DUI Attorney in Charleston
4401 Belle Oaks Drive, Suite 300
North Charleston, SC 29405
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DUI Lawyers Charleston
Getting injured or losing a loved one in a car accident is painful. It's even worse when you discover that the incident wasn't even an accident per se; it occurred due to someone's decision to drink and drive. If that's what you are dealing with, you may need to hire DUI lawyers Charleston, SC, to fight for your rights.
Contact Morgan and Morgan today for a free case evaluation.
More Reasons to Hire Morgan and Morgan DUI Lawyers In Charleston
After getting injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver in Charleston and, of course, getting medical attention, the next step is to hire an attorney to fight for your rights. This step may not be mandatory but is crucial if you care about recovering compensation for your injuries and losses (you should).
But where do you start when looking for an attorney to represent you? Charleston is home to many injury firms, so you won't run out of options if you need someone to fight for you or a loved one. But you shouldn't hire just any attorney; you need someone who will not only prioritize your interests but also has the resources, experience, and track record to achieve that.
If that sounds like what you need, help is a free case evaluation away.
We Will Review Your Case for Free
At Morgan and Morgan, we understand the importance of having a skilled and experienced legal team by your side to protect your rights. There's no better way of achieving that than by hiring attorneys from America's largest injury firm. That's why we offer a free case evaluation. Doing so gives us a chance to assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case and provide you with an honest assessment of your options.
We Are Familiar With Drunk Driving Laws in South Carolina
We are not one of those law firms that claim to serve your city or state but have never set foot there. With locations in Hilton Head Island, Charleston, and Murrells Inlet, our team understands the ins and outs of drunk driving laws in South Carolina. You can count on our knowledge and experience to create a strong strategy to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
We Will Hold Everyone Accountable
No defendant is too big or powerful to be held accountable for their actions. When it comes to drunk driving accidents, the size of the defendant's legal team — or their insurer — does not scare us. After all, what could possibly hold back attorneys from America's largest injury firm, and above all, the will to fight for the rights of the injured?
Morgan and Morgan DUI lawyers have the expertise to hold multiple parties accountable. From establishments that served alcohol irresponsibly and social hosts to insurance companies, we do not leave any stone unturned. We will thoroughly investigate your case to identify all potential sources of liability and pursue appropriate legal action to ensure you receive the kind of compensation that matches the damages and losses you or a loved one sustained.
We Will Maximize Your Claim
When it comes to maximizing your claim, our track record speaks for itself. That explains why and how we've been able to recover over $20 billion for the injured so far. As America's largest injury firm, we have the resources and experience to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Our history of success in handling drunk driving accident cases is a powerful testament to our ability to negotiate with insurance companies, present compelling arguments in court on behalf of our clients, and secure favorable settlements or verdicts that make them feel whole again.
We Are Not Never Afraid To Go to Court
Just as long as you have a valid claim, we'll do everything to help you recover damages. This includes taking your case to trial if the other party refuses to settle.
We Get Paid Only If You Win
Are you worried about not being able to afford an attorney to represent you, especially one from the nation's most powerful injury firm? Worry not; our fee structure is designed to prioritize your interests. In other words, we operate on a contingency fee basis, which means we don't get paid unless you win.
When to Hire Our Lawyers
We understand that you may be unsure about whether your particular situation requires a lawyer. So let's make one thing clear — you have nothing to lose when you hire a lawyer. Rather, you'll gain so much from such a decision, as we've discussed above.
That said, you'll get the most out of our drunk driving accident lawyers if the following elements are true.
You've Suffered Serious Injuries
If you've sustained severe injuries as a result of a drunk driving accident (which is highly likely), you need a skilled lawyer on your side to protect your rights. That's one of the many different ways we may be able to help you or a loved one.
Liability Is Unclear or Disputed
In some cases, the responsible party may attempt to dispute liability, either partially or entirely. Other times, you may not be sure about where to file a claim beyond the drunk driver's insurance carrier. That's also another reason to hire a Morgan and Morgan drunk driving accident lawyer. We can help build a strong case by collecting relevant evidence to establish the negligence of the intoxicated driver and other parties that may have played a role in the accident.
The Other Party Won't Settle Your Claim
Insurance companies usually have a self-centered approach to such claims; they only care about their selfish interests. As a result, they may try to undervalue or deny your claim. Our lawyers can help level the playing field because they understand the tactics used by defendants to get themselves off the hook.
You Lost Your Loved One
Sadly, some drunk driving accidents result in fatalities. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently revealed that these accidents caused at least 29% of motor vehicle traffic fatalities in 2018. So in the unfortunate event that you have lost a loved one, our attorneys can help pursue a wrongful death claim on your behalf.
