On This page
    The driver sits behind the wheel, holding an alcoholic beverage, breaking the law by drinking while driving.

    Days before Christmas, a Coast Guard veteran was driving home from the grocery store on Miles Jamison Road in Summerville when his life changed forever. At the intersection of Arbor Road, a drunk driver ran a stop sign, causing a devastating collision that left the veteran with months of medical treatment and permanent injuries. Unsure what to do next, the victim turned to Joye Law Firm, where Attorney William Asche successfully negotiated a $340,000 settlement by arguing that the victim should receive punitive damages for the driver’s reckless behavior.

    READ THE FULL CASE STUDY

    At Joye Law Firm, we understand the pain and uncertainty you’re facing, and we have a proven track record of helping victims receive the compensation they deserve. A Summerville drunk driving accident lawyer from our firm can help you recover compensation for your medical bills and other losses. You deserve justice and a legal team that fights for you every step of the way. Let us review your case for free and discuss your legal options.

    Why Choose Joye Law Firm for Your Summerville Drunk Driving Accident Claim?

    Areas like Hutchinson Square, the popular downtown district, and the lively stretch of restaurants and bars along North Main Street are common spots to gather with friends and family. Unfortunately, some people may make the reckless decision to get behind the wheel after a night of drinking. These accidents often leave innocent people dealing with serious injuries, emotional trauma, and financial stress.

    When you’re hurt by a drunk driver in Dorchester County, you need a law firm that knows the area and knows how to win. That’s Joye Law Firm. We’ve served South Carolina since 1968, and we’ve recovered millions for drunk driving victims. From downtown Summerville to Nexton, we know this community inside and out.

    But it’s not just about our track record with car accident cases. It’s about how we treat you. At Joye Law Firm, you’re not just a case number, you’re our neighbor. We’ll give you the personal attention you deserve, stand firm against insurance companies’ efforts to avoid responsibility, and work tirelessly to get you the compensation you need. Remember, because of our No Fee Guarantee, you don’t pay unless we win. Why not give us a call? Let’s sit down, talk about your case, and see how we can help you move forward to a brighter future.

    How Common Are Drunk Driving Accidents in South Carolina

    Drunk driving is a big problem, not just here in Summerville, but across South Carolina and the U.S. It’s scary to think about, but about 28 people lose their lives every day in drunk driving crashes nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

    Right here in South Carolina, our Department of Public Safety says they’re arresting around 22,000 drunk drivers each year. Even more worrying? Our state ranks 10th for alcohol-related traffic deaths, even though we’re only the 23rd largest state by population. Those numbers recently went up by 14 percent in just one year.

    We know this is a tough time for you. If you’re not sure what to do next, give us a call. We’ve helped lots of people just like you get back on their feet after drunk driving crashes. Let’s talk about your situation and figure out how to move forward. You don’t have to face this alone.

    Should I Accept the First Offer from the Insurance Company After a Drunk Driving Crash?

    Mark Joye sitting at his desk

    It’s tempting to take that first offer from the insurance company. After all, you’ve got bills piling up, and you’re not sure what to do next. Here’s the thing—that first offer is usually way less than what you really deserve.

    Insurance companies are in business to make money. They often try to settle quickly and cheaply, but drunk driving crashes can cause serious, long-lasting injuries. You might not even know the full extent of your injuries or how they’ll affect your life down the road.

    Here’s why it’s smart to talk to a lawyer before accepting any offer:

    • We know the real value of your claim, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering add up fast.
    • We can spot lowball offers. What looks good now might not cover your future needs.
    • We’re skilled negotiators. We can often get you a much better deal than that first offer.
    •  We’re ready to go to court if needed. Insurance companies know our reputation in the courtroom and it can lead to better offers.
    • You get peace of mind. With our help, you can be confident you’re getting a fair deal for what you’ve been through.

    Remember, you only get one shot at compensation. Don’t sell yourself short. Let’s talk about your case and make sure you’re treated fairly. It won’t cost you anything to get our advice.

    Criminal DUI Charges vs. Personal Injury Claims

    If you’ve been hurt by a drunk driver, you’re probably feeling angry, scared, and overwhelmed. We get it, and we want you to know that you have options. While the police can charge the driver with a DUI, you can also hold them accountable in civil court. That means you might be able to get money to help with your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.

    Here’s a closer look at the two different legal processes that often come into play in a drunk driving accident:

    Criminal DUI Charges:

    • These are brought by the state against the drunk driver
    • The goal is to punish the driver and deter future drunk driving
    • Can result in fines, license suspension, or jail time for the driver
    • You’re not directly involved, but you might be asked to testify
    • The outcome doesn’t directly compensate you for your injuries

    Personal Injury Claims:

    • This is a civil case you can bring against the drunk driver
    • The goal is to get you money to cover your losses
    • Can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more
    • You (with your lawyer) are in control of this process
    • The outcome is focused on making you “whole” financially

    Even if a criminal court doesn’t convict the drunk driver, you can still win your personal injury case. The standards of proof differ. While the criminal case might wrap up quickly, your personal injury claim might take longer. That’s because we want to make sure we understand the full extent of your injuries and how much compensation you’re owed before settling.

    Don’t worry about figuring all this out on your own. That’s what we’re here for. We’ll guide you through the personal injury claims process and fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Want to know more about how this applies to your situation? Give us a call at (888) 324-3100, and we’ll walk you through it.

