an insurance claim, and the other driver’s insurer may cover your losses.
Even if a driver was intoxicated at the time of your accident, their insurer may put its bottom line above everything else. The business may contest your claim to the point where you want to give up on it. Fortunately, a drunk driving accident lawyer in Greenville can help you with your claim.
Your Greenville drunk driving accident lawyer can discuss how a personal injury settlement is determined in a drunk driving accident case. They can negotiate with a liable driver’s insurance company. If no settlement is reached, your attorney can file an injury lawsuit on your behalf.
When to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit
You may have questions about how long you have to report a car accident and when you can file an injury lawsuit. A drunk driving accident attorney in Greenville can answer these questions and submit your claim for damages promptly.
After a drunk driving accident, you have up to 15 days to report the incident. For filing a lawsuit, you have up to three years from the date of your accident. In terms of how long a car accident claim takes to settle, the timeline varies based on the facts of your case.
Your lawyer will encourage you to sue for damages as soon as you can following your accident. They can calculate your losses and put you in a position to secure a fair settlement. In your lawsuit, they can ask for economic and non-economic damages.
Evidence You Can Use in Your Lawsuit
Saying a drunk driver should be punished is valid, but it may not be enough to compel a judge or jury to provide you with damages. Your lawyer can collect evidence from a variety of sources. Proof you can use in your drunk driving accident case includes:
- Accident scene photos and videos
- Blood alcohol content (BAC) test results
- Witness statements
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Pay stubs
If you have an abundance of proof, you may get a settlement offer from the defendant in your case. You have the option to approve or decline this proposal. To weigh the offer’s pros and cons, your attorney can teach you about the average settlement for a car accident and explain if they believe a proposal gives you adequate compensation.
Submitting a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
A fatal drunk driving accident is devastating for all involved. The incident may have been prevented if a driver chose not to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. However, this motorist was negligent, and their decision to drive while intoxicated resulted in a fatality.
If you and your family members are coping with the loss of a loved one in a drunk driving accident, filing a lawsuit against the liable driver may be an afterthought. Ultimately, hiring a lawyer can be incredibly helpful during this emotionally and psychologically taxing period. Your attorney is your legal advocate, and they can seek justice on your behalf.
A lawyer can explain the statute of limitations for a wrongful death in South Carolina and determine if you are eligible to request damages. If you move forward with a lawsuit, your attorney handles your legal matters. During this period, you and your loved ones can take solace in the fact that your lawyer is taking steps to protect your family’s financial well-being.
Ask for Help from a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Who Prioritizes Their Clients’ Best Interests
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm wants to help you in any way we can as you deal with the aftermath of a drunk driving accident. Discuss your case with our team, and we can explain your legal options in detail. Contact us today for more information.
