Hilton Head Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Fighting for Justice After Drunk Driving Accidents
Being injured in a drunk driving accident can turn your world upside down. Victims face physical pain, emotional distress, and financial burdens that can feel insurmountable. Medical bills pile up, work may be impossible, and the road to recovery can feel overwhelming. If you or a loved one has been affected by the reckless actions of a drunk driver, you don’t need to face this alone.
At Bauer & Metro, P.C., our Hilton Head drunk driving accident lawyers are here to help you fight for justice and obtain the compensation you deserve. We understand the unique challenges these cases present and are dedicated to holding the responsible parties accountable for their actions. With personalized attention and tireless advocacy, we’ll stand by you every step of the way.
Contact Bauer & Metro, P.C. today at (843) 920-2844 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.
The Dangers of Drunk Driving in South Carolina
Drunk driving remains one of the leading causes of car crashes and fatalities in South Carolina. With alcohol impairing judgment, reaction times, and motor coordination, intoxicated drivers pose a severe risk to everyone on the road. Incidents of driving under the influence often result in behaviors like:
- Reckless Driving: Speeding, tailgating, or otherwise ignoring road safety.
- Failure to Maintain Proper Lane Position: Drifting into opposing lanes or sudden overcorrections.
- Ignoring Traffic Signs and Signals: Failing to stop at red lights or yield signs.
- Driving Without Headlights: Particularly dangerous at night, increasing crash likelihood.
Nearly 40% of traffic deaths in South Carolina involve drunk drivers, making it one of the most dangerous states for alcohol-related crashes. While laws exist to penalize drunk drivers, these penalties don’t address the physical and emotional toll crashes take on victims and their families. This is where experienced legal representation becomes essential.
Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents often occur at high speeds or in scenarios where drivers fail to react to hazards, leading to significant injuries. While every case is unique, common injuries we see include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Concussions, brain contusions, or more severe injuries with lifelong effects.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord that may result in paralysis or limited mobility.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: Arms, legs, ribs, and other bones often bear the brunt of the impact.
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Sudden force can strain or damage tissues in the neck and upper spine.
- Psychological Trauma: Depression, anxiety, and PTSD are frequent emotional consequences of drunk driving incidents.
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving crash, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical care and consult with an attorney to explore your right to compensation.
Types of Compensation for Victims of Drunk Driving
Victims of drunk driving accidents have the right to seek compensation for the damages they’ve incurred as a result of reckless or negligent behavior. Depending on the specifics of your case, this compensation may include:
Economic Damages
- Medical Costs: Ambulance fees, hospital bills, surgery costs, physical therapy, and necessary future care.
- Lost Wages: If your recovery prevents you from returning to work, you may claim lost income and diminished earning capacity.
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle or other possessions damaged in the crash.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the accident and injuries.
- Loss of Consortium: Damages to compensate for the strain incidents like these can have on relationships with loved ones.
Punitive Damages
Unlike economic and non-economic damages, punitive damages serve to punish the drunk driver for their egregious behavior. These damages are especially common in cases of extreme negligence, such as driving with an excessively high blood alcohol content (BAC).
At Bauer & Metro, P.C., we take the time to understand all the ways your life has been impacted to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Why You Need a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Drunk driving accident claims involve multiple layers of complexity, from proving liability to ensuring victims are fairly compensated for all damages they’ve suffered. The insurance company may try to offer a low settlement, but without the assistance of a skilled attorney, you may be pressured into accepting much less than you deserve.
Our team at Bauer & Metro, P.C. handles every aspect of these cases, including:
- Building a Strong Case: Gathering police reports, witness statements, camera footage, and sobriety test results to prove liability.
- Negotiating With Insurers: We’ll handle all communications and fight to maximize your compensation offer.
- Pursuing Dram Shop Liability: If the intoxicated driver was overserved at a bar or restaurant, we may pursue additional claims against these establishments.
- Taking the Case to Trial: If a fair settlement isn’t reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial and advocate on your behalf.
Our attorneys are seasoned in handling these nuanced claims, allowing you to focus on healing while we fight for your rights.
Why Choose Bauer & Metro, P.C.?
Hilton Head residents turn to Bauer & Metro, P.C. because of our commitment to client success and unwavering dedication to justice. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Personalized Service: No two cases are the same, and we provide tailored legal representation based on your individual situation.
- Proven Results: Our attorneys have built a reputation for securing favorable outcomes for accident victims across South Carolina.
- Compassionate Advocacy: We approach every case with care, understanding the emotional and physical toll victims face.
- No Fees Unless We Win: You won’t pay us anything unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
The aftermath of a drunk driving accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it on your own. The Hilton Head drunk driving accident lawyers at Bauer & Metro, P.C. are here to stand by your side and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Together, we can hold the responsible parties accountable and help you move forward after this difficult chapter in your life.
Contact us today at (843) 920-2844 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation with our drunk driving accident attorneys.
