Being hit by a drunk driver can turn an ordinary day into a life-altering event. These crashes often happen without warning and tend to cause serious injuries because impaired drivers fail to brake, swerve, or react in time.
If you were injured by a drunk driver in Columbia or anywhere in South Carolina, you may be dealing with medical treatment, time away from work, and ongoing pain. The Law Office of Joshua P. Golson, LLC represents injury victims harmed by impaired drivers and helps them pursue compensation through civil claims.
Why Drunk Driving Accidents Cause Severe Injuries
Alcohol affects judgment, reaction time, coordination, and vision. When a driver is impaired, crashes are more likely to involve:
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High speeds
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Head-on impacts
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Failure to stop at lights or intersections
Because drunk drivers often do not attempt to avoid a collision, victims absorb the full force of the crash. This is why DUI accidents frequently lead to long-term or permanent injuries.
Common Injuries After Being Hit by a Drunk Driver
Drunk driving accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, many of which require extended medical care.
Whiplash and Neck Injuries
Rear-end and sudden-impact crashes often lead to whiplash. Victims may experience neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and limited movement that can last months.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Even with seatbelts, the head can strike a window, steering wheel, or headrest. Concussions and more serious brain injuries can affect memory, mood, balance, and concentration.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Damage to the spine can lead to chronic pain, nerve damage, reduced mobility, or paralysis. These injuries often require surgery, physical therapy, and long-term care.
Broken Bones and Orthopedic Injuries
Arms, legs, ribs, hips, and shoulders are commonly fractured in drunk driving crashes. Some injuries require surgical repair and limit a person’s ability to work or care for themselves.
Internal Injuries
High-impact crashes can damage organs such as the liver, lungs, or spleen. These injuries may not be obvious at the scene and can become life-threatening without prompt treatment.
Civil Claims After Being Hit by a Drunk Driver
A drunk driving accident often involves both a criminal case and a civil injury claim. While criminal charges focus on punishing the driver, a civil claim is about helping the injured person recover financially and emotionally.
In South Carolina, you may be able to bring a personal injury claim even if the driver was never convicted of DUI. Evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and alcohol testing can still support your case. These claims focus on showing that the driver’s impairment caused the crash and your injuries.
Compensation Available in Drunk Driving Injury Cases
Being injured by a drunk driver often creates financial pressure on top of physical pain. A successful injury claim may help cover medical treatment, future care needs, lost income, and the impact the injury has had on your daily life.
In drunk driving cases, South Carolina law may also allow punitive damages. These are meant to address especially reckless behavior and may apply when a driver knowingly put others in danger by driving while impaired.
How Our Firm Helps Drunk Driving Accident Victims
The Law Office of Joshua P. Golson, LLC works with injured clients throughout Columbia and across South Carolina. We handle the legal process from start to finish, including investigating the crash, working with insurance companies, and building a case that reflects the full impact of your injuries.
We focus on clear communication and practical guidance so you know what is happening at every stage of your case. Our goal is to help you move forward while we handle the legal work.
Speak With a Columbia Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
If you were injured because someone chose to drive drunk, you deserve answers and support. The steps you take now can affect your health and your legal options. Contact the Law Office of Joshua P. Golson, LLC to schedule a free consultation. We can review your situation, explain your options, and help you decide what comes next.
