Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk Driving Victims And Dram Shop Liability

Regardless of how careful you may drive. the road can be a dangerous place, made worse by the presence of drunk drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that approximately 28 people in the United States die in drunk driving accidents every single day. This translates to one death every 52 minutes. If you or a loved one were a victim of a drunk driving accident, you understand firsthand how devastating these types of accidents can be to all involved. 

 

Unfortunately, drunk driving is all too common in South Carolina. As experienced drunk driving attorneys in the Charleston area, we have navigated a wide variety of drunk driving and dram shop cases. By leveraging South Carolina legislation and our vast experience in personal injury incidents, we have successfully negotiated fair settlements, and received justice for our clients. If you or a loved one suffered injuries or losses as a result of a drunk driving accident, time is of the essence. Call our experienced and compassionate attorneys at Cobb, Dill & Hammett today at 843-936-6680 to discuss your options, and ensure your legal rights remain protected. 

Drunk Driving in South Carolina

South Carolina Code of Laws Section 56-5-2910 explicitly prohibits an individual from operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Similar to other states, South Carolina places the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit at 0.08 percent. Thus, if a driver was found to be operating a vehicle while his BAC was 0.08 or higher, he is assumed to have been driving under the influence of alcohol. 

 

Driving under the influence is illegal, and engaging in such behavior can result in steep fines and/or, in some cases, imprisonment. These penalties are heightened if a person is convicted of causing great bodily injury or death that results from a car accident while driving under the influence. 

Can Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents Receive Compensation?

Victims of drunk driving accidents are absolutely entitled to compensation under South Carolina law. It is important to start a claim immediately and gather all evidence proving that the accident resulted from the irresponsible and reckless behavior of the other party. Many victims of drunk driving accidents seek legal assistance to ensure that their case is handled properly and that they receive fair compensation under the law. 

The amount of compensation that victims can receive largely depends on the extent of their injuries and the losses that they suffered as a result of the accident. Some of the more common injuries experienced in drunk driving accidents include: 

  • Soft tissue injuries like sprains, strains, and contusions
  • Cuts and abrasions, which can lead to scarring or long-term discomfort
  • Fractures and broken bones
  • Traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries
  • Internal organ damage

Unfortunately, drunk driving accidents can also result in death. In these circumstances, it is possible for the loved ones of the deceased to receive compensation. For a more information about whether you are eligible for compensation, consider contacting an experienced personal injury attorney at Cobb, Dill & Hammett, LLC. 

Can Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents Receive Compensation?

Dram shop laws pertain to cases where an individual received alcohol from an establishment and then caused a car accident as a result of his intoxication. Dram shop laws allow victims of drunk driving accidents to seek compensation from the establishment that provided alcohol to the drunk driver. Therefore, dram shop damages can be sought against the following establishments: 

  • Bars
  • Taverns
  • Restaurants 
  • Clubs 
  • Other establishments that serve alcohol

South Carolina Code Section 61-4-580 prohibits establishments from selling alcoholic beverages to an intoxicated person. If a South Carolina establishment violates this law, and the buyer is involved in a drunk driving accident, the victim or victims may be eligible for additional compensation from the owner of the establishment. This is particularly valuable in situations where insurance policy limits of the drunk driver do not allow for adequate compensation to the victim.

The Experienced Attorneys at Cobb, Dill & Hammett, LLC Can Help

Drunk driving is an unfortunate reality of our society. Victims of drunk driving accidents often feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to proceed in order to ensure their legal and financial rights remain protected. For this reason, our experienced team provides the most comprehensive and compassionate legal assistance in the South Carolina area to help reduce the stress and overwhelm often felt by victims of drunk driving accidents. 

If you or a loved one was the victim of a drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to compensation. At Cobb, Dill & Hammett, LLC, our team of experienced attorneys are well-versed in South Carolina drunk driving laws and dram shop liability. As such, we are prepared to handle your case and ensure that you receive the full amount of compensation possible. To discuss your case and learn more about how we can help you, consider speaking with one of our compassionate attorneys today at 843-936-6680.