Can You Get Compensation From a Drunk Driver Who Hit You?

Drunk drivers are arguably some of the deadliest drivers out there, and if you or someone you love has suffered an injury in a car accident that was caused by an impaired driver, seeking the compensation to which you are entitled is paramount. The recovery process can be exceptionally challenging, but working closely with an experienced Columbia car accident attorney can help to ensure that you obtain the just compensation you need to regain your health and well-being.

Your Car Accident Claim

Motorists owe one another – and everyone else on the road – a considerable duty of care, and there is no denying that drunk drivers breach this duty. It is against the law to drive while under the influence of alcohol, and if an inebriated driver leaves you injured, you can seek compensation for your physical, financial, and emotional losses through a car accident claim.

Your Losses

You can seek compensation from the at-fault driver for the covered losses – or legal damages – you suffer as a result of their negligence, including:

● The damage to your car

● Your medical costs, including any ongoing expenses and future related healthcare needs

● Your lost income as a consequence of time lost on the job

● your physical and psychological pain and suffering

In some instances, punitive damages are also awarded. The standard for punitive damages in South Carolina includes clear and convincing evidence that the harm you experienced was the result of the defendant’s willful, wanton, or reckless conduct. An exacting standard, but driving drunk sometimes qualify.

Building Your Strongest Claim

Proving the other driver’s negligence – in the form of driving under the influence – can be challenging, but there are several steps you can take to help ensure you can do so:

1. If you believe the other driver may be impaired, let the officer on the scene know.

2. Consult with a dedicated car accident attorney with considerable experience successfully handling these complicated claims as soon after the accident as you can.

Your attorney can help in all the following primary ways:

• Gathering all the pertinent evidence at the scene, including taking eyewitness testimony (which can be critical to drunk driving claims).

• Obtaining the expert witnesses necessary to identify the other driver’s negligence in the matter.

• Negotiating with the insurance company on behalf of your legal rights and best interests.

• Preparing for trial (if the insurance company refuses to negotiate fairly).

Reach Out to an Experienced South Carolina Car Accident Attorney Today

Andrew Littlejohn Johnson at Littlejohn Law – proudly serving Columbia, Allendale, Jasper, Orangeburg, and Hampton, South Carolina – dedicates his practice to guiding complicated drunk driving claims like yours toward optimal outcomes that support our clients’ rights – in pursuit of their rightful compensation. Your claim is important, and we’re here to help – so please don’t wait to contact or call us at 803-764-4099 today for more information today.