Have you been hurt in a car accident due to another person’s decision to drink and drive? According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, over 300,000 people are injured in drunk driving accidents every day, and every year, 10,511 people are killed in drunk driving accidents. These accidents are highly preventable. Not only is drunk driving a crime, but individuals who get into crashes after drinking and driving can face civil penalties as well. Victims and their families may be entitled to seek damages from negligent parties for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses after a drunk driving accident. Have questions about your rights under the law? The Hayes Law Firm Upstate Attorneys, LLC is a drunk driving law firm in Greenville, South Carolina committed to protecting the rights of drunk driving victims.
Drunk Driving Laws Can Protect Car Accident Victims
Under South Carolina law, if a driver has a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher, the driver could be found guilty of driving while under the influence of alcohol. At the scene of a car accident, drivers might be tested using breath tests or blood tests. South Carolina law also holds that a driver with a blood alcohol concentration under 0.08 but more than 0.05 could be found guilty of drunk driving charges if other facts indicate that the driver might be intoxicated. This can include failing roadside sobriety tests, or if an officer sees visual evidence that the driver might be intoxicated.
The law gives officers a range of options when it comes to determining whether a suspected drunk driver is in fact driving while under the influence. Under South Carolina’s implied consent laws, a driver who is suspected of violating drunk driving laws consents to submitting to a breath, blood, or urine test. Failure to submit to testing can result in revocation of a person’s driver’s license. Refusing to take a blood, breath, or urine test could also be used by police as evidence that a person might have been trying to avoid testing positive for alcohol or drugs in their system.
If the other driver in your car accident was found guilty of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you and your family might have important rights when it comes to seeking damages for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. Drunk driving is a serious criminal offense. It is not only irresponsible, but it also puts other drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists on the road in danger. When families hold drunk drivers accountable for their actions, they send a strong message to the community that drinking and driving will not be tolerated. Not only are families able to seek justice, but they are also able to cover expenses that can arise after a car accident. Have questions about your rights? The car accident lawyers at Hayes Law Firm Upstate Attorneys, LLC in Greenville, South Carolina may be able to help you. Our firm can review your case, identify negligent parties, and pursue your case to the fullest extent under the law.
Host Liability for Alcohol Served to Minors
In South Carolina, a host or store can be held liable if alcohol is served or sold to minors. However, in order to bring a claim against a host or store, the victim must show that the person who caused the damages or car accident was intoxicated at the time of the accident, and also show that the store owner or host knew he or she was selling alcohol to a minor (or negligently failed to check identification). If you or someone you love was hurt by a person under 21 years of age in a drunk driving accident, you may have additional recourse when it comes to seeking damages for your crash. For example, if the person responsible for your accident was a minor, his or her parents may be responsible for damages. And, if the minor was served alcohol, these parties or party may also be responsible. The car accident lawyers at the Hayes Law Firm Upstate Attorneys, LLC in Greenville, South Carolina may be able to assist you with your claim by identifying all negligent parties in your accident. Our firm can fight for your rights and fight to hold them accountable.
Seek Justice Today Following a Drunk Driving Accident
You may only have a limited amount of time to seek damages if you were hurt in a drunk driving accident in Greenville, South Carolina. The Hayes Law Firm Upstate Attorneys, LLC is a drunk driving law firm that may be able to assist you with your case if you have been hurt. Have questions about your rights? Reach out to our personal injury attorneys today or contact USAttorneys.com to get matched with an auto accident lawyer at our firm.
