Personal, Caring Representation For The Victims Of Drunk Driving Accidents

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, LLC, we have provided trusted, reliable legal advocacy for South Carolina victims of drunk drivers for more than 30 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 A Drunk Driver 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.

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 Victims 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.

Let Us 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, LLC, at 803-991-0685 or use our online form to schedule a free consultation with a lawyer here in our Columbia law office today.