Columbia Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Being hit by a drunk driver changes your life in an instant. It is not just an accident; it is a preventable tragedy caused by someone else’s reckless choice. If you or a loved one has been injured by an impaired driver in Columbia, South Carolina, you have the right to seek justice.

At The Super Lawyer, we understand the anger and confusion you feel. You are dealing with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and the stress of lost wages. Our Columbia drunk driving accident lawyers are here to fight for you. We hold negligent drivers accountable and work tirelessly to secure the full compensation you deserve.

The Dangers of Drunk Driving in Columbia, SC

Drunk driving crashes are among the most serious traffic accidents in South Carolina. Unlike a simple distracted driving mistake, driving under the influence (DUI) involves a willful decision to endanger others. These crashes often happen at high speeds or involve erratic behaviors, leading to catastrophic injuries or fatalities.

In Richland County and throughout Columbia, these accidents occur far too often. When a driver gets behind the wheel with a high blood alcohol concentration (BAC), their reaction times slow down, and their judgment fails. The result is often a violent collision that leaves innocent victims with life-altering trauma.

South Carolina Laws on DUI and Civil Liability

South Carolina law is strict when it comes to impaired driving. While the state pursues criminal charges to punish the driver, a civil lawsuit is your path to financial recovery. You do not have to wait for the criminal case to finish to start your civil claim.

Under South Carolina’s civil laws, you must prove negligence. In DUI cases, this is often established by showing the driver violated the law by operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Additionally, South Carolina allows for “dram shop” liability. This means that if a bar, restaurant, or social host knowingly served alcohol to an already intoxicated person or a minor who then caused your accident, that establishment might also be liable for your damages.

Establishing Liability and Proving Impairment

To win your case, we must prove the other driver was at fault and was impaired. Our Columbia DUI accident attorneys act quickly to gather critical evidence before it disappears. We build a strong case using:

• Police Reports: Official documentation of the crash and the officer’s observations.
• BAC Test Results: Breathalyzer or blood tests showing the driver’s alcohol level.
• Field Sobriety Tests: Dashcam footage or officer notes regarding the driver’s balance and coordination.
• Witness Statements: Accounts from people who saw the crash or the driver’s behavior beforehand.
• Accident Reconstruction: Expert analysis of skid marks and vehicle damage to determine speed and impact.

Compensation Available to Drunk Driving Accident Victims

The costs of a DUI accident go far beyond fixing your car. You deserve compensation for every way this crash has affected your life. We pursue both economic and non-economic damages, including:

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• Medical Expenses: Coverage for emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, and future rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages: Reimbursement for paychecks you missed while recovering.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: Compensation if your injuries prevent you from returning to your old job.
• Pain and Suffering: Money for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the trauma.
• Wrongful Death: If you lost a family member, a wrongful death attorney can help you seek damages for funeral costs and loss of consortium.
• Punitive Damages: In South Carolina, if the driver’s conduct was willful, wanton, or reckless (which often applies to drunk driving), the court may award punitive damages to punish the driver.

Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Crashes

Because impaired drivers often fail to brake before impact, the resulting injuries can be severe. We help clients who are suffering from:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and concussions
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Fractures and broken bones
• Internal organ damage
• Permanent disfigurement and scarring
• Severe emotional trauma and PTSD

What to Do After Being Hit by a Drunk Driver

The moments after a crash are chaotic, but the steps you take can protect your health and your legal claim. If you are able to do so safely:

1. Call 911 Immediately: Report that you suspect the other driver is drunk. Police need to arrive to administer field sobriety tests.
2. Seek Medical Care: Go to the hospital or see a doctor right away, even if you feel okay. Adrenaline can hide serious injuries.
3. Gather Evidence: Take photos of the scene, the vehicles, and any visible injuries. Get names and numbers of witnesses.
4. Do Not Talk to the Insurer: The other driver’s insurance adjuster may try to get you to accept a low settlement or admit fault. Decline to give a recorded statement until you have a lawyer.
5. Contact a Lawyer: Call a Columbia drunk driving accident lawyer as soon as possible to preserve your rights.

How Our Columbia Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Help

Handling a legal claim while recovering from injuries is overwhelming. When you hire us, we take the burden off your shoulders. We handle all communication with insurance companies, ensuring you are not bullied into a lowball settlement.

We investigate all potential sources of compensation. This includes checking for multiple insurance policies, such as the at-fault driver’s liability coverage and your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair deal, we are prepared to file a lawsuit and represent you in trial.