Drunk driving accidents are entirely preventable, yet they continue to cause devastating injuries and fatalities on the road. When a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, their ability to make safe driving decisions is impaired, putting everyone on the road at risk. If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, you deserve justice and the compensation necessary to recover from your injuries.
At Ted Law Firm, we specialize in representing victims of drunk driving accidents in Myrtle Beach and the surrounding areas. Our experienced drunk driving accident lawyers are here to help you navigate the legal process, hold the responsible parties accountable, and recover the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
What Does Drunk Driving Accident Compensation Cover in South Carolina?
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to compensation for several types of damages, including:
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation: Coverage for hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, and any ongoing treatments you may require.
- Lost wages: Compensation for income you’ve lost while recovering from your injuries, and future lost wages if your injuries prevent you from returning to work.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and trauma caused by your injuries.
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, or PTSD resulting from the trauma of the accident.
- Permanent disability: If your injuries result in long-term or permanent disability, you may be entitled to compensation for future losses.
- Property damage: Compensation for damage to your vehicle or personal property involved in the accident.
- Punitive damages: In cases of drunk driving, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the driver for their reckless behavior and deter future misconduct.
- Wrongful death: If a loved one was killed in a drunk driving accident, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and other damages.
At Ted Law Firm, we will work tirelessly to ensure you receive fair compensation for all your damages.
Common Causes of Drunk Driving Accidents in Myrtle Beach
Drunk driving accidents occur when a driver operates their vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Some of the most common causes of these accidents in Myrtle Beach include:
- Driving under the influence (DUI): Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs often make unsafe decisions on the road, such as speeding, failing to yield, or running red lights.
- Reckless driving: Alcohol impairs a driver’s ability to react quickly to road hazards and other vehicles, leading to aggressive behaviors like tailgating or unsafe lane changes.
- Driving while fatigued: Drunk drivers often experience fatigue, which exacerbates their impairments, leading to slower reaction times and reduced judgment.
- Failure to obey traffic laws: Drunk drivers often fail to obey basic traffic laws, such as stopping at intersections or signaling lane changes.
- Poor judgment and slower reaction times: Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s ability to make good decisions, which can lead to accidents when driving on unfamiliar roads or in traffic.
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by any of these factors, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses.
Types of Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents can cause severe injuries due to the impaired judgment of the driver and the high speeds often involved. Common injuries in drunk driving accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Concussions, brain damage, or skull fractures caused by impacts with the vehicle or road.
- Spinal cord injuries: Injuries to the spine that can lead to paralysis or long-term mobility issues.
- Fractures and broken bones: Injuries to the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis due to the force of the crash.
- Internal injuries: Organ damage, internal bleeding, or other serious injuries caused by blunt force trauma.
- Whiplash: Neck and back injuries resulting from the sudden jerking motion caused by the crash.
- Facial injuries: Cuts, bruises, or fractures from the impact or broken glass.
- Burns: Injuries caused by fire or hot vehicle components.
- Emotional distress: PTSD, anxiety, or depression caused by the trauma of the accident.
- Fatal injuries: In tragic cases, drunk driving accidents can result in wrongful death claims.
Even if you feel okay after an accident, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately to assess any hidden injuries.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Myrtle Beach
If you’ve been involved in a drunk driving accident, here’s what you should do:
- Seek medical care immediately: Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. It’s important to get checked by a medical professional.
- Call 911: Report the accident to law enforcement and ensure the driver is tested for alcohol or drug impairment. A police report is critical for your case.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your vehicle and other property.
- Collect information: Get the contact details and insurance information from the drunk driver and any witnesses to the accident.
- Avoid admitting fault: Do not admit fault at the scene, even if you think you may have been partially responsible. Let the police and insurance companies determine fault.
- Contact Ted Law Firm: Reach out to our experienced drunk driving accident lawyers for a free consultation and to discuss your legal options.
Who Is Responsible in a Drunk Driving Accident?
In most drunk driving accident cases, the intoxicated driver is at fault. However, other parties may also share responsibility in some situations:
- The drunk driver: The intoxicated driver is typically responsible for the accident and resulting damages.
- Bars or restaurants: In certain cases, if the driver was overserved alcohol at a bar or restaurant, the establishment may share liability under Georgia’s Dram Shop Laws.
- Other drivers: In some cases, another driver may have contributed to the accident, such as by failing to yield or running a red light.
- Insurance companies: We work with insurance companies to ensure you are fairly compensated for your injuries and property damage.
At Ted Law Firm, we will investigate the cause of the accident, gather evidence, and ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable.
How We Help Drunk Driving Accident Victims in Myrtle Beach
At Ted Law Firm, we provide full support to drunk driving accident victims. Here’s how we can help:
- Investigate the accident: We gather all the evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and medical records.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: We handle all communications with the insurance companies to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
- File a lawsuit: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are ready to take your case to trial and fight for your rights in court.
- Provide emotional support: We understand the emotional toll that a drunk driving accident can have on you and your family, and we are here to guide you through the legal process with compassion.
Talk to a Myrtle Beach Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident in Myrtle Beach, don’t wait to seek legal help. The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner we can start working on your case.
At Ted Law Firm, we proudly serve clients in Myrtle Beach, Horry County, and throughout South Carolina. You don’t pay unless we win your case—no upfront costs, just experienced legal help from a team that puts your recovery first.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
