How a Lawyer Can Help Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents

Blurred motion image from inside a car driving at night, showcasing a dashboard with illuminated red gauges and headlights streaking through the dark cityscape, symbolizing impaired driving.

In November and December, DUI arrests and alcohol-related crashes in South Carolina surge across the Lowcountry, particularly in popular nightlife and vacation spots like Hilton Head. For innocent drivers caught in the path of a drunk driver, the aftermath can be devastating — often involving severe injuries, costly medical bills, and lengthy recoveries.

Navigating the civil justice system after being injured by a driver under the influence can be overwhelming, but an experienced South Carolina drunk driving accident lawyer can help victims gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the fair and full compensation they deserve.

How a drunk driving accident lawyer can help

Drunk driving accidents can leave victims grappling with devastating injuries, emotional trauma, and financial strain. When a drunk driver causes a crash, the aftermath often involves more than just a typical insurance claim. Victims may face a long road to recovery and deserve justice for the harm they’ve suffered. An experienced attorney can help by:

1. Investigating the accident thoroughly

In drunk driving accidents, the cause of the crash might seem clear, but gathering strong evidence is crucial to building a solid case. A lawyer will:

Collect police reports, witness statements, and any video footage of the accident.
Obtain the driver's BAC results, toxicology reports, and records of any field sobriety tests conducted at the scene.
Investigate the drunk driver’s history, including any prior DUI convictions that might suggest a pattern of reckless behavior.

An attorney can establish liability by conducting a thorough investigation, making it harder for insurance companies to dispute the claim.

2. Proving liability and fault

While proving liability might seem straightforward in a case like this, defense teams often attempt to shift blame or downplay the severity of the accident. An experienced lawyer can counter these tactics by:

Establishing a clear link between the driver’s intoxication and the crash.
Working with accident reconstruction experts to show how the impaired driver caused the collision.
Using expert testimony to highlight the dangerous effects of alcohol on the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely.

This approach helps reinforce the victim’s case and increases the chances of a favorable settlement or verdict.

3. Handling insurance companies

Insurance companies often downplay the impact of drunk driving accidents to minimize payouts. They might offer lowball settlements or attempt to blame the victim for the crash. An attorney can:

Negotiate aggressively with insurers, ensuring they acknowledge the full extent of the victim’s injuries and damages.
Prevent the victim from being taken advantage of, particularly during a vulnerable time when they may be overwhelmed by medical bills and stress.
If necessary, prepare the case for trial to show the insurer that they’re serious about pursuing maximum compensation.

Having an attorney handle these interactions lets the victim focus on healing while knowing their rights are protected.

4. Exploring liability beyond the driver

Since 2017, South Carolina has required businesses serving alcohol to carry at least $1 million in liability insurance. This legislation was intended to protect victims of drunk driving accidents, but it has also led to skyrocketing insurance rates, causing financial strain for bars, restaurants, and music venues across the state.

Despite ongoing grassroots efforts like the SC Venue Crisis campaign pushing for legislative changes in 2023, the current insurance requirements remain in place. An experienced lawyer can still explore potential third-party liability in your case by investigating:

Whether a bar or restaurant negligently served alcohol to an already intoxicated driver.
If a social host provided alcohol to a visibly drunk guest or a minor.

These claims can offer additional avenues for compensation, particularly when the drunk driver’s own insurance coverage falls short.

Your path to justice starts here

A drunk driving accident can turn your life upside down, but the right legal team can help you find a path forward. At Twenge + Twombley Law Firm, we don’t handle hundreds of cases at once; we focus on a select few, dedicating time and attention to building a strong, tailored legal strategy for every client.

Our experienced drunk driving accident attorneys thoroughly investigate the crash, prove liability, handle tough insurance negotiations, and maximize your compensation — all while providing compassionate support.

If you or a loved one has been hit and injured by a drunk driver, contact us today for a free case evaluation. We serve clients in Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, and communities throughout South Carolina.

"He did everything he promised. Kept me informed every step of the way. I was always able to get in touch with him, not just his staff. I will use Mr. Twombley only in the future." - Crystal
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Twenge + Twombley: Rare name, remarkable service.