Being injured in a car accident is stressful enough. When the crash is caused by a drunk driver, the situation becomes even more upsetting. Drunk driving accidents often lead to serious injuries, long recovery times, and lasting effects on your work, finances, and daily life.
If you were hurt by an intoxicated driver in South Carolina, you may have legal options beyond a basic insurance claim. The Law Office of Joshua P. Golson, LLC helps accident victims understand their rights and pursue compensation for the harm they’ve suffered.
Drunk Driving Accidents Often Cause Severe Injuries
Alcohol slows reaction time, affects judgment, and reduces a driver’s ability to respond to road conditions. Because of this, drunk driving accidents often involve:
- High speeds
- Failure to brake or swerve
- Head-on or T-bone collisions
- Running red lights or stop signs
These factors increase the force of impact, making injuries more serious than those seen in many other crashes. Victims are often left dealing with physical pain, emotional stress, and unexpected medical bills.
Common Injuries Caused by Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving crashes can cause a wide range of injuries, from moderate to life-changing. Some of the most common include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Head injuries are common when a crash involves sudden impact. Even a mild concussion can cause memory problems, headaches, and trouble focusing. More serious brain injuries may lead to long-term cognitive or emotional changes.
Spinal Cord and Back Injuries
Damage to the spine can affect movement, strength, and sensation. Herniated discs, nerve damage, and spinal cord injuries often require ongoing treatment and may limit a person’s ability to work or enjoy daily activities.
Broken Bones and Fractures
Arms, legs, ribs, and facial bones are frequently injured in drunk driving accidents. Some fractures heal with time, while others require surgery, physical therapy, or leave lasting pain.
Internal Injuries
Blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding or damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, or lungs. These injuries are not always obvious right away and may become serious if not treated promptly.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Whiplash, muscle tears, and ligament damage can cause ongoing discomfort and limit mobility. These injuries often interfere with work and everyday routines.
Emotional and Psychological Harm
Being hit by a drunk driver can also affect mental health. Anxiety, sleep problems, and fear of driving are common after a serious crash. Emotional harm matters and should not be ignored.
Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident Injury
If you were injured by a drunk driver, what you do next can affect your ability to recover compensation.
Seek Medical Care
Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries take time to appear, and medical records help connect your injuries to the accident.
Document Everything
Keep copies of medical bills, treatment records, and missed work time. Photos of injuries and damage can also support your claim.
Avoid Speaking With Insurance Adjusters Alone
Insurance companies may try to minimize your injuries or push for a quick settlement. Having legal guidance helps protect your interests.
Contact Our Firm
Speaking with an experienced South Carolina accident lawyer early helps preserve evidence and build a stronger case.
Why Having an Experienced Attorney Matters in Drunk Driving Injury Cases
Accidents involving drunk drivers often involve more than one legal issue. In addition to the at-fault driver, there may be other parties involved, such as bars or hosts in certain situations.
An experienced attorney can help by:
- Investigating the crash and gathering evidence
- Reviewing police reports and toxicology results
- Handling insurance negotiations
- Calculating the full impact of your injuries
- Pursuing compensation for medical costs, lost income, and pain
Drunk driving injury cases can move quickly, and deadlines apply. Having the right legal team helps ensure nothing is overlooked.
Compensation Available After a Drunk Driving Accident
Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Emergency and ongoing medical care
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- Pain and emotional distress
- Long-term or permanent injuries
Our firm focuses on understanding how your injuries affect your life now and in the future, not just the immediate aftermath of the crash.
How the Law Office of Joshua P. Golson Can Help You Move Forward
The Law Office of Joshua P. Golson, LLC represents injured clients throughout South Carolina. We take the time to understand your situation, explain your options, and fight for fair outcomes.
We know how disruptive drunk driving accidents can be, and we work closely with our clients to pursue accountability and compensation.
If you were injured by a drunk driver in South Carolina, contact the Law Office of Joshua P. Golson, LLC today. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to learn how our firm can help you take the next step toward recovery.
