Sustaining injuries in an automobile accident that was no fault of your own can be one of the most challenging things that you can go through. It is a situation that can leave you feeling frustrated and unsure of what to do next. These issues become even more frustrating when your accident is due to the actions of a driver who was under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This is where our Myrtle Beach drunk driving accident lawyer at Jebaily Law Firm can assist you. Our legal experts will work hard to put together a case focused on getting you the financial compensation that you deserve.
Steps You Should Take After Being Hit by a Drunk Driver
Despite South Carolina’s anti-drunk driving laws and an extensive number of awareness campaigns that have informed the public about the potential consequences associated with drinking and driving, many people still choose to put the lives of others at risk by operating a motor vehicle while under the influence.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a motor vehicle accident that was the fault of a drunk driver in the Myrtle Beach area, you could find yourself facing serious injuries, a diminished income from missed work time, and crippling medical bills. The irresponsible actions of a drunk driver should not lead to you having to bear these significant financial burdens.
The good news is that you could be entitled to considerable monetary compensation by way of South Carolina state law. At Jebaily Law Firm, our auto accident attorneys in Myrtle Beach are dedicated to helping you bring your case forward so you can receive the compensation that you deserve.
If you have sustained injuries in a Myrtle Beach automobile accident, we recommend taking the following steps to ensure that your rights and injury claim are protected:
- Seek medical attention immediately after your accident so that your injuries are accurately diagnosed/treated with a detailed record that you can use as a part of your case.
- Follow your doctor’s care plan and make sure that you attend any follow-up appointments.
- Collect evidence from the scene of your accident. This includes photos of the damage, the insurance/contact details of the drunk driver who caused the accident, and statements from any eyewitnesses who were present.
- Retain all of your medical bills, pay stubs, bank records, and documentation of your crash-related injuries/losses.
- Remember that anything you say to the insurance company and other parties could be used against you in court.
- Do not share any photos or information online while your claim is still pending.
- Contact our Myrtle Beach drunk driving accident lawyer at Jebaily Law Firm for professional legal guidance regarding your case.
What Are South Carolina’s Laws Regarding Drinking and Driving?
Our drunk driving accident attorney in Myrtle Beach wants to inform you about some of the key points you should understand regarding drinking and driving laws in the state of South Carolina. The law states that it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs to the extent that one’s ability to safely operate it is materially, and appreciably impaired. It is also important to note that any driver with a BAC of 0.08 or higher is guilty of driving with an unlawful alcohol concentration. Those who are convicted of drunk driving in South Carolina could be required to enroll in the state’s Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program.
What Are the Time Limits for Filing a DUI Accident Suit in Myrtle Beach (Section 15-3-530)?
According to Section 15-3-530 of South Carolina’s Code of Laws, an individual is generally allowed a three-year window of time from the date of a drunk driving accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you attempt to file a lawsuit after the three-year statutory deadline has elapsed, the court is likely to dismiss your case. You will also lose the right to demand compensation for your injuries at trial. Because of this, it is important to quickly speak with our DWI accident attorney after being hit by a drunk driver.
The Penalties for Motor Vehicle Operation While Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs?
There are several key penalties that can be imposed on drivers who operate a motor vehicle in the state of South Carolina while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The penalties increase for drivers found to have high BACs. They also increase for second and subsequent offenses. Individuals who are facing their first DUI charge with a BAC that was less than 0.10 face penalties that include:
- A fine of up to $400
- Additional assessments and surcharges which can amount to nearly $600.
- 48 hours to 30 days in jail (a judge can give a sentence of community service in place of jail time)
- A driver’s license suspension of six months
- Drivers with a BAC of 0.10 and above can face a fine of up to $500.00 and a minimum jail time of 72 hours or community service. Those with a BAC of 0.16 and above can face a fine of up to $1,000.00 and a minimum of 30 days in jail or community service.
Fines for a second offense can range from $2,100 to $5,100 along with up to $5,600 in assessments/surcharges. A sentence of one year in jail and a driver’s license suspension of one year can also be imposed. Third-offense fines can reach up to $13,000 with a penalty of up to three years imprisonment and the loss of driving privileges for two years. You can learn more about this topic by speaking with our DWI accident lawyer in Myrtle Beach.
What Should You Do When You or a Loved One Has Been Injured in a Drunk Driving Accident?
Do you need an experienced Myrtle Beach drunk driving accident lawyer? Our attorneys have over 50 years of experience handling these types of car accident cases. Reach out to our legal professionals at Jebaily Law Firm today. We can answer the questions that you have and will review your case free of charge when you schedule your initial consultation.
