Drunk driving accidents are entirely preventable, yet they continue to cause devastating harm to innocent victims. If you were injured in a collision caused by a drunk driver, your Moncks Corner car accident lawyer can help you demand justice and financial recovery.
Your Moncks Corner drunk driving accident lawyer from Shelly Leeke Law Firm has successfully recovered millions of dollars in damages and trial verdicts over the last 10 years, so contact us today to schedule your 100% free consultation.
How Drunk Driving Accidents Affect Moncks Corner Residents
Drunk driving accidents have a significant impact, causing physical, emotional, and financial hardship for victims and their families. These incidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities, leaving communities grappling with preventable losses. Your Moncks Corner personal injury lawyer with Shelly Leeke Law Firm understands the devastating effects of these crashes and works to hold negligent parties accountable.
South Carolina has some of the highest rates of drunk driving accidents in the country, and alcohol-related crashes reportedly account for over 30% of all traffic fatalities nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Moncks Corner residents are particularly at risk due to the frequency of impaired driving incidents in rural and suburban areas. These crashes often involve repeat offenders or individuals driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) well above the legal limit.
The city’s proximity to major highways and its vibrant local events contribute to an increased risk of drunk driving accidents. High-traffic roads and late-night celebrations create situations where intoxicated drivers put others in danger. Preventing these accidents requires strict enforcement of DUI laws and accountability for those who choose to drive under the influence.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Drunk Driving Accident?
Liability in a drunk driving accident typically begins with the impaired driver, but it may also extend to other parties, depending on the circumstances. For example, South Carolina’s dram shop laws allow victims to pursue claims against establishments that over-serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals. Identifying all liable parties is critical to securing full compensation for victims.
Other parties, such as passengers who knowingly provided alcohol to the driver or enabled their behavior, may also share liability. In some cases, hosts of private events or individuals who allow an intoxicated person to drive may be held partially responsible. Working with a Moncks Corner drunk driving accident attorney with Shelly Leeke Law Firm ensures that all avenues of liability are explored and that you receive the justice you deserve.
Dram Shop Liability in South Carolina
South Carolina’s dram shop laws, as outlined in the South Carolina Code of Laws § 61-6-2220, allow victims to hold bars, restaurants, or other establishments accountable for overserving alcohol. These businesses have a legal duty to stop serving patrons who are visibly intoxicated or underage. If an impaired driver involved in an accident was overserved, the establishment that provided the alcohol can be held liable for contributing to the crash.
Private Event Hosts
Private event hosts may also bear responsibility for drunk driving accidents if they served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated guest who later caused harm. While social host liability varies from dram shop laws, hosts who knowingly enable impaired driving may be found negligent. This is particularly important in cases where the driver was underage or already impaired when served.
Employers of Drunk Drivers
Employers can sometimes be held liable if a drunk driving accident occurs during the scope of an employee’s job duties. For instance, if an employee consumes alcohol during a work-related event or while on the clock and causes an accident, the employer may share responsibility. These cases involve commercial drivers or company-owned vehicles.
Types of Compensation Available to Drunk Driving Victims
There are several types of damages available if you were a victim of a drunk driving accident, including:
Medical Expenses and Future Care Needs
Recovering compensation for your medical expenses is critical when facing immediate and long-term treatment costs. This includes emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, and ongoing expenses like physical therapy or prescription medications. If your or your child’s injuries require extended care, such as rehabilitation or assistive devices, these costs can also be included in your claim.
Your Moncks Corner drunk driving accident attorney will thoroughly evaluate all medical bills and future care needs to calculate the full value of you and your child’s losses. From home modifications to specialized treatment programs, every medical expense tied to your recovery will be carefully documented to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. You should not be expected to bear the financial burden of another party’s negligence.
Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity
If your injuries have forced you to take time off work, you can seek compensation for the income you lost during recovery. Lost wages are calculated based on the amount of time you were unable to work, including any unpaid sick leave or vacation days. If your injuries prevent you from returning to work or affect your ability to perform your job, you can also pursue damages for reduced earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering Damages
Pain and suffering damages compensate you for the physical and emotional toll of your injuries. These damages address chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and other psychological effects you may experience after the accident. Unlike economic damages, pain and suffering are more subjective but play a crucial role in acknowledging the personal impact of the crash.
Punitive Damages to Deter Drunk Driving
Punitive damages punish the at-fault driver for their reckless actions and aim to deter similar behavior in the future. These damages go beyond compensating you for your losses and focus on holding the driver accountable for their egregious misconduct. Punitive damages are often awarded in cases where the driver had a high blood alcohol concentration or was a repeat offender.
Under South Carolina Code § 15-32-530, punitive damages are capped at three times the amount of your compensatory damages or $500,000, whichever is greater. Our team will evaluate whether your case qualifies for punitive damages and fight to ensure the driver is held fully accountable for the harm they caused. While not applicable in every personal injury claim, they may be possible in drunk driving accidents if the defendant’s decision to operate a vehicle while intoxicated can be considered grossly negligent.
Work With a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Moncks Corner With Shelly Leeke Law Firm
Drunk driving accidents often leave victims facing significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Your drunk driving accident attorney in Moncks Corner with Shelly Leeke Law Firm has the experience and dedication to help you fight for justice and maximum compensation.
Call us today for a free consultation, and let us help you hold the drunk driver accountable for their actions.
