In Lugoff, driving under the influence remains a significant cause of traffic fatalities. Sadly, every auto accident death resulting from an impaired driver is entirely preventable, amplifying the suffering for the victim or their surviving family in the aftermath of a collision with a drunk or impaired driver. The accident could have been avoided if the other driver had refrained from operating a vehicle while intoxicated, high, or otherwise impaired. It's essential to underscore that driving under the influence constitutes a criminal act. While the state proceeds with criminal proceedings, spanning misdemeanors to felonies, with potential consequences such as jail time, fines, and a suspended license for the offender, the victim or their personal representative may decide to initiate a personal injury lawsuit against all negligent parties involved. At Ty Robinson Law Firm, we stand with victims of drunk driving accidents and their families in Lugoff, striving to secure the maximum compensation for their injury claims.
In Lugoff, drunk driving accident cases present challenges distinct from other car accidents. The recklessness and illegality of a drunk driver’s decision to operate a vehicle under the influence increase the likelihood of punitive damages being awarded. Unlike compensatory damages, which address economic and non-economic losses, punitive damages aim to punish the drunk driver for their reckless conduct and discourage future occurrences. Another noteworthy distinction is the potential shared fault, extending beyond the drunk driver to the establishment that overserved them. If the person providing alcohol knew or reasonably should have known about the driver’s impairment but continued serving them, they may be held accountable for damages, sharing responsibility for the accident. Effectively managing these intricacies requires the expertise of a Lugoff auto accident attorney familiar with handling drunk driving accident claims.
If you suffered injuries in a car accident involving a drunk driver in Lugoff, various types of damages are available to you, including both past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage resulting from the incident. In cases where a fatality occurred due to the DUI car accident, additional damages may be warranted to cover funeral and burial expenses, lost wages of the deceased, and loss of consortium or companionship. The pain and suffering resulting from being hit by a drunk driver, along with the associated psychological and emotional distress, should also be taken into account. Your Lugoff drunk driving accident lawyer will assist you in effectively presenting your damages or injuries, whether in negotiations or trial if necessary.
A. Fault is usually determined based on evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and any available surveillance footage.
A. Yes, emotional distress is a valid component of damages, especially in cases of severe psychological impact.
A. While a DUI arrest is strong evidence, liability must still be proven in a civil case based on the specific circumstances of the accident.
Securing full and fair compensation following a drunk driving accident can be intricate without the right approach. Before communicating directly with the auto insurance company of the impaired driver or considering any settlement offers, reach out to us at the Ty Robinson Law Firm. We bring experience in negotiating comprehensive and equitable settlements with insurance companies in drunk driving accident cases. Should negotiations not yield the desired results, we are prepared to litigate and take the matter to court. Our dedication is to fight on your behalf and ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
Don't wait to seek the justice you deserve.
Ty Robinson Law Firm helps injured victims and their families obtain full and fair compensation in Lugoff and all throughout South Carolina. Let our dedicated team provide the compassionate representation and personalized attention your injury case needs.