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Driving under the influence poses a risk to the intoxicated driver, passengers, and anyone else on the road. Operating a truck while drunk is even more dangerous given the size and weight of the vehicle.
If you were injured in a drunk driving truck accident in Beaufort our legal team at Schiller & Hamilton can help your fight for compensation. Do not hesitate to seek legal counsel from one of our skilled Beaufort truck accident attorneys.
What are the Drunk Driving Laws in Beaufort?
In South Carolina, motorists cannot legally operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Drivers who are caught drinking and driving can be charged with Driving With an Unlawful Alcohol Concentration (DUAC) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI). Commercial truck drivers may face even harsher consequences.
When an officer reports to the scene of an accident, they can administer a field sobriety test if they believe the at-fault driver is impaired. The officer may also perform a breathalyzer. Law enforcement officers will take the results of the field sobriety test and breath test into consideration when issuing any tickets.
While a civil claim is separate from a criminal case, an experienced personal injury attorney in Beaufort could help an injured party obtain the defendant’s BAC information from the truck accident report.
Potential Injuries After a Drunk Driving Truck Wreck
Intoxicated truckers can cause devastating accidents. Due to the size and weight of a typical tractor-trailer, the occupants of the smaller car are likely to suffer the most severe injuries in a collision. After an accident caused by an intoxicated trucker, injured Beaufort resident may experience severe injuries such as:
- Broken bones
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord damage
- Brain trauma
- Severe burns
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
Many of these injuries may be considered catastrophic. Plaintiffs with life-altering injuries should work with a seasoned lawyer who could fight for their right to compensation.
Types of Damages Available to the Plaintiff
After a vehicle collision involving a drunk truck driver, a legal professional could help an injured party request compensation for medical care, lost wages, property damages, and any other economic losses related to the accident.
A dedicated lawyer could also help a plaintiff seek compensation for non-economic losses. Non-economic damages are those related to the trauma the plaintiff has experienced. This type of compensation can cover physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
If the plaintiff experiences symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to the accident, a legal representative could help them pursue compensation for that as well. Additionally, an injured party may be eligible for punitive damages, which are used to punish egregious behavior.
Call A Beaufort Lawyer After a Drunk Driving Truck Accident
Drunk driving is not only illegal, but it is incredibly unsafe. If a negligent truck driver harmed you in an intoxicated driving accident, you have legal rights. The lawyers at Schiller & Hamilton could help you file a civil claim and pursue compensation. Contact us today to discuss your legal options following a drunk driving truck accident in Beaufort.