The Grand Strand is known as a place to relax and have fun with family and friends. However, when someone takes it too far and drives under the influence of alcohol, it can have tragic consequences. If you or a loved one is hurt because of a drunk driver, you need a qualified Myrtle Beach car accident lawyer to fight for you.
Shelly Leeke Law Firm offers free consultations with an experienced and compassionate Myrtle Beach drunk driving accident lawyer who is dedicated to empowering you. With more than a decade of experience, we educate you about your legal options and tailor an approach based on your circumstances. We never give up seeking maximum compensation for you, so contact us today to learn more.
South Carolina Takes DUI Seriously
Although the Palmetto State welcomes those who want to enjoy themselves on our beaches, it also has strong laws about driving under the influence of alcohol. Drivers are breaking the law if they get on the road when they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) higher than 0.08%. This level generally impairs a motorist’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
It is also illegal to drive while under the influence of a controlled substance, including narcotics and certain prescription medications. If the driver is under 21, the BAC limit is even stricter and can be no higher than 0.02%. An underage drunk driver is likely to face additional charges.
While it is good to know that drunk drivers will be taken off the road if they break the law and are caught, this does nothing to help you if you are the victim. Fortunately, you can partner with a Myrtle Beach personal injury lawyer from Shelly Leeke Law Firm to hold the wrongdoer accountable. Together, we can build a powerful case to show how they hurt you and seek compensation in a civil suit.
You Can Seek Financial Relief From the Drunk Driver
South Carolina requires all drivers to carry automobile insurance for liability to pay for any injuries or damage they cause in a crash. This allows you to file an insurance claim against the drunk driver’s policy as a first step to seeking compensation. You may also need to use your personal medical insurance or your mandatory uninsured/underinsured motorist auto policy.
Unfortunately, most drivers only carry the minimum liability coverage amounts of $25,000 for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage. If you are severely hurt, this may not be enough to cover all your medical bills and lost wages. That is when your drunk driving accident lawyer in Myrtle Beach may recommend taking more aggressive legal action by filing a personal injury lawsuit.
By going to court, your attorney can more forcefully negotiate a satisfactory settlement in your case. We can also demand compensation for your pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and future medical costs for your full recovery. If you are permanently disabled due to a drunk driver’s negligent actions, you will need substantial resources to support yourself and your family if you can no longer work.
Wrongful Death Claims
Those who drive drunk often disobey other traffic laws, such as speeding, driving recklessly, and driving aggressively. This combination frequently causes death in a drunk driving accident. If your loved one is killed instantly or dies later after being hit by a drunk driver, you need a highly skilled Myrtle Beach wrongful death lawyer to manage your case.
Survivors in South Carolina can file wrongful death action to secure compensation from those at fault. A successful case can result in payment for losses such as funeral expenses, all the deceased’s medical costs, the family’s loss of income, and their own grief and suffering. These cases are complicated but important if you have lost your family member, and a Shelly Leeke drunk driving accident attorney in Myrtle Beach is ready to help you.
Drunk Driving Is a Big Problem in South Carolina
According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety’s “Sober or Slammer” program, as many as 28,083 accidents in the state were DUI-related in a recent four-year period. These drivers harm others when they cause a crash, leaving victims with broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and disfiguring scars. You can often spot a drunk driver by the following signs:
- They make unusually wide turns, driving over the median, curbs, or shoulders.
- They weave in and out of their lane, often crossing or straddling the center line.
- They stop, slow down, or speed up erratically or without an obvious cause.
- They follow other cars too closely or try to pass in dangerous conditions.
- They almost hit or do hit stationary objects or other cars.
- They drift into oncoming traffic or other lanes.
If you see a drunk driver, give them plenty of space and do everything you can to avoid getting hit. However, if they speed into you or otherwise cause an accident, it is time to contact an experienced Myrtle Beach car accident attorney to help you identify the person at fault and hold them accountable for their carelessness. At Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we understand what happens when you get hit by a drunk driver, and we will work hard to secure justice for you.
Contact Us Today to Meet With a Myrtle Beach Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
After a drunk driving accident, you may be in serious pain and need to heal, or you could have lost a loved one and need to grieve. However, the South Carolina statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is only three years after the crash. If you wait too long to schedule your free consultation with a Myrtle Beach drunk driving accident lawyer, you could lose the chance to seek justice from those at fault.
At Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we will not let that happen. Call us for a free case review today. We take immediate action to build your case and hold the liable party accountable, and if we do not win, you do not pay. Contact us to get started on your case today.
