How Drunk Driving and Distracted Driving Impact Your Injury Claim
If you or a loved one was injured by a distracted or drunk driver in Charleston, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. These reckless choices can strengthen your claim and increase available compensation. Such behavior shows disregard for safety and often causes more serious crashes.
To better understand your situation and what compensation you may be entitled to, consider reaching out to our car accident lawyers in Charleston at John Price Law Firm, LLC. We are here to support you as soon as possible after an accident.
Why Distracted and Drunk Driving Matters in Charleston Injury Cases
Distracted and impaired driving are the most dangerous behaviors on South Carolina roads. The NHTSA reports thousands die each year in alcohol-related crashes, with many more injured in distraction-related collisions.
The CDC likewise states that alcohol-impaired driving and cellphone use remain major contributors to severe crashes nationwide. When these factors are present, they are usually central to proving fault and damages, as well as to the amount of compensation an injured person can receive.
How Can Distracted Driving Affect Your Injury Claim in Charleston?
Distracted driving includes texting, using apps, eating, adjusting controls, or focusing on passengers instead of the road. These actions slow reaction time and reduce awareness. In a claim, distraction can be shown with:
- Dashcam or traffic camera footage
- Witness statements
- Vehicle data
- Police reports
For example, a driver who slams into a stopped vehicle while checking a message leaves a digital trail that can support a negligence claim. That evidence helps show the crash was preventable.
How Can Drunk Driving Change a Charleston Injury Claim
Drunk driving has a greater impact on injury claims. Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time, increasing crash risk. Evidence of impairment often includes:
- Field sobriety reports
- Body camera footage
- Bar or restaurant receipts
- Witness testimony
A DUI arrest after hitting a pedestrian provides strong proof of reckless conduct. This often leads to higher settlements and a stronger trial position. Drunk-driving crashes may also justify punitive damages intended to punish and deter future reckless behavior.
Why Damages Are Typically Higher in Drunk Driving Cases
Crashes involving intoxication often bring higher claim values. Drunk driving shows disregard for safety, supporting larger damage awards. Compensation may cover:
- Lost income and future earnings
- Long-term care
- Pain and emotional suffering
- Reduced quality of life
For example, a man injured by a drunk driver near Summerville suffered spinal injuries requiring multiple surgeries. His medical bills exceeded $180,000, and he missed almost a year of work. Because alcohol was involved, his case settled for significantly more than similar non-DUI crashes.
What a Personal Injury Lawyer in Charleston Can Do For You
Cases involving distraction or intoxication move quickly. Evidence can be erased or altered, and it’s common for insurers to try to minimize their liability. A Charleston personal injury attorney can act early to secure proof and protect your rights. They can obtain phone records, subpoena bar records, preserve video footage, and review police investigations. Likewise, they can work with medical providers and financial experts to document how your injuries affect your life.
Additionally, our attorneys can manage all communications with insurers and address any attempts to shift blame onto you. If it becomes necessary to go to court, we’ll advocate for you with detailed evidence and expert testimony, guiding you every step of the way.
Talk to Our Car Accident Attorneys in Charleston Today
If you or a loved one were injured in a distracted or drunk driving crash in Summerville, North Charleston, Moncks Corner, or Goose Creek, don’t wait to get the help you deserve. Contact John Price Law Firm online or call 843-552-6011 now to schedule a confidential case review with our experienced Charleston car accident lawyers and take the first step toward securing the compensation you need.