South Carolina Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Lawyers in Spartanburg
From Here, For You
Our Practices
Drunk driving accidents are a devastating reality that continues happening on our roads, causing immeasurable pain and suffering. At Cummings & Lewis, our team of Spartanburg drunk driving accident lawyers is dedicated to fighting for justice on behalf of those who have been injured or lost loved ones due to the negligence of intoxicated drivers. With our extensive experience and commitment, we provide the highest level of legal representation to our clients throughout South Carolina.
How Common are Drunk Driving Accidents?
Drunk driving accidents remain a prevalent issue despite ongoing efforts to combat this dangerous behavior. According to national statistics, a life is lost to drunk driving every 52 minutes in the United States. While the overall number of deaths is declining, the impact of these accidents is still deeply felt by individuals and families.
What Sets Our Spartanburg Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Apart?
At Cummings and Lewis, we understand the impact that drunk driving accidents can have on victims and their families. Our Spartanburg drunk driving accident lawyers stand out from the rest due to our dedication to providing compassionate and comprehensive legal representation. We prioritize the needs of our clients and work to ensure they receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
Our team is led by experienced attorneys who have a deep understanding of the complexities of drunk driving accident cases. We have successfully negotiated with insurance companies and fought for our clients in the courtroom, earning millions in collective settlements. With a track record of success, we have built a reputation as a trusted source of legal advice in South Carolina.
What Do Our South Carolina Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Do?
When you choose Cummings & Lewis as your legal advisor, you can expect a team of skilled professionals who will guide you through every step of the legal process for fighting for drunk driving compensation. Our South Carolina drunk driving accident lawyers are well-versed in personal injury law and have a deep understanding of the specific laws and regulations related to drunk driving accidents in the state.
Here is an overview of the services our lawyers provide:
We tailor our approach to your unique drunk driving accident case, investigating your damages to pursue the maximum compensation available.
Our lawyers gather and analyze vital evidence, work with experts, and utilize accident reconstruction to build a robust case proving fault in drunk driving accidents.
We handle all interactions with insurance companies, striving for fair settlements that cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and more.
If necessary, we have the trial experience to take your case to court, presenting a compelling argument for the justice you deserve.
Drunk Driving Legal Procedure: Handling Intoxicated Drivers
Navigating the legal processes involved in a drunk driving accident case can be complex and overwhelming. Our drunk driving accident lawyers in Spartanburg are here to guide you through each step, ensuring that you fully understand your rights and options. Here are the key legal processes involved:
- Investigation & Evidence Collection: We conduct a thorough investigation, gathering vital evidence such as police reports, witness statements, photos, and medical records to establish liability and assess damages.
- Establishing Liability: We work to prove the driver’s negligence due to operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, holding them accountable for their actions.
- Insurance Claim Filing: After establishing liability, we file an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer. Our negotiators handle all communications, ensuring your rights are protected.
- Settlement Negotiation: Our aim is a fair settlement that fully compensates you for damages. We negotiate on your behalf, drawing on our personal injury law knowledge and experience to maximize compensation.
- Court: If negotiations fail, we’re prepared for court. Our skilled trial attorneys present a compelling case, utilizing expert witnesses, evidence, and persuasive arguments to advocate for your rights before a judge and jury.
FROM HERE,
FOR YOU.
Why Hire a Lawyer After a Drunk Driving Accident?
Seeking legal representation after a drunk driving accident is vital for several reasons. When you hire a drunk driving accident lawyer, you benefit from their knowledge and expertise, ensuring your rights are protected and fair compensation is pursued. These lawyers are skilled at maximizing compensation, countering insurance companies’ attempts to minimize payouts, and considering all relevant damages. Beyond the legal aspects, they provide essential guidance and support during this emotionally and financially challenging time, allowing you to focus on recovery.
Types of Drunk Driving Accident Compensation
If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to various types of compensation. The specific damages you can recover will depend on the circumstances of your case and the extent of your injuries. Here are the key types of compensation our lawyers will pursue on your behalf:
Medical Expenses
Drunk driving accidents often result in severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment. Our lawyers will seek compensation for all past and future medical expenses related to your injuries, including hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, therapy, and medication costs.
Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. Additionally, if your earning capacity has been diminished due to the accident, our lawyers will fight for fair compensation to cover the financial impact of this loss.
Physical and Emotional Pain
Drunk driving accidents can cause significant physical and emotional pain. Our lawyers will pursue compensation for the pain and suffering you have endured as a result of the accident. This may include compensation for physical discomfort, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-economic damages.
Property Damage
If your vehicle or personal property was damaged in the drunk driving accident, our lawyers will seek compensation to cover the cost of repairs or replacement.
Punitive Damages
In certain cases, punitive damages may be awarded in addition to compensatory damages. Punitive damages are meant to punish the at-fault party for their reckless behavior and serve as a deterrent to others. Our lawyers will assess the circumstances of your case to determine if punitive damages may be applicable.
Drunk Driving Accident Facts & Statistics
- According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, there were 3,819 drunk driving accidents reported in the state in 2020.
- These accidents resulted in injuries to 2,193 individuals and 272 fatalities.
- Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense in South Carolina and can result in criminal charges and civil liability for damages.
Contact Cummings & Lewis
South Carolina Drunk Driving Accident Attorney FAQ
If you’re in an accident with a drunk driver, follow these steps:
- Ensure Safety: Check for injuries and call 911 if needed.
- Contact Police: Report the accident, mentioning the driver’s impairment.
- Gather Information: Collect driver details and witness contacts.
- Avoid Confrontation: Don’t engage with the drunk driver.
- Document: Take photos of the scene, injuries, and conditions.
- Seek Medical Evaluation: Even if no immediate injuries, see a doctor.
- Notify Insurance: Inform your insurer, avoiding blame discussions.
- Consult an Attorney: Seek an experienced personal injury lawyer for guidance.
In South Carolina, like many states, driving under the influence (DUI) is illegal and strictly enforced. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is typically 0.08% for adult drivers. Penalties for DUI offenses may include fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and even imprisonment for repeat offenders or those involved in accidents causing injuries or fatalities.
In South Carolina, there is a statute of limitations that dictates how long you have to file a lawsuit after a car accident. Generally, the time limit is three years from the date of the accident. However, it’s essential to consult with a drunk driving accident attorney promptly, as specific circumstances may affect this deadline. Filing a lawsuit after the statute of limitations has expired could result in your case being dismissed.
The duration of a settlement for a drunk driving accident can vary widely based on several factors. These factors include the complexity of the case, the extent of injuries, the willingness of insurance companies to negotiate, and whether litigation becomes necessary. While some settlements may be reached in a few months, more complex cases might take a year or longer.
Alex P. Lewis &
W. Blake Cummings
Named Super Lawyers in 2023
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