Fighting for Victims of Impaired Driving

South Carolina DUI Accident Victim Lawyer

Hold Reckless Drivers Accountable for the Damage They Cause

Hit by a Drunk Driver in South Carolina? You May Recover More Than You Think.

A car accident is a tragedy, but a DUI accident is a preventable crime. When a driver chooses to get behind the wheel while impaired by alcohol or drugs, they aren’t just breaking the law—they are gambling with your life.

At The Law Offices of David L. Hood, we believe that victims of drunk and drugged driving deserve more than just an apology; they deserve justice and full financial accountability. For over 30 years, our legal team has stood by South Carolina families as they navigate the aftermath of these devastating collisions. We understand that while the state handles the criminal prosecution of the driver, it is our job to fight the civil battle to ensure your medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma are fully compensated.

Police officer speaking with a driver seated in a red car during a roadside traffic stop
Why DUI Accidents

Require Specialized Legal Action

Police car with lights flashing at nighttime accident scene, illustrating South Carolina personal injury cases

Impaired driving cases are distinct from standard personal injury claims because the negligence is often gross or even criminal. This allows us to pursue unique legal avenues on your behalf:

Punitive Damages:
In South Carolina, if a driver’s conduct is found to be particularly reckless—such as driving with a high BAC—the court may award punitive damages. These are designed specifically to punish the offender and deter others from similar behavior.
Dram Shop Liability:
Liability may not end with the driver. If a bar, restaurant, or liquor store served alcohol to an already intoxicated person who then caused your