Mt. Pleasant Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Simply stated, South Carolina law prohibits driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, or any other drug or a combination of drugs or substances, which cause impairment to the extent that a person’s faculties to drive are materially and appreciably impaired.
If you have been injured by someone who was driving under the influence, or a family member was killed, contact a Mt. Pleasant drunk driving accident lawyer today. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries or for the wrongful death of your loved one.
South Carolina Drunk Driving Laws
South Carolina has very specific DUI and DUAC (Driving with Unlawful Alcohol Concentration) laws:
- It is illegal to drive a motor vehicle with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher.
- That BAC percentage drops to 0.02% or higher for anyone who is 21 years of age or younger (South Carolina is a zero tolerance state).
- Those who hold a CDL (commercial driver’s license) cannot drive that vehicle if their BAC is 0.04% or higher.
Despite tough DUI and DUAC laws, driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs continues to cause serious injuries and death across the Palmetto State.
In fact, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study, thousands of people have been killed in accidents associated with drinking and driving over the past decade and South Carolina’s numbers far exceed national numbers for rates of death in all age groups.
Potential Compensation
Mount Pleasant drunk driving can result in serious damages such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries (SCIs), broken bones, and even death. However, South Carolina law allows injured victims to be compensated for their injuries including, but not limited to:
- Medical bills – including past and future emergency room bills, hospital bills, physical therapy bills, and any and all rehabilitation costs associated with the accident
- Lost income and wages – including past and future income and other lost income associated with the accident
- Pain and suffering – including past and future physical and emotional pain and suffering associated with the accident
It is important to remember that every injured victim’s circumstances are unique. There may be many other types of compensation available depending upon the facts and circumstances of the individual situation such as short term disability, long term disability, Social Security disability (SSD – also known as SSDI, Social Security Disability Insurance), and many others.
An experienced Mt. Pleasant drunk driving attorney can evaluate the situation, determine what types of compensation victims may be entitled to, and explain what legal options are available to make sure that a victim’s financial and emotional needs are adequately addressed.
Contact a Mt. Pleasant Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Today
If you have been injured by someone who was driving while intoxicated, contact a Mt. Pleasant drunk driving accident lawyer who can review your situation and determine what types of compensation you might be entitled to.
Keep in mind that the full extent of your injuries may not be apparent until weeks or months after an accident occurs. That is why it is so important to have someone on your side who can advocate for you.
The bottom line is that drinking and driving is against South Carolina law and victims absolutely have rights. Find out what yours are today.