The dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol are well documented. Drunk driving accidents are extremely damaging. The consequences of one person’s bad decision can leave a victim with significant injuries, financial damages, and strain on every area of their life.

The Columbia drunk driving accident lawyers of Woron and Dhillon, LLC are committed to representing people who have been injured because of the careless actions of others. We can assist you with filing a claim and will help you recover the compensation you deserve.

To schedule a free consultation with our Columbia drunk driving accident lawyer, send us a message or call (803) 626-1345.

Drunk Driving Accident Statistics

Although most people know that drunk driving is dangerous, the behavior is surprisingly common. Despite the facts, many people feel that they will not be another statistic. Statistics, however, show just how many people make the decision to drive, illegally, while under the influence of alcohol.

Approximately 10,511 people died in drunk driving accidents in 2018, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The equates to about 30 people dying every single day, or one death every 50 minutes. The impact of losing a loved one because of the carelessness and recklessness of a drunk driver can be devastating. Holding drunk drivers accountable is a difficult but important journey to undertake,

What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident

Following a drunk driving accident, you must follow the same steps you should follow after any collision: Get medical care as soon as possible, report the accident, speak to witnesses, and take photos of the accident scene if you are able to do so. However, it may be more difficult to complete some of these necessary steps if the other driver was under the influence.

Can You Report a Drunk Driver After They’ve Left?

The simple answer is yes. The drunk driver may drive away after the collision, could be incoherent, or they may be unwilling to give you their insurance information. This can complicate the claims process. If you report the accident, the police may be able to recover this information. Or, you could be contacted by the insurance company if the at-fault driver does eventually speak to them.

How Does the Insurance Process Work?

South Carolina is a fault-based state. Therefore, people who are injured in car accidents must file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company in order to recover compensation.

Typically, the people who were involved in a collision will exchange information. If you were not at fault for the accident, you will contact the other driver’s insurance company or wait for them to contact you. Filing a claim will involve providing information about the events of the accident and your injuries.

If you were injured by a drunk driver, you may not receive the other driver’s information right away. Again, it is possible that their insurance company will contact you later on. If not, you may need to rely on the police to recover this information. Your own insurance policy could potentially cover the damages if you have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, personal injury protection, or another plan that accounts for your own losses. If you do not receive insurance coverage, you may be able to pursue legal action.