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Even though drunk driving is illegal, many motorists still drive while intoxicated. Some manage to get to their destinations safely. However, drunk driving generally causes major accidents.
If you were in a drunk driving car accident in Fort Mill that resulted in severe injuries, you could file a lawsuit against the intoxicated motorist. Get in touch with an experienced auto accident attorney to begin discussing your potential case.
DUI Laws for Fort Mill Drivers
It is illegal to drive a car with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher in South Carolina. Any driver who gets behind the wheel of a vehicle automatically consents to alcohol tests if they are pulled over by police or involved in an accident. Drivers who refuse to take sobriety tests subsequently violate implied consent mandates and face penalties.
The outcome of a DUI case does not necessarily impact a civil claim. However, a dedicated drunk driving car accident attorney could request a copy of the police report and cite the defendant’s BAC or refusal to undergo sobriety testing in legal proceedings.
Common Examples of Intoxicated Driving Wrecks
Intoxicated drivers can cause a range of accidents that result in severe if not fatal injuries. Among the most common are head-on collisions. This type of accident might happen when a drunk driver veers across the center line on the highway into oncoming traffic. A head-on crash might also stem from a driver using the on-ramp instead of the off-ramp. Alcohol impairs vision and reaction times, which can make staying in the correct lane and reading signs challenging.
Rear-end collisions are also common with intoxicated drivers, as they have a delayed reaction time. Impaired vision and reaction times can also cause a drunk motorist to strike a pedestrian with their vehicle. Pedestrians have nothing to protect them and can suffer life-altering injuries. No matter what type of drunk driving accident an individual is injured in, it is crucial to speak with a Fort Mill attorney.
Forms of Evidence in a Drunk Driving Accident Claim
In addition to the police report, it is beneficial to have other forms of evidence to strengthen the plaintiff’s claim. Common types of evidence include:
- Photos
- Dashcam footage
- Traffic camera footage
- Medical records
- Medical bills
Witness statements can also play a large role in a claim. Other drivers may recall the defendant acting belligerent toward the police officer or plaintiff. Likewise, an individual may remember seeing the defendant leaving a bar and getting into their car. A skilled lawyer understands the types of evidence that are useful in intoxicated auto accident claims.
Reach Out to an Attorney if You Were Involved in Drunk Driving Car Accident in Fort Mill
Getting hit by an intoxicated driver can significantly alter the course of your life. Drunk driving accidents in Fort Mill can result in long-term injuries, significant property damage, and emotional trauma. The consequences of these types of accidents are severe, which is why you should speak with a lawyer right away. Contact Schiller & Hamilton today to get started.