DUI Accident Attorneys in Columbia

Were you or a loved one the innocent victim of an accident caused by a drunk or intoxicated driver? Accidents caused by drunk drivers can have life-altering effects on those involved and their family. You may be scared to drive again, overwhelmed by the financial burden, or have anxiety surrounding the unknown impact these accidents can have on your physical health and long-term wellbeing. At Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC, our attorneys are dedicated to helping those tragically impacted by irresponsible drunk driving accidents throughout the state of South Carolina.

Devastatingly, drunk driving is not uncommon in Columbia or the state of South Carolina. In fact, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) data shows that there were over 28,000 DUI-related collisions in SC from 2018-2022.

If you or a loved one was injured or lost their life in an accident involving a drunk driver, our team will fight to get you and your family the justice you deserve. We will help you navigate and overcome the current, and future, emotional, physical, and financial impacts of the accident. You can rest assured knowing our team works hard to get justice for people just like you, whose lives have been flipped upside down due to the decisions of negligent drivers, every single day. To get started with your free consultation, contact our experienced Columbia DUI accident attorneys today at 803-888-2200 or via our secure online form or chat. We are available 24/7.

How will hiring a Columbia DUI accident attorney help?

Unfortunately, we can’t go back in time and stop this accident from happening; however, our team can help you by handling and simplifying the legal process so that you and your loved ones can focus on what is most important: healing. You deserve justice, and one of the many ways our team will work to do this is to make sure you get the maximum of what you’re entitled to under South Carolina law. This can include but is not limited to:

• Medical Expenses: Previous, Future, and Long-Term Coverage
• Previous Lost Wages
• Future Lost Wages, Including Reduction In Future Earnings
• Physical Rehabilitation Costs
• Prescription Medication Costs
• Funeral and Burial Expenses
• Loss in Companionship
• Pain and Suffering
• Punitive Damages

While this list is a good starting point, you may be entitled to more depending on the circumstances of the accident. For instance, if a bar over-served the driver and let them get on the road, the bar could be required to pay for harm caused as well. This is known as South Carolina Dram Shop Liability.

We will discuss this during your initial consultation so you have a better understanding of what you can expect. To learn more, please call our office today or fill out our secure online contact form.

Common Injuries Following Columbia DUI Accidents

With decades of combined experience handling accidents caused by drunk driving, we’ve found that every case is different. DUI accidents can result in a wide array of injuries and damages depending on the severity of the accident. We’ve seen DUI accidents lead to:

• Broken Bones
• Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Catastrophic Injuries
• Internal Injuries
• Wrongful Death

In addition to physical injuries, these accidents frequently cause anxiety, PTSD, fear of driving, and other non-economic damages. No matter the injury or level of emotional trauma, you deserve justice and compensation after an accident, and our award-winning legal team is here to fight to get you the best possible outcome for your case and future.

Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC Drunk Driving Accidents Case Results

Some notable recent drunk driving case outcomes we have achieved for our clients include:

• $750,000 Drunk Driving Accident
• $700,000 Drunk Driving Accident
• $668,260.95 DUI/Dram Shop Liability Accident
• $550,000 DUI Car Accident

To learn more about how we can help you following an unexpected accident, reach out to our team today at (803) 888-2200 or email info@ctlawsc.com. We’re here and ready to help.

Will the other driver be charged with a crime?

South Carolina law prohibits driving with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher. It is also against the law to drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs and/or a combination of alcohol and drugs to the extent that the person’s ability to drive is impaired. Ultimately, the state is responsible for pressing criminal charges against the intoxicated driver.

In our experience, some grieving families prefer to be involved with the conviction and legal consequences for the driver. In this case, our team may be able to work with the prosecutor and solicitors to get you the opportunity to speak at the sentencing. This can give families a stronger sense of justice. Other families we’ve worked with prefer a quicker process with less direct involvement. No matter how you’d like to handle the aftermath of an accident caused by a drunk driver, our team of drunk driver accident lawyers are here for you.

How long do I have to file a claim after being hit by a drunk driver?

In South Carolina, you generally have 3 years to take legal action following a car accident. Depending on the specifics of your case, this timeframe may be a little shorter or longer. Our team will be able to give you an exact answer based on your specific circumstances during your initial consultation. Call us today to get your questions answered.

What if the intoxicated driver was uninsured or had minimum coverage?

If the drunk driver who caused the accident was uninsured or had minimum limits insurance that does not cover the related costs of the accident, you may still be able to seek recovery for your expenses and losses. In South Carolina, every car insurance policy comes with uninsured motorist coverage (UIM). This is designed to protect you against uninsured drivers and can cover up to the limits of your existing liability policy. This can also help if the at-fault driver has less in coverage than your losses. For instance, if the driver has $25,000 in coverage, but your medical expenses are already far above this, your UIM coverage may protect you.

Our team encourages you to focus on recovering and getting back on track. Let our team handle the legal details for you – that’s our focus. If you have questions about insurance coverage following a drunk driving accident, call and speak to one of our award-winning attorneys today!

Types of drunk driving accidents Cavanaugh & Thickens represents.

While illegal, we continue to see accidents caused by drunk driving far too often. Our drunk driving accident lawyers handle car accident cases in Columbia and throughout South Carolina caused by those under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These accidents commonly also include:

• Speeding
• Crossing Center Lines
• Running Red Lights
• Running Stop Signs
• Falling Asleep At The Wheel
• Racing Other Vehicles
• Distracted Driving, and more.

Experienced personal injury lawyers representing those hit by drunk drivers.

“These guys constantly updated and informed me of all my case details even through multiple delays by the court. They were professional, personal, and made me feel like a top priority while they earned the results we wanted. Made the entire process simple and worry-free. Highly recommend Cavanaugh & Thickens.”

Why choose Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC?

The aftermath of a car accident involving a drunk driver can be devastating, costly, and overwhelming. Our experienced, award-winning legal team is here to ease that burden. We will help you recover emotionally, physically, and financially. Many times, we find people don’t know where to start following a drunk driver accident. Our team handles cases like this every day, and we will help you with all aspects of recovery. From optimizing your claim to seamlessly guiding you through the complex legal process, we’re here for you every step of the way. Contact us today at (803) 888-2200. Available for you 24/7.