Columbia Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

When people decide to get behind the wheel after drinking, they put everybody on the road in danger of severe injuries. A crash with an intoxicated driver can leave you in serious pain, in need of extensive medical treatment and unable to work. It is not fair, and you should not have to shoulder the financial burden of another person’s mistakes.

At Koon Cook & Walters, we have provided trusted, reliable legal advocacy for South Carolina victims of drunk drivers for nearly 60 years. We understand the devastation these accidents can cause, and our attorneys approach every client with the compassion necessary to help them recover.

How Can Negligent Parties In A Drunk Driving Accident Be Held Accountable?

When a drunk driving accident happens, the authorities can bring criminal charges against the driver – but that does not provide you with the compensation you need to cover your medical bills and other losses. For that, you need a civil car accident injury claim.

There is no exact formula that determines how much compensation you can receive after a DUI-related wreck. The final figure will depend on things like:

• The severity of your injuries
• The cost of your medical treatments
• The lost wages you have incurred
• The value of your damaged property

In some cases, it may be possible to obtain punitive damages. These are meant to punish the at-fault driver or others for grossly negligent or reckless behavior that harms victims.

Are Victims Entitled To Compensation Even If The Drunk Driver Wasn’t Convicted?

If an alleged drunk driver was not convicted of a criminal charge, the victim of the incident still has the ability to seek compensation through the civil court system. Regardless of what occurred during the criminal trial, any case brought to a civil court will be treated as a brand-new trial. Obtaining a positive outcome may also be more likely during a civil case, as the standard of proof needed is less stringent.

Can A DUI Accident Victim Sue A Drunk Driver If They Were A Passenger In The Car During An Accident?

Anytime an individual is injured during an accident, they have the option to take legal action in order to secure compensation for harm caused by the at-fault driver. In the case of a drunk driving accident, victim passengers may be able to obtain compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Passengers can also file a third-party liability lawsuit to receive compensation if the monetary value of the damages surpasses the limits of the driver’s insurance policy.

How Can Drivers Obtain A Copy Of The Police Report For Their Drunk Driving Accident?

Following a drunk driving accident, individuals can generally request a police report by speaking with the officer on the scene and asking for an incident number or the report itself. Drivers can also contact the reporting police agency if the officer did not provide them with the incident number or report. The last option to secure a copy of the police report is to submit a Freedom of Information Act request.

How Long Do Victims Have To File A Lawsuit For A Drunk Driving Accident In South Carolina?

Following a drunk driving collision, victims in South Carolina have a three-year statute of limitations to pursue legal action for their injuries. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, as any injuries that may be covered under workers’ compensation will have a two-year statute of limitations. Furthermore, if the injury was not identified by a doctor due to their negligence, the statute of limitations will not begin until the injury is actually detected.

The Impacts Of Drunk Driving Injuries On The People Of Columbia

Drunk driving accidents can be particularly serious and long-term, considering the reckless actions of the intoxicated driver. Some of the life-altering injuries these accidents can leave victims with include:

• Spinal cord trauma
• Broken bones that never fully heal
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Head injuries
• Neck injuries
• Mental health problems (anxiety, PTSD, depression, emotional distress)

Alongside these injuries, DUI accidents can leave victims unable to work and with expensive medical bills. All of this can feel incredibly overwhelming. However, you don’t have to pursue damages and justice alone – our drunk driving accident attorneys are here to help.

The Importance Of Acting Quickly After A Drunk Driving Accident

If you get hit and injured by a drunk driver in a car accident, it’s important to act fast. The earlier you get in contact with an experienced Columbia personal injury attorney, the better the chance you have at pursuing the compensation you deserve. The longer you wait, the harder it can become to effectively gather evidence and build a strong claim. As your DUI injury lawyers, we can:

• Push back against insurance companies that refuse to pay out damages
• Handle all communications with insurance companies and negligent parties
• Collect any relevant evidence, like black box or traffic footage, of the accident
• Gather witness statements and bring them in to testify in court if necessary

From the moment we meet, we can gather all the information we need about your situation and take on the tough stuff for you. That way, you can focus on healing and recovering with peace of mind. Do not compromise your claim by waiting. Call our Columbia office at 803-991-0685 so we can help you start building it today.

Why Choose Our Columbia Attorneys For Your DUI Accident

We have deep roots in this community and have had a strong track record for pursuing the results our clients want. It’s part of the reason we’ve been able to keep our practice running since 1974. A few of the things that set us apart include our:

• Strong local knowledge: We have had a long and seasoned history in serving the Columbia metro. We have strong knowledge of the court system and the people who work within it; we also have strong connections with professionals in the area who can serve as experts and offer second opinions.
• Ability to handle complex accident claims: DUI injuries can be some of the most complicated accident claims to address. However, these particular types of cases are the ones we have extensive experience handling. We know how to build compelling cases that allow you to pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
• Extensive trial experience: We recognize that some injury cases will require going to court. We have built a strong track record for effectively handling even the most litigious situations and are ready to take your case to trial whenever you need. Whether your case starts as a trial or winds up going to trial, we are here for you.
• Commitment to client success: When you work with us, we treat you like a human, not a number on a long spreadsheet. We make sure to treat your needs, goals and desires as if they are our own. Additionally, anytime you have questions or concerns regarding the status of your case, we will make sure to get back to you as soon as possible.

Something else that sets us apart is that we also handle criminal defense cases. This experience provides us, as well as our clients, with a unique perspective and approach to handling DUI injury cases.

Let Our DUI Accident Lawyers Help You Recover The Compensation You Deserve

After a wreck with a drunk driver, you need experienced legal guidance that’s specific to your situation. We make sure that you understand all the options. We always work hard to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance companies, but we are not afraid to take a claim to trial, either. We will not let them unfairly devalue or deny your claim.

Call Koon Cook & Walters, at 803-991-0685 or use our online form to schedule a free consultation with a lawyer here in our Columbia law office today.