    What Compensation is Available to Drunk Driving Accident Victims?

    After a drunk driver hits you in Summerville, you’ve got enough on your plate. Medical bills, missed work, pain—it all adds up fast. That’s why the law allows you to seek compensation for your losses.

    Here’s what you might recover:

    • Medical Expenses: Including all your current medical bills, costs for future treatments you might need, and rehabilitation and therapy expenses.
    • Lost Wages or Income: Pay you’ve already missed from work as well as future earnings if you can’t return to your job.
    • Property Damage: Repairs or replacement for your vehicle plus any other personal property damaged in the crash.
    • Pain and Suffering: This includes compensation for the physical pain from your injuries and emotional distress and mental anguish.
    • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If you can’t do activities you used to love.
    • Wrongful Death: Sadly, some drunk driving crashes are fatal. If you’ve lost a loved one, you can file a wrongful death claim. This could help cover funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and other damages. 

    Remember, every case is different. The amount you can recover depends on the specific details of your situation. Insurance companies often try to lowball victims, especially in drunk driving cases where liability is clear.

    That’s why you need a lawyer. The drunk driving accident lawyers at Joye Law Firm know how to calculate the true value of your claim, including future costs you might not have thought about. We’ll fight to make sure you get every penny you deserve.

    Want to know what your case might be worth? Let’s talk. We’ll review your situation for free and give you honest advice about your options. You’ve already been through so much—let us do the legal legwork so you can focus on healing.

    What Is the Deadline for Filing a Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit in Summerville, SC?

    Time can feel like it’s slipping away when you’re dealing with painful injuries, doctor’s appointments, and trying to get your life back on track. Here’s something you need to know: There’s a strict time limit for filing a lawsuit after a drunk driving crash.

    In South Carolina, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is called the statute of limitations.

    Three years might sound like a long time, but it can sneak up on you fast. Here’s why you shouldn’t wait:

    • Evidence can disappear or memories can fade
    • Witnesses might become harder to find
    • Your injuries might turn out to be more serious than you first thought

    If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to sue forever. That means no compensation, no matter how strong your case is.

    There are a few exceptions that might give you more time, such as if the victim is a minor. But don’t count on these exceptions. It’s always best to start the process as soon as possible.

    On the other hand, if your crash involved a government agent, you may have even less time to file a claim. When you work with us, we’ll make sure all the paperwork is filed on time. We’ll keep track of deadlines, so you don’t have to worry about them.

    Summerville Drunk Driving Accident FAQs

    Summerville Drunk Driving Accident

    How soon after a drunk driving accident should I contact a lawyer?

    Contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a drunk driving accident. The sooner we can start working on your case, the better. We can preserve evidence, deal with insurance companies, and make sure you don’t miss any important deadlines. Plus, early legal advice can prevent you from making mistakes that might hurt your case later on.

    What if the drunk driver who hit me doesn’t have insurance?

    Don’t lose hope if the drunk driver is uninsured. You might still have options:

    • Your own insurance coverage could help
    • We can investigate whether a bar or restaurant over-served the driver
    • The driver’s personal assets might be available in a lawsuit

    Every case is different, so let’s talk about your situation. We might find options you didn’t know you had.

    Can I still get compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?

    Yes, you can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault. South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means as long as you’re not more than 50% responsible for the crash, you can still get compensation.

    How much does it cost to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer?

    It doesn’t cost anything upfront to hire us. We work on our exclusive “No Fee Guarantee” contingency basis. This means we only get paid attorney’s fees if we win your case. Our fee comes as a percentage of your settlement or court award. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us anything for our time. This way, everyone can afford top-notch legal representation.

    What should I do if the insurance company calls me after the accident?

    Be careful when talking to the insurance company. They might seem friendly, but remember, their job is to pay out as little as possible.

    Here’s what to do:

    • Don’t give a recorded statement without talking to a lawyer first
    • Don’t accept their first offer—it’s usually low
    • Don’t sign anything without having a lawyer review it
    • Do tell them you’re getting legal representation

    The best thing to do is let us handle all communication with the insurance company. We know their tactics and how to protect your rights. Give us a call, and we’ll take that stress off your shoulders.

    Contact the Summerville Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers at Joye Law Firm Today

    Dealing with the fallout of a drunk driving accident in Summerville is tough. You’re hurting, you’re stressed, and you might not know where to turn. That’s where we come in.

    At Joye Law Firm, we’ve helped people like you since 1968. We’re not just lawyers—we’re your neighbors, and we care about getting you back on your feet. Here’s how a drunk driving accident lawyer from Joye Law Firm can help:

    • We’ll investigate your crash thoroughly, gathering evidence to build a strong case
    • We’ll handle all the paperwork and deadlines, so you don’t have to worry
    • We’ll negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation
    • If needed, we’ll take your case to court and fight for you
    • We’ll connect you with medical professionals to help with your recovery
    • We’ll be there to answer your questions and support you every step of the way

    Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone. We’re here to listen, to guide you, and to fight for the compensation you deserve. And you don’t pay attorney’s fees unless we win your case.

    Ready to take the next step? Contact us today at (888) 324-3100, through our online form, or drop by our convenient Summerville office. We’ll set up a free, no-obligation consultation to talk about your case. Let’s work together to get your life back on track. At Joye Law Firm, we’re not just here to handle your case—we’re here to make a difference in your life.

    Contact Us
    Scenes from Joye Law Firm's Columbia office in May of 2024.