When you get behind the wheel, you take precautions to make sure you and your passengers are safe, but even the most careful drivers can be blindsided by the irresponsible decisions of someone who is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Drunk driving car accidents in Spartanburg are, unfortunately, the cause of many serious injuries. From medical expenses to vehicle damage to lost wages, the costs of someone else’s poor decision can really add up. If you have been injured in a crash with an intoxicated driver, an experienced auto accident attorney at Holland & Usry can help you understand your legal options and the path to getting the compensation you deserve. Call today for a free* case review.
Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a dangerous decision, and the law recognizes these risks. South Carolina Code of Laws § 56-5-2950 explains that anyone who is driving in the state has given permission (just by getting behind the wheel) to be tested for the presence of drugs and alcohol. If a driver refuses to take the tests — which might include breath, blood, or urine tests — they may lose their driving rights, and the refusal can be used against them in court.
The actual legal limits are also defined in S.C. Code § 56-5-2933. Anyone who is driving with a blood alcohol level of eight one-hundredths of one percent or more can be found in violation of this law. The law goes on to define the range of penalties that someone who is found guilty of drunk driving might face. Depending on how many times they’ve been found guilty in the past, they may face community service, jail time, and fines.
While the legal punishments a driver might face are designed to deter drunk driving accidents, they don’t provide comfort to someone who has been injured in the accident. A drunk driver can cause irreparable damage.
If the victim was removed from the scene by ambulance and received hospital care, they can face overwhelming medical expenses — and that’s just in the immediate aftermath. An ongoing injury can require hospitalization, surgery, repeat visits to the doctor and months of physical therapy.
Unfortunately, some injuries are so serious that they cause life-long impacts. Brain and spinal injuries, including paralysis, operations to fix broken bones, and loss of limb or mobility cause permanent disability. Someone injured in a collision with a drunk driver in Spartanburg may lose significant wages or even lose the ability to work.
In addition to medical expenses, a drunk driving accident can result in property damage to the victim’s vehicle. As a result, they may face repair bills, transportation costs while their car is undrivable, and towing expenses.
The guidance of an experienced attorney can be critical after a drunk driving car wreck in Spartanburg. From gathering evidence to thoroughly documenting all of the costs you’ve incurred, a dedicated lawyer will be by your side throughout the entire legal process to recover your losses.
It can be challenging to deal with calls from insurance companies and navigate settlement offers, and it can be even more challenging to do so while also recovering from injuries. An attorney from Holland & Usry can reduce the stress and help you make decisions with confidence.
Drunk driving car accidents in Spartanburg can completely disrupt your life. If you’re facing challenges after a crash, you don’t have to do it alone.
Call Holland & Usry today for a free* case review with a lawyer who is ready to help.