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Being involved in a car accident can be frightening and confusing, especially if there was a drunk driver involved. You may feel some satisfaction knowing that the impaired driver will likely face criminal penalties, but those consequences do not address how the accident affected your health and well-being.
Through a civil lawsuit, you could seek financial compensation for the losses you suffered after the drunk driving accident in York County. Consider working with York County car accident lawyer at Schiller & Hamilton to file a personal injury claim against the reckless driver.
Common Injuries Sustained in Drunk Driving Crashes
Some car accidents may result in minor damages to the vehicles and manageable injuries such as abrasions or bruises. However, that is generally not the case when there is an intoxicated motorist involved. Drunk drivers generally have impaired vision, decreased reaction time, and limited motor function.
Impaired drivers may not be able to take evasive action to avoid a collision. Additionally, they may be so intoxicated that they fall asleep behind the wheel. Consequently, drunk driving accidents are often more severe than other types of crashes. Common injuries following an alcohol-related accident include:
- Lacerations
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Head trauma
- Spinal damage
Treating these severe injuries may require costly medical care, prolonged hospital stays, and rehabilitation. While recuperating, those harmed may not be able to work or attend school, and they may need assistance with general hygiene and everyday tasks in both the short and lengthy processes of recovery.
In the most severe cases, these injuries can be fatal. A local attorney familiar with drunk driving collisions may help the injured and their families understand and streamline the process of reaching out to insurance companies and filing a lawsuit if necessary.
Collecting Compensation from the Intoxicated Motorist
The consequences of being in a car accident involving an intoxicated driver could extend far beyond physical injuries. A person may also suffer emotional, psychological, and financial losses. Those suffering from such trauma do not need to shoulder the burden alone.
The first step in seeking compensation is filing a claim with the other driver’s insurance company. If that process is not successful, accident victims and their families may choose to turn to the legal system.
Settling with Insurance Companies
Filing an insurance claim and obtaining a satisfactory payout may be challenging. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, so despite their contractual obligations to pay for accidents arising under their policies, they often push back on injury claims.
The initial settlements they offer are often inadequate, so you should not accept any money before speaking with a lawyer. A skilled York County attorney could represent injured claimants while negotiating with insurance companies from start to finish.
Time Limitations for Filing a Legal Claim in York County
In the event that both parties cannot agree on a settlement, a lawyer experienced in intoxicated driving accident cases could file a complaint with the court system to seek compensation.
While initiating a lawsuit to recover damages is an option, injured parties may only do this within a limited amount of time. South Carolina Code § 15-3-530(5) requires individuals who suffer personal injuries to file complaints within three years of the incident.
The court will dismiss the case if the plaintiff fails to raise their allegations under this statute of limitation within the window. It is best to act quickly to avoid missing the opportunity to recover compensation.
Seek Legal Help for Your York County Drunk Driving Accident Case
Healing from your physical injuries following a drunk driving accident can be overwhelmed. If you wish to pursue a legal claim, you may need help from a qualified law firm. Let our team of lawyers handle your case and seek compensation on your behalf. Please call us today to schedule an initial consultation and discuss your claim.