Driving under the influence is a mistake many people still make despite the many years of awareness campaigns against it. In 2019, 28% of car accident fatalities across the United States involved an alcohol impaired driver. Over 10,000 Americans in 2019 lost their lives in an accident caused by drunk driving. 

In South Carolina, 28% of all traffic fatalities were caused by Alcohol-Impaired Driving. Just in Anderson, SC alone, we have seen heartbreaking accidents caused by alcohol. Some accidents even end with the drunk driver unscathed but others involved severely injured or deceased. 

From our first hand experience with DUI accidents, we urge everyone to not drink and drive. It is never worth the risk to drive after taking part in drinking alcohol, no matter how much or how little you have had. If you believe someone is driving drunk call *HP to report them. You may save someone’s life.

For those who have been injured or who had a loved one injured in an accident caused by someone else’s choice to drink and drive, we are here for you. We will help you collect the evidence needed to build a solid case against those responsible for your injuries. 

Examples of Evidence in Drunk Driving Personal Injury Cases 

• Police report
• Results from the responsible party’s BAC test results/drug screening 
• Video footage from the officers’ body or dash camera from scene of accident
• Photo or video evidence from scene of accident, injuries or damage to property
• Statements from witnesses and contact information 
• Your medical records
• Medical bills resulting from accident- related injuries 
• Proof of loss of income related to accident

Possible Liable Parties in South Carolina DUI Cases

In South Carolina, there is a possibility of holding people other than the driver responsible for damages following an alcohol-related accident. Courts in South Carolina have determined that these external parties could share liability: 

• Vehicle passengers who encouraged driver to drink alcohol while driving
• Hosts who overserved houseguests or gave alcohol to minors
• Establishments who over served customers 

There are many different options for damages available to victims of DUI. Economic damages include: medical expenses, vehicle repair/replacement costs, and loss of income. Non-economic damages include: pain and suffering, mental anguish, disability, reduced quality of life and loss of enjoyment of life. 

For those who are not able to hold their defendant responsible themselves, their family can file a Wrongful Death Lawsuit. These cases also hold their own complexities, please contact us today for a free initial consultation for a Wrongful Death Lawsuit. 

The lawyers of ML Lawyers have been representing clients throughout the upstate for more than 30 years. We understand that you may be going through the most difficult time of your life, and we will treat you with respect, dignity, and compassion as we work to ensure you have the resources you need to recover from your injuries. 

Please contact us today for specific legal advice for your unique legal case. All initial consultations are free. 

ML Lawyers, P.A.

Helping Clients Throughout the Upstate of South Carolina 

Personal Injury – Workers Compensation – Criminal Defense

Accident Lawyers located in Anderson, SC 

Kirk Moorhead

Steve Lefevre