Drunk driving is illegal in South Carolina. However, some drivers still drink and drive. So, they put themselves and other people on the road at risk of injury and even death. If you are injured in a drunk driving accident, you can seek compensation for your damages.
However, you need to hire an experienced and skilled Newberry drunk driving accident lawyer to help you get the full compensation. It is almost impossible to get the full compensation on your own. Why? You may not have the time, experience, and skills to negotiate for a better settlement.
If you are looking for the best drunk driving accident lawyers in Newberry, South Carolina, contact Ayers, Smithdeal, & Bettis today. Our car accident lawyers will handle your drunk driving case and get you the compensation you deserve. We can help relieve stress for you, so you can focus on healing.
Call 855-213-4405 for a free case review.
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Drunk Driving Statistics in South Carolina
Drunk driving accidents are very common in South Carolina. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), one of the biggest problems in South Carolina is driving under the influence. In 2013, 44% of traffic fatalities were due to drunk driving. In 2016, 33% of traffic fatalities were because of drunk driving.
What Are the BAC Limits in South Carolina?
The Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit in South Carolina is 0.08 percent or higher. Therefore, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher in South Carolina.
What To Do After an Accident With a Drunk Driver?
Taking the rights steps after a drunk driving accident is important for your health and your ability to recover compensation.
Call 911
You need to call the emergency medical personnel and the police immediately. They can rush to tend to the injured people. The police will document and interview the witnesses. If you can still walk, you can help the injured victims as you wait for the emergency medical personnel.
Take Photos and Videos
It is easy to use our smartphones to take videos and photos these days. Therefore, use your smartphone to take pictures and videos of the accident scene. Take photos or videos of your injuries, damaged cars, accident scene, and even the injured victims.
Talk to Witnesses
You will need witnesses in the future. Many witnesses will remain on the accident scene. You can talk to them. Ask them for their names and contact information. Your lawyer will contact them later to ask them questions. Having witnesses can help your case.
Seek Medical Attention
You need to seek medication, even if your injuries are minor. Your doctor will examine your injuries. Having all the medical records increases the chances of getting full compensation. Therefore, keep your medical records and receipts in a safe place.
Call an Experienced Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
If a drunk driver hurts you, you can seek compensation for property damage, injuries, and other expenses. Do not let the insurance company pressure you into accepting their first offer. You need to hire an experienced lawyer to handle your case. Your lawyer can get you full compensation.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Drunk Driving Accident in South Carolina?
If you are injured in a drunk driving accident in South Carolina, the law allows you to seek compensatory and punitive damages. Economic and non-economic damages are compensatory damages.
Here are the damages you can recover after a drunk driving accident in South Carolina:
Economic Damages
It is easy to calculate and estimate the value of these damages, including lost wages, medical bills, replacement or replacement of property, etc. You will use your bills and expenses to calculate what you are owed.
Non-Economic Damages
It is difficult to calculate and estimate the value of these damages, including mental anguish, pain and suffering, disfigurement, etc. These damages will compensate you for pain and suffering.
Punitive Damages
These damages are used to punish the defendant and stop the defendant from drunk driving in the future.
How Long Do I Have To File a Claim in South Carolina?
You have two years from the date of your drunk driving accident to file a claim in South Carolina. If you do not file a claim in South Carolina within three years, you can lose your rights.
It is much better to hire an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer to help you file a claim. Your lawyer understands the lawyer, so they will ensure you do not lose your rights.
How Much Will a Newberry Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Cost?
It is easy to avoid hiring a drunk driving accident lawyer because you think you cannot afford to hire one. The truth is it is affordable to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer. You do not even have to pay upfront attorney fees. This is because these lawyers work on a contingency fee basis.
You will call a potential drunk driving accident lawyer. The lawyer will review your case to ensure you have a strong case. The consultation is free. If the lawyer sees you have a strong case, the lawyer will begin working on your case immediately. And the lawyer will get paid if they win your case.
In short, the lawyer takes a small percentage of the settlement.
Contact Ayers, Smithdeal, & Bettis
A drunk driving accident can negatively impact your life and the life of your family. You will have to work hard to recover from your injuries. Unfortunately, you may never return to your old job because of your injuries.
You can still recover compensation for your injuries and damages. But, it is not easy to get full compensation from an insurance company. That is why we highly encourage you to hire a personal injury lawyer.
Once you decide to seek compensation for your damages, hire an experienced and skilled Newberry drunk driving accident lawyer to handle your case. Having a good lawyer gives you peace of mind, reduces mistakes, saves you time and money, and ensures you get the settlement you deserve.
If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident, we at Ayers, Smithdeal, & Bettis want to help. We have the resources to get you fair compensation. We will fight hard to protect your rights. Contact us today at 855-213-4405 for a free case review and to learn how we can help.
