Drunk driving is one of the most reckless and preventable causes of accidents on Charleston’s roads. When someone chooses to get behind the wheel under the influence, they not only break the law they put innocent lives at risk.
If you or someone you love has been injured by an impaired driver in Charleston, you have the legal right to pursue compensation for your injuries, financial losses, and emotional suffering. At Ted Law Firm, our drunk driving accident lawyers aggressively pursue justice on behalf of victims and their families. You focus on healing, we’ll handle the rest.
The Harsh Reality of Drunk Driving in Charleston
Charleston sees thousands of visitors each year, from tourists exploring downtown to college students and nightlifers across the peninsula. Unfortunately, this also means a high risk of impaired drivers especially at night and on weekends.
Drunk driving accidents often involve:
- High-speed collisions
- Head-on crashes
- Rear-end impacts at intersections
- Pedestrian and cyclist injuries
- Fatal crashes
Injuries from these accidents tend to be severe and life-altering, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, multiple fractures, internal bleeding, and more.
What Makes Drunk Driving Accidents Different?
Unlike typical auto accidents, drunk driving collisions often involve:
- Clear evidence of negligence driving under the influence is a crime and a breach of legal duty.
- Criminal investigations, which may provide helpful evidence in your civil claim.
- Potential for punitive damages, especially if the driver’s behavior was grossly negligent or involved repeat offenses.
You may also have the right to file a dram shop claim if a bar, restaurant, or alcohol-serving establishment over-served the at-fault driver. These cases require careful legal investigation and are time-sensitive.
What to Do If You’ve Been Hit by a Drunk Driver
Taking the right steps after a drunk driving accident can protect your health and strengthen your case:
- Call 911 immediately and report the accident. Ask that officers perform field sobriety or breathalyzer testing if the other driver shows signs of intoxication.
- Get medical attention even if you feel fine. Injuries can appear hours or days later.
- Document everything:
- Take photos of the scene and both vehicles
- Gather contact info from witnesses
- Keep a copy of the police report
- Take photos of the scene and both vehicles
- Do not speak to the insurance company before talking to a lawyer.
- Contact a Charleston drunk driving accident lawyer as soon as possible.
The earlier you involve legal counsel, the better we can preserve critical evidence especially if there’s a criminal case pending.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Drunk Driving Accident?
Our attorneys will investigate all potential sources of liability, which may include:
- The drunk driver (for negligent and reckless behavior)
- The driver’s employer (if they were on the job at the time)
- A bar, club, or restaurant (for overserving alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person)
- A social host (if the at-fault driver was underage and served alcohol at a private event)
These parties may be held responsible through personal injury or wrongful death claims separate from any criminal penalties the driver may face.
What Damages Can You Recover?
A successful drunk driving accident claim can help you recover:
- Emergency medical costs and long-term treatment
- Lost income and future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Property damage
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Funeral expenses in wrongful death cases
- Punitive damages (intended to punish gross negligence)
At Ted Law Firm, we fight to hold impaired drivers fully accountable—not just financially, but morally. We know no amount of money can undo the trauma, but securing justice can make a real difference in your recovery.
Why Choose Ted Law Firm?
Drunk driving cases aren’t just about car crashes; they’re about accountability, responsibility, and standing up for victims. When you hire Ted Law Firm, you get:
- Experienced trial attorneys who understand both the legal and emotional impact of DUI accidents
- In-depth investigation of police reports, toxicology results, and surveillance footage
- Aggressive negotiation with insurers and corporate entities
- A strong voice in court, if your case goes to trial
- No legal fees unless we win your case
You deserve a team that won’t settle for less than what your case is worth.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Charleston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
At Ted Law Firm, we proudly serve clients across all of South Carolina and Georgia including Charleston, Greenville, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Atlanta. No matter where you are in either state, we’re here to help. And remember: you don’t pay a dime unless we win your case. There’s no risk just experienced support from a team you can trust. You’re in good hands with Ted Law Firm.
