Columbia Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

You drive your car safely, but a drunk driver slams their vehicle into yours and causes an accident. Or, a family member is killed in an accident involving an intoxicated motorist, and you have to deal with the emotional trauma that comes with losing a loved one. In these scenarios and many others, review your legal options with a Columbia drunk driving accident lawyer. 

The Thumbs Up Guys at Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward understand how a drunk driving accident can turn your world upside down. We have helped our clients get millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts to date, and we fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you want. Get in touch with us to speak with our car accident lawyers in Columbia. 

What to Do if You Get Hit by a Drunk Driver

There is no excuse whatsoever for drunk driving. Regardless, a driver may have too much to drink, get behind the wheel, and crash their car into your vehicle. After your accident, here are things you can do to protect yourself and others:

• Call 911. Report the accident to the police and let medical professionals treat your injuries. 
• Take photos and videos. Capture visual proof of your injuries, open alcohol containers near the at-fault driver’s car, and other evidence to use against the liable motorist.
• Get the other driver’s information. Make sure you have this motorist’s full name, driver’s license number, and insurance information since you will need it to file a claim.
• Do not take responsibility for the accident. Tell the police your side of the story, but do not say anything that implies you are in any way responsible for the accident. 

In the days after your accident, meet with the Thumbs Up Guys. Our Columbia drunk driving accident attorneys will review your case carefully and help you request maximum compensation from the at-fault driver. Discuss your case with our personal injury lawyers in Columbia. 

Damages You Can Request in a Columbia Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit

An intoxicated motorist may say your accident damages are not as bad as you think. No matter what this individual claims, it is in your best interests to pursue economic and non-economic damages following your accident. A drunk driving accident lawyer serving Columbia will help you pursue damages for many reasons, including:

• Car repairs or replacement
• Emotional trauma
• Loss of enjoyment
• Lost wages
• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering

If a family member is killed in an accident caused by an intoxicated driver, you can request compensation for their funeral and burial expenses and other losses. To find out if you can pursue these and other damages, consult with a Columbia wrongful death lawyer. Next, your attorney can handle your lawsuit during this emotionally taxing time. 

How to Get Damages from an Intoxicated Driver

Request compensation through an insurance claim. In one of the best-case scenarios, a drunk driver has sufficient insurance coverage for all of your losses. The motorist’s insurer finds this driver is fully responsible for your accident, gives you compensation, and settles your claim quickly and efficiently. 

Ultimately, an insurance company is focused on its clients’ best interests. Even if an intoxicated driver is liable for your accident, their insurance carrier will likely do everything within its power to contest your claim. The company could also pressure you to accept a lowball settlement offer.

Get help from a drunk driving accident attorney serving Columbia during the insurance claims process. Your lawyer can negotiate a settlement with an at-fault driver’s insurance company. They will explain how economic and non-economic damages like pain and suffering are determined in a car accident and help you request compensation for all of your losses.  

When to File a Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit

Before you can get the case results you want, you must file a claim. You can ask for compensation through a drunk driver’s insurance policy immediately following your accident. It is also beneficial to work with a Columbia personal injury lawyer who will help you pursue damages through a lawsuit. 

You have up to three years from the date of your auto accident to ask for damages from a liable party, according to South Carolina Code of Laws Section 15-3-530(5). An attorney will not wait to file your lawsuit. After you hire a lawyer to represent you, they will start to gather medical records, police reports, witness statements, and other proof to support your argument. 

It is your responsibility to meet the burden of proof for personal injury lawsuits. Ideally, you will have a wealth of evidence to compel a judge or jury to rule in your favor. In this situation, the defendant may be inclined to propose a settlement that lines up with your expectations, giving you the opportunity to resolve your case outside the courtroom. 

Our Columbia Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Make it Easy to Get the Compensation You Deserve

Drunk driving is a serious problem, and intoxicated drivers continue to make careless and reckless decisions every day. A drunk motorist could face criminal charges since they choose to ignore the rules of the road. Along with this, they can be held financially responsible for any harm they cause in an intoxicated driving accident. 

If you or a family member is the victim of a drunk driving accident, the Thumbs Up Guys are here to help. Our local attorneys are committed to securing compensation for accident victims. Contact us to schedule a consultation with our team.