Charleston Injury Attorneys for Passengers Hurt in Drunk Driving Wrecks

Personal Injury Accident Lawyers Serving South Carolina Victims of DUI Drivers

South Carolina grapples with a grim reality on its roads, ranking seventh among states with the most severe drunk driving problems. Indeed, in 2023, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety identified 367 fatal DUI accidents and another 3,372 injured in alcohol-related accidents. Given this reality, the urgency to address passenger safety is more critical than ever. This backdrop sets the stage for understanding the many scenarios in which passengers can become victims of a drunk driver’s negligence, whether seated in the front or back. Injuries range from minor to catastrophic, deeply affecting lives beyond the moment of impact.

Navigating the aftermath of such accidents involves confronting questions about insurance coverage inadequacies and exploring avenues for compensation. It underscores the vital need for skilled advocacy. That’s where the Steinberg Law Firm steps in, offering seasoned guidance for those injured by drunk drivers. With a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding these cases, from pinpointing liability to securing rightful compensation, our focus remains steadfast on championing the rights of those harmed on South Carolina’s roads. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in an accident because of a drunk driver, contact the Steinberg Law Firm at (843) 720-2800.

Rate of Drunk Driving Accidents Involving Passengers 

In South Carolina, Charleston, Berkeley Counties, and Dorchester stand out for their drunk driving-related passenger injuries and fatalities. The most recent South Carolina Department of Public Safety data paints a concerning picture.

Statewide Collision Data

Total Collisions in South Carolina for 2021

• Fatal Accidents: There were 1,112 fatal collisions.
• Serious Injury Accidents: The state also recorded 2,392 collisions that resulted in serious injuries.

Casualties

• Deaths: The year saw 86 passengers lose their lives in various accidents.
• Serious Injuries: Approximately 583 passengers sustained serious injuries during the same period.

Alcohol and Drug-Related Causes

• Fatal Accidents: Of the fatal collisions, 233 involved a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Serious Injury Accidents: There were 2,422 serious injury accidents where the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The available data does not specify whether the passengers injured were in the vehicle with the impaired driver or in another vehicle involved in the collision.

This data underscores the critical need for heightened awareness and stricter enforcement of laws against driving under the influence to enhance road safety in South Carolina.

County Data

Charleston County

• Total Fatalities: From January 2023 to May 2024, the county recorded 72 deaths due to car accidents, illustrating a significant safety concern.
• Alcohol or Drug-related deaths: 21 of these fatalities involved an impaired driver. 
• Non-Fatal Collisions Involving Drugs or Alcohol: There were 330 such incidents, pointing to a high incidence of substance influence.
• Passenger Casualties: 5 passengers were killed, and 51 passengers suffered serious injuries in accidents involving an impaired driver.

Berkeley County

• Total Fatalities: The county saw 60 fatalities. 
• Alcohol or Drug-related deaths: Alcohol or drugs were a factor in 11 of these fatalities.
• Non-Fatal Collisions Involving Drugs or Alcohol: There were 262 non-fatal accidents involving drugs.
• Passenger Casualties: 1 passenger was killed, and 66 passengers incurred serious injuries. 

Dorchester County 

• Total Fatalities: 22 total fatal collisions 
• Alcohol or Drug-related deaths: There were 9 deaths involving alcohol.
• Non-Fatal Collisions Involving Drugs or Alcohol: The county reported 128 such incidents.
• Passenger Casualties: 4 people were killed, and 17 sustained serious injuries.

These statistics not only reflect the tragic loss and suffering caused by drunk driving but also the broader challenge of ensuring road safety in South Carolina. 

Passenger Injuries Caused by Drunk Drivers 

In light of South Carolina’s rate of drunk driving accidents, passengers may find themselves at significant risk, often caught in the crosshairs of preventable tragedies. The personal injury lawyers at the Steinberg Law Firm have extensive firsthand experience in understanding how these accidents unfold and the devastation they leave in their wake. 

There are various ways that a passenger may suffer injuries because of a drunk driver. One common scenario involves a collision at an intersection, where a drunk driver fails to observe a stop sign or red light, plowing into the side of another vehicle. This side-impact, or T-bone, collision is particularly dangerous for passengers, who may suffer severe injuries due to the direct intrusion of the impacting vehicle into their personal space. Another frequent occurrence is the head-on collision, often resulting from a driver veering into oncoming traffic. These accidents are catastrophic, subjecting passengers to extreme forces and, consequently, extreme injuries.

Additionally, rollover accidents present a unique danger, especially for those not wearing seatbelts. Caused by sharp turns at high speeds or clipping another vehicle, rollovers can lead to passengers being ejected from the car, significantly increasing the risk of fatal injuries. Lastly, rear-end collisions, while seemingly less severe, can cause significant whiplash or spinal injuries to passengers, particularly if the drunk driver is traveling at a high speed. Also, passengers of a car where the driver is driving drunk may also sustain serious head and neck injuries.  

Types of Injuries from Drunk Driving Accidents: Front vs. Rear Seat Risks

In the wake of a drunk driving incident, the range of injuries passengers can sustain significantly varies depending on their seating position within the vehicle. The South Carolina car accident attorneys at the Steinberg Law Firm understand these distinctions, as they play a crucial role in legal strategies and advocating for just compensation.

Front Seat Passengers

Front seat passengers, despite being closer to many of the vehicle’s safety features, like airbags, are at a heightened risk. The risk of death for front-seat passengers is, on average, 21% higher compared to those seated in the rear. Severe injuries may include:

• Traumatic brain injuries due to head-on collisions or impact with the windshield;
• Chest and abdominal injuries from the force against seat belts or airbags; and
• Leg and foot injuries from the crumple zones in frontal impacts.

Rear Seat Passengers

The rear seat is notably safer for passengers, but injuries sustained in the back of the car tend to include the following:

• Whiplash and spinal injuries are more common in rear-end collisions;
• Concussions or less severe head injuries, given the increased distance from impact points; and
• Lower extremity injuries in high-impact scenarios where the vehicle’s front crumples into the rear seating area.

The disparity in injury types underscores the necessity for tailored legal representation following a drunk driving accident. Front and rear-seat passengers face different risks and outcomes, significantly influencing the approach to seeking compensation. According to the NHTSA, 32% of crash fatalities were due to a drunk driver. The Steinberg Law Firm effectively handles these types of complex cases, ensuring that every client’s unique circumstances are thoroughly represented in their pursuit of justice and recovery.

Insufficient Coverage and Available Payments After a Charleston DUI Crash

If you are injured as a passenger by a drunk driver in South Carolina, and the driver’s insurance does not fully cover your damages, there are multiple ways to secure the compensation you need for recovery. 

Medical Payments Coverage/Personal Injury Protection

Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay) and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) are vital for covering immediate medical costs after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. While these terms are often used interchangeably in South Carolina, there are some differences. Typically, MedPay focuses solely on medical expenses, and PIP extends to cover other losses, such as lost wages. Check your insurance policy to determine your available coverage, and consider using these benefits to offset your expenses early in your recovery process.

Suing a Charleston Bar or Restaurant 

If a bar, restaurant, or other establishment overserved alcohol to the drunk driver, you can file a claim against that business under South Carolina’s Dram Shop laws. These laws specifically hold alcohol vendors responsible if they serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals or minors who then cause accidents. Pursuing a Dram Shop claim can be viable for securing compensation when the driver’s insurance coverage falls short.

Underinsured and Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Tapping into your own protective policies can provide you with additional coverage in the event you were injured in an accident caused by a driver who was underinsured or uninsured. However, while South Carolina requires drivers to have uninsured motorist (UM) insurance coverage, it does not require underinsured motorist coverage (UIM). Further, the minimum amount of UIM coverage that’s required under state law is just $25,000 bodily injury per person / $50,000 bodily injury per accident, which may not cover all your damages. Thus, accident victims are encouraged to secure more than the bare minimum amount of required insurance. 

Pursuing Compensation from At Fault Parties

You should consider all responsible parties when seeking compensation. Whether you are the passenger of a car and the driver is driving drunk, or you are involved in a car accident with a drunk driver, you have the right to pursue a claim for the person(s) at fault. A driver’s uninsured motorist coverage (UM) can provide financial support for bodily injuries in a minimum amount of $25,000. This coverage is required by law in South Carolina. If a driver has additional coverage, such as underinsured motorist coverage and umbrella insurance, you may be able to seek compensation for your medical expenses. 

Navigating these options can be complex, and securing fair compensation often requires legal assistance. Contacting a personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and the steps necessary to fully cover your medical costs, lost wages, and other damages. They can guide you through filing a personal injury claim, initiating a Dram shop claim, or dealing with insurance adjusters from multiple insurers. Remember, you don’t have to navigate this tough time alone; professional legal help can be crucial in securing the compensation you deserve.

Why You Should Contact a Steinberg Law Firm Car Accident Attorney

Contacting a Steinberg Law Firm car accident attorney after an accident can not only help you obtain compensation for your injuries but also provide you with much-needed support through your recovery process. The following are a few ways we’ll help with your case:

Legal Knowledge: The attorneys at the Steinberg Law Firm have extensive experience handling car accident cases and possess a deep understanding of the legal system and the complexities of personal injury law. 

No Upfront Costs: Our personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. This arrangement allows you to pursue justice and compensation without risking a financial burden.

Reducing Stress: Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. Hiring an attorney can alleviate the stress of legal procedures and allow you to focus on your recovery.

Investigative Resources: Our firm has access to resources that will allow us to investigate your accident thoroughly. This includes hiring accident reconstruction experts when necessary, obtaining surveillance footage, and gathering witness statements. This comprehensive approach can strengthen your case.

Negotiation Skills: Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts to accident victims. A seasoned attorney with the Steinberg Law Firm will negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement. If negotiations fail, we are prepared to take the case to trial.

Avoiding Pitfalls: The legal system is complex, and mistakes can be costly. Our attorneys can help you avoid common pitfalls, such as missing filing deadlines or saying something that could harm your case.

Maximizing Compensation: An experienced car accident attorney can help you receive fair compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses. We understand how to calculate economic and non-economic damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Comprehensive Support: From legal representation to emotional support, a car accident attorney with the Steinberg Law Firm can guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your rights are protected and your needs are met.

Have You Been Injured as a Passenger in a Drunk Driving Charleston Accident?

If you or a loved one was recently injured or killed in a South Carolina drunk driving accident while riding as a passenger, the Steinberg Law Firm is here for you. Our Charleston passenger injury lawyers have over 95 years of experience aggressively advocating for accident victims and their families. We’ve worked hard to maintain our five-star Google rating. We have three convenient locations in Charleston, Summerville, and Goose Creek, all staffed by our seasoned attorneys. To learn more and schedule a free consultation with a passenger injury attorney today, call the Steinberg Law Firm at 843-720-2800. You can also connect with us through our secure online contact form.