If you or a loved one were injured or killed as a result of a drunk driving accident this Fourth of July, reach out to our skilled Columbia personal injury lawyer. Our legal team is on your side.
How Can I Prevent a Drunk Driving Accident This Fourth of July?
Unfortunately, drunk driving accidents happen. Keep in mind that with careful planning, drunk driving injuries and fatalities can be protected. Some things to note when planning your holiday celebration include the following:
- Be sure that everyone has made arrangements for a safe way home if they are planning to consume alcohol.
- Have a relative or friend promise to be the designated driver for the evening.
- Before drinking makes sure your designated driver will stay sober and give them your keys.
- Call a taxi or other ride-share programs such as Uber or Lyft.
- If you are the designated driver, don’t text and drive, stay alert and abide by the speed limits.
- Keep your seat belt on at all times and make sure all passengers in the vehicle are using safety restraints.
- If you face a drunk driver do not try to stop them, keep your distance, and do not wait to call local law enforcement.
What Types of Injuries Can Be Sustained as a Result of a Drunk Driving Accident?
For obvious reasons, injuries suffered as a result of a drunk driver are typically more serious than in other car accidents. A driver under the influence of alcohol can easily lose control of their vehicle, resulting in head-on collisions, rollover accidents, and even collisions with innocent pedestrians.
Some of the more typical injuries caused by drunk driving accidents include the following:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Whiplash
- Paralysis
If you were injured as a result of a drunk driving accident this Fourth of July, it is in your best interest to reach out to our firm today to discuss your options.
What Are the Consequences of Drunk Driving in South Carolina?
You will want to recognize that operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol is a serious and dangerous crime. Law enforcement severely penalizes drunk drivers, and stricter laws have been in place since the 1980s, however, many still decide to engage in this reckless behavior.
Charges for drunk driving will rely on the facts of the case. They can range anywhere from a misdemeanor to a felony offense. Charges may include the following:
- Driver’s License Revocation
- Expensive fines
- Possible jail time
Drunk driving is a serious crime. Some states have gone as far as to offer provisions for victims of drunk driving accidents to claim punitive damages, on top of the personal injury damages they may already be entitled to. Punitive damages are intended to discipline the defendant for their reckless behavior and are also meant to send a clear message to the community that drunk driving will not be tolerated. If you were injured as a result of a drunk driver, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
Contact Our Experienced South Carolina Firm
If you require legal representation for matters of personal injury, elder abuse, or whistleblower protection contact our Mann Blake & Jackson Law today.