Seneca Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

A Seneca drunk driving accident lawyer from Hammack Law Firm represents victims of drunk drivers in Oconee County and elsewhere in South Carolina. We file insurance claims and lawsuits to hold these negligent drivers accountable for their reckless actions. We take a stand against drunk driving and seek justice for those who suffer injuries due to it.

If you suffered injuries on SC 59, US 76, Clemson Boulevard, or another road in Seneca, our team will review your crash case for free today. We provide these consultations so you can ask questions and learn how we will seek compensation on your behalf.

We Seek Justice By Recovering Damages for Crash Victims in Seneca

Our attorneys gather evidence and build a solid argument to hold the intoxicated driver accountable, allowing us to recover compensation for our injured client. This is possible in one of two ways. We either:

• Negotiate a settlement with the driver’s insurer that we believe is appropriate; or
• We present evidence at trial, and a judge or jury decides how much, if any, our client receives

We prepare every claim like we are going to trial, although this is rare. This allows us to develop the strongest possible case for our clients and seek a wide range of recoverable damages when we demand a fair payout from the insurer. The recoverable damages in these cases include:

• Related medical treatment and care costs
• Any future medical needs for accident injuries
• Lost wages
• Diminished ability to earn in the future
• Property damage, including vehicle repairs
• Miscellaneous expenses from the accident
• Pain and suffering damages
• Other intangible losses

Drunk Driving Crashes Can Cause Fatal Injuries

When an accident victim suffers fatal injuries, their immediate family will typically be able to pursue money damages. Under S.C. Ann. § 15-51-10, the decedent’s executor of their will or another personal representative will take action. We will file a wrongful death claim for them, seeking compensation for the family.

Recoverable damages include:

• Medical bills and related expenses
• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of income and benefits
• Loss of services
• Other financial losses
• Loss of companionship, support, guidance, and other intangible losses based on their relationship with the deceased

Hammack Law Firm Represents Victims of Drunk Driving Crashes in Seneca

At Hammack Law Firm, we know how to build a civil case against a driver accused of driving under the influence (DUI). We use our firm’s resources and experience to investigate the crash, prove negligence and liability, and seek justice for our client. We give a lot of time and attention to each client and their case, building a personal relationship.

Our goals when we accept a drunk driving crash case include:

• Holding the intoxicated driver accountable for their bad behavior and the injuries it caused
• Seeking financial compensation for our client and their family
• Improving safety for others on South Carolina’s roads

We go to work immediately, taking the necessary steps to meet these goals. This includes:

• Protecting our client’s rights
• Answering their questions and addressing concerns
• Investigating the crash
• Identifying the liable party or parties
• Proving what happened and the factors that contributed
• Valuing our client’s recoverable damages
• Filing the claim and demanding a fair payout
• Negotiating a just settlement
• Suing, when necessary

Our client reviews, customer testimonials, and recent results all point to our ability to provide big firm experience while maintaining a small firm feel is important to our previous clients. You can expect to receive the same compassion and support if we handle your case.

Our lawyers work based on contingency. A contingency fee law firm does not charge upfront fees. We take our attorney’s fees from the compensation we recover for you. Our attorneys do not get paid unless you get a payout.

Proving Liability for a DUI Crash in South Carolina

In October 2019, Fox Carolina reported a fatal DUI crash where a drunk driver killed his passenger after a rollover accident on US 76 in Oconee County. This is just one example of the devastation in these crashes, which can harm passengers and occupants of other vehicles. Fatal and life-altering injuries are not uncommon.

According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS), about half of all fatal crashes in the state involve at least one drunk or drugged driver. Each year, there are around 22,000 arrests for DUI. Thankfully, most of these are routine traffic stops and do not involve collisions. However, too many do. This is why our team takes a stand against intoxicated driving and fights for stricter criminal and civil penalties.

Understanding the Criminal Charge of DUI

When a driver gets arrested for suspicion of drunk driving, they face DUI charges in criminal court. This means they will face a judge and have to enter a plea. If convicted of this charge, S.C. Code of Laws § 56-5-2930 lists penalties that could include:

• A fine of up to $400 plus additional fees
• 48 hours to 30 days in jail
• A six-month driver license suspension

Additional consequences could occur if they previously faced a DUI arrest or if serious injuries occurred in the accident.

How the Civil Case is Different

The case against the drunk driver filed by the crash victim is civil. They will not face criminal penalties but rather need to pay damages to those they hurt. Hammack Law Firm knows how to navigate this process and demand a payout from their insurer, file an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim, or sue them.

We do not need a criminal conviction to hold a driver responsible for collision damages. We only have to prove negligence in these cases. This means we will recover compensation for our client if we can show the driver caused the crash, regardless of their blood alcohol content or the outcome of their criminal case.

Discuss Your Legal Options with Our Team for Free Today

You can speak with a DUI accident and injury team member from Hammack Law Firm about your legal options today. We provide complimentary case assessments for victims. We will talk about your crash, evaluate the strength of your case, and answer any questions you have. Count on us to help you through this difficult time.

Call (864) 326-3333(864) 326-3333 to get started with your free consultation right away.