Drunk driving is an issue that results in accidents and fatalities every year in South Carolina. Drunk motorists who assume they are okay to drive their vehicles usually put all road users at risk. Such reckless actions can lead to life-altering consequences.
If you or someone you care about has been involved in a DUI accident, you should immediately hire a reputable Abbeville drunk driving accident lawyer. At Ayers, Smithdeal, & Bettis, our legal team is committed to helping residents of Abbeville, SC, get the justice they deserve.
Call our car accident attorneys at 855-213-4405 now for a free case review. Let us help you bring the negligent driver to book. We won’t rest until the at-fault party is held accountable for their careless actions!
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Drunk Driving Statistics In South Carolina
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 10,710 and 10,142 deaths in drunk-driving accidents were reported in 2018 and 2019 respectively. These accidents happened all across the US. The NHTSA further reports that nearly 28 people die every day in the US in drunk-driving crashes.
In South Carolina, the number of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities with a BAC of .08+ was 343 in 2016, 305 in 2017, 290 in 2018, and 285 in 2019. The CDC estimates 3,299 fatalities occurred in South Carolina due to alcohol-impaired driving from 2009 to 2018. According to the NHTSA, the total number of fatal crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers in Abbeville County was 2 in 2015, 1 in 2016, and 1 in 2019. No fatalities were reported in 2017 and 2018.
What Are The BAC Limits In South Carolina?
If your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher while driving in South Carolina, you’ll receive a citation. For commercial drivers, the BAC limit is 0.04%. Drivers under the age of 21 years will receive DUIs for any BAC in their systems.
It’s essential to observe these BAC limits in South Carolina. You may end up facing a DUI charge if you disregard these limits while driving your vehicle. If a drunk driver hits you, sobriety tests conducted at the accident scene can help prove they were engaging in drunk driving.
What To Do After An Accident With A Drunk Driver?
If you’ve been involved in a crash with a drunk driver, you should act fast. A drunk driver can be unpredictable. They may decide to flee the scene of the crash. Here’s what to do after a drunk driving accident in Abbeville, South Carolina:
Make Sure You Are Okay
The first thing to do is to make sure you and your loved ones are safe. Watch out for any hazards and oncoming vehicles at the scene.
Get the Driver’s License Plate Number
Note down the drunk driver’s license plate. They may decide to flee the scene since they know they’ve already committed a crime. Remember to get the names and numbers of any witnesses.
Call the Police
Call 911 to report the incident and request emergency help. Remember to inform the operator of your suspicions. It’s not advisable to approach a drunk driver after an accident.
Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical attention if you’ve sustained any injuries. Don’t disregard getting checked up after a crash.
Take Photos
Use your phone or camera to take pictures of the scene. Videos of beer bottles or a staggering driver can help prove fault in an Abbeville drunk-driving claim.
Call a Lawyer
Call an Abbeville drunk driving accident lawyer immediately. At Ayers, Smithdeal, & Bettis, we will handle all your talks with the other party’s lawyers and insurance adjusters to ensure you get maximum compensation.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Drunk Driving Accident in South Carolina?
After a drunk driving accident, it’s possible to recover damages. An experienced Abbeville drunk driving accident attorney can help you recover the following damages after an accident:
Economic Damages
These are costs you can measure economically. They include medical expenses, out-of-pocket expenses, vehicle repair costs, and lost income.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages are less tangible and harder to calculate. They include mental anguish, wrongful death, paralysis, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Punitive Damages
These damages are meant to deter the drunk driver from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs again. They serve as a punishment.
How Long Do I Have To File A Claim in South Carolina?
The amount of time a plaintiff has to file a claim depends on the type of claim. For a drunk driving claim, you have three years to file your claim. This time limit applies from the date of the injury.
If you’ve lost a loved one in a drunk driving accident, you have three years to file your claim. South Carolina’s wrongful death statute of limitations is three years.
The discovery rule also applies to DUI accident personal injury claims in South Carolina. If you don’t discover your injuries immediately after a drunk driving accident, the three-year clock starts running once you discover your injuries.
How Much Will an Attorney Cost?
Worried about how much it would cost you to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer in Abbeville, SC? Relax! At Ayers, Smithdeal, & Bettis, we operate on a contingency fee basis. This implies that you will only pay for our legal services once you secure your compensation. You don’t pay any upfront fees after deciding to work with Ayers, Smithdeal, & Bettis.
Contact Our Abbeville DUI Accident Lawyers Today
No one ever imagines being involved in a DUI accident. If you or your loved one has been hurt in a drunk driving accident in Abbeville, there is hope. You can hire an Abbeville drunk driving accident lawyer to help you with all aspects of your case.
The legal team at Ayers, Smithdeal, & Bettis will come up with an airtight legal strategy on your behalf. We will look into all pieces of evidence, including medical records and police reports, to prove liability. We won’t rest until justice is served.
Call 855-213-4405 now for competent legal representation. Our attorneys are ready to answer any questions that you may have. We have over 25 years of experience in handling personal injury claims throughout South Carolina. Get started now to find out if you have a case. We can help!