How it works
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Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
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We take
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FAQ
Get answers to commonly asked questions about our legal services and learn how we may assist you with your case.
What Should I Do After a Drunk Driving Accident?
The decisions you make after a drunk driving accident are critical. We know that each accident is unique, so we've narrowed it down to three of the most critical steps to take.
Your health and well-being should always come first. That's why you need to seek medical attention promptly. Call for an ambulance if necessary or visit the nearest emergency room. This rule applies even if you don't feel any immediate pain because some injuries may not be instantly apparent, putting you or a loved one in danger down the road.
Next, and as soon as it is safe to do so, gather as much evidence as you can from the accident scene. This will help prove your case and add more value to your claim.
Finally, contact Morgan and Morgan for a free case evaluation. If we determine that you have a valid claim, we will discuss the possibility of hiring our drunk driving accident lawyer to represent you.
What Evidence Will My Attorney Need?
Again, each case is different. But from our experience, the following types of evidence could be used to determine and prove liability in such cases.
Official police reports can reveal key details of the accident. These include but are not limited to the driver's behavior, breathalyzer or blood test results, and other signs of impairment.
Witness statements can also provide firsthand accounts of what happened before, during, and after the accident. They may have witnessed the driver exhibiting signs of intoxication, such as slurred speech, stumbling, erratic driving, and so on.
Video footage from surveillance cameras, dash cams, or even bystanders may capture the impaired driver's actions, driving behavior, or impaired physical condition. This visual evidence can provide a compelling illustration of the driver's negligence and impairment.
In some cases, particularly when liability is disputed, or there's insufficient firsthand evidence, accident reconstruction experts can help recreate the sequence of events leading up to the accident. Courts will use their expert opinions to determine whether the impaired driver's actions directly caused the collision.
How Can I Help Maximize My Claim?
Here are some tips to help you get the kind of compensation that reflects the true value of your claim.
As discussed earlier, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial for both your well-being and your claim. On the contrary, delaying treatment may raise doubts about the severity of your injuries or pave the way for the insurance company to argue that your injuries stemmed from something other than the accident.
Follow your doctor's recommendations for treatment, medication, therapy, or follow-up appointments. Consistently attending appointments and following your prescribed treatment plan shows how serious your injuries are and the effort you are making to recover. From the legal standpoint, it also helps document the progression of your recovery and the associated medical expenses.
Be particularly cautious about your social media activity after the accident. This is not the time to tell the world every detail about the accident. That's because insurance companies and defense lawyers may scrutinize your posts to find evidence to dispute your claim.
Don't sign any documents without your lawyer's approval. The other party may try to settle your claim quickly and for less than what you deserve by presenting you with settlement offers or asking you to sign documents. If you settle the case too early, you'll lose your right to pursue additional compensation in the future if you experience complications from your injuries.
Insurance adjusters may request recorded statements to gather information about the accident and your injuries. Don't do it without first consulting your lawyer, even if they make it seem it's urgent or compulsory. It can wait. If you give recorded statements, insurance carriers may use your words against you or twist your statements to diminish your claim.
Where Do I File a Claim?
It depends on the nature of your case. Generally, the primary party responsible for a drunk driving accident is the driver who chose to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
In Charleston and throughout South Carolina, you can sue establishments such as bars, restaurants, or clubs that served alcohol to the intoxicated driver. This is known as "dram shop liability".
If the intoxicated driver was on the job or driving a company-owned vehicle at the time of the accident, the employer might bear some liability. This is especially true if they knew or should have known that the employee was drunk but still allowed them to drive the company vehicle.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Drunk Driving Accident in Charleston?
You can seek compensation for all medical expenses related to the accident. These may include but are not limited to ambulance fees, surgery costs, hospital bills, medications, rehabilitation, therapy, medical equipment such as wheelchairs, and any future medical treatments necessary for your recovery.
If the injuries sustained in the accident resulted in a loss of income, meaning you were unable to work and earn a living, you could pursue damages for lost current and future wages.
You can also seek reimbursement for the costs of repairs or the fair market value of your vehicle or any other personal property damaged in the accident.
Other damages you may be able to recover include pain and suffering, emotional and psychological trauma, such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), other mental health issues, and loss of consortium.
Punitive damages may also be awarded but only in cases of extreme negligence or willful misconduct by the liable party. However, South Carolina has a $500,000 cap on punitive damages for such cases.
How Morgan and Morgan Can Help
You can count on Morgan and Morgan DUI lawyers in Charleston to fight for your right to compensation after a drunk driving accident. Since 1988, we've been fighting for the rights of the injured and have helped over 500,000 clients receive compensation.
You may be next. Contact us today to learn more.