Award Winning
Being hit by a drunk driver is one of the most traumatic and devastating events a person can experience. These crashes are violent, unexpected, and life-altering. In Summerville and Dorchester County, DUI accidents routinely cause catastrophic injuries, and families are left facing medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma.
At Ted Law Firm, our Summerville drunk driving accident attorneys fight for victims harmed by impaired drivers holding them fully accountable under South Carolina law.
Why Choose Us for Your DUI Injury Case
- We focus strictly on victims, not defending drunk drivers.
- We understand Summerville’s high-risk DUI corridors, including I-26, Main Street, Dorchester Road, and downtown areas.
- We pursue full compensation, including punitive damages.
- You get a free consultation, and you pay nothing unless we win.
- We handle investigations, insurance claims, medical documentation, negotiations, and litigation.
Common Drunk Driving Accident Scenarios in Summerville
Head-on Collisions
Common near:
- Main Street
- Dorchester Road
- Berlin G. Myers Pkwy
- Ladson Road
High-Speed Nighttime Crashes
Often in poorly lit or rural sections of Summerville.
Wrong-Way Drivers
Especially near I-26 exits and busy weekend traffic.
Rear-End DUI Crashes
At traffic lights, commercial areas, and residential zones.
Pedestrian and Cyclist DUI Incidents
Dangerous near Summerville’s parks, downtown walkways, and neighborhoods.
Fatal DUI Crashes
Often involving high speeds, reckless behavior, and severe impact forces.
What Is a Drunk Driving Accident Claim in South Carolina?
A drunk driving injury claim is a civil lawsuit filed by the victim or family seeking financial compensation for harm caused by an intoxicated driver.
Key points:
- Drunk driving is negligence per se (automatic fault).
- Victims may sue even if the driver is acquitted criminally.
- Punitive damages may be awarded to punish reckless conduct.
- Wrongful death claims may apply if the crash was fatal.
- Claims must be filed within 3 years for most cases.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Liable parties may include:
- The drunk driver
- The bar or restaurant that overserved alcohol (Dram Shop liability)
- Hosts (in limited social-host liability situations)
- Employers (if the drunk driver was on the job)
- Rideshare companies (if the DUI driver was an Uber/Lyft driver)
We investigate every potential party to maximize recovery.
Common DUI Crash Injuries
Drunk driving collisions often cause severe injuries, including:
- Whiplash and soft tissue damage
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Emotional trauma and post-accident anxiety
- Wrongful death in fatal crashes
These injuries often require long-term treatment and major life changes.
What to Do After Being Hit by a Drunk Driver in Summerville
- Call 911 immediately.
- Tell police you suspect the other driver is impaired.
- Get medical treatment right away.
- Photograph the scene, vehicles, debris, and injuries.
- Collect witness names and phone numbers.
- Save all medical records, bills, and receipts.
- Do not speak with insurance adjusters without legal counsel.
- Contact Ted Law Firm DUI cases require fast action and aggressive investigation.
Damages You May Recover
Victims may recover compensation for:
Economic Damages
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Future earning loss
- Rehabilitation & long-term care
- Vehicle repair or replacement
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain & suffering
- Emotional distress
- PTSD, anxiety, trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring & disfigurement
Punitive Damages
Available when the driver’s conduct was reckless, malicious, or grossly negligent — as in most drunk driving cases.
Wrongful Death Damages
(If a family member was killed)
Legal Deadlines & Considerations
- 3 years to file most civil DUI injury lawsuits
- 2 years if a government entity is involved
- Dram Shop claims require rapid evidence preservation
- Criminal DUI charges are separate and do not impact your right to file a civil claim
- Insurance companies may try to settle quickly — often for far less than the claim’s true value
Why Acting Quickly Matters
- Video evidence (traffic cams, body cams) may be overwritten
- Bar receipts and surveillance footage may be destroyed
- Witnesses become harder to find
- DUI toxicology reports must be preserved
- Insurance companies move fast to limit payout
Immediate legal action protects the case.
Five Star Service
We pride ourselves on creating “wow” moments for our clients. That’s why Ted Law Firm has 5 star ratings, a client choice award from Avvo and and clients hire us again and again.
Free Rental Car Help
Many people who have been involved in a car accident don’t know how to navigate their insurance coverage. Our attorneys will review your insurance policy for free* and ensure you’re getting any rental car benefits you’re entitled to.
Next Generation Law Firm
Our firm uses 21st century technology and the latest law to maximize claim value, push your case forward quickly, and keep you informed every step of the way.
Pay Nothing Until We Get You $$$
FREE* Case Review. Immediate work. We even front the cost for ordering medical records, getting police reports, and conducting an investigation while we work up your claim.
30 Day Guarantee
We’ll help you for 30 days, through the roughest part of your wreck. We’re so confident in our client experience that we offer this: If you’re not completely satisfied, you won’t be charged a fee and you’ll be free to do as you please.
FREE Legal Resources
We have created a ton of free videos and guides to get you immediate help on your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I sue a drunk driver in South Carolina?
Yes, drunk driving is negligence per se, making civil claims strong.
2. Can I get punitive damages for a DUI crash?
Yes, drunk driving often qualifies for punitive damages.
3. Do criminal charges affect my civil case?
No, they are separate processes.
4. What if the driver was uninsured or fled?
UM/UIM coverage or other liability sources may apply.
5. What if the crash was fatal?
You may file a wrongful death claim.
6. What compensation can I receive?
Medical bills, lost wages, pain & suffering, punitive damages, and more.
7. Should I talk to insurance companies?
No, let your attorney handle all communication.
8. Can I sue the bar or restaurant that overserved the driver?
Possibly Dram Shop laws apply in certain cases.
9. Do I owe anything upfront?
No, you pay nothing unless we win.
10. Do I really need an attorney?
Yes, DUI cases involve complex evidence and high-value damages.
Contact Us Summerville Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one were injured by a drunk driver in Summerville or Dorchester County, you deserve justice, and full compensation.At [Your Firm], we fight aggressively against intoxicated drivers and negligent establishments to hold them accountable. Call today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
