Were you hit by a drunk driver in South Carolina? You are not alone. Unfortunately, DUI crashes remain far too common. According to data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS), there is an average of approximately 5,000 DUI crashes reported statewide each year. At Query Sautter & Uricchio, LLC, we fight for justice for DUI accident victims. Here, our Charleston auto accident attorney explains the steps that you should take if you were hit by a drunk driver in South Carolina.
Step #1: Call 911 and Report the Suspected DUI Crash
Do you believe that you were hit by a drunk driver in Charleston or elsewhere in the region in South Carolina? You should call 911 or state/local law enforcement to report the crash. You should make the call in privacy without threats from the other driver, and you can inform dispatch that you suspect the other driver is under the influence. Police will arrive to assess the scene, provide medical assistance if needed, and conduct field sobriety or breath tests.
Step #2: Seek Immediate Medical Attention (Even if You Think You Feel Okay)
All motor vehicle accident injuries in South Carolina should be evaluated by a doctor. Alcohol related crashes often involve high speeds and serious impacts. Some injuries, such as concussions, internal bleeding, or soft-tissue damage, may not show symptoms immediately. For that reason, injured victims should always accept medical evaluation at the scene or visit an emergency room. Your medical records are key to any DUI accident injury claim.
Step #3: Document the Scene of the Crash With a Drunk Driver
South Carolina is a fault-based motor vehicle accident state, including for DUI crashes. Documentation of an accident is a must. If you can safely do so, you should be sure to take photographs of the vehicles, road conditions, and visible injuries. You should also get contact details for any witnesses. Note the officer’s name and badge number, as well as the case number for the police report. Drunk driving cases often rely on both criminal evidence and non-criminal evidence. Our Charleston DUI accident lawyer can conduct a comprehensive, detail-focused investigation of your case.
Step #4: Notify Your Own Insurance Company of the Crash
You should always notify your own insurance company that you were involved in a crash with a suspected drunk driver in Charleston. You may potentially have a claim through your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM). Do not give a full statement to your insurer at this point in the process. You only need to provide notice of the crash.
Step #5: Consult With Our Charleston, SC DUI Accident Attorney
DUI accident claims are complicated. After a DUI crash, you may have multiple paths to financial recovery. Compensation may come from the drunk driver’s insurance, your UM/UIM coverage, or, in some cases, from a dram shop claim against a bar or restaurant that overserved the driver (under S.C. Code § 61-4-580). Our experienced Charleston DUI accident lawyer can help investigate every available source of compensation.
Call Our Charleston DUI Accident Lawyer Today
At Query Sautter & Uricchio, LLC, our Charleston DUI accident lawyer has what it takes to help you fight for justice. If you or your loved one was hit by a drunk driver, we can help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case review. We have an office in Charleston, and we represent DUI accident victims throughout the region in South Carolina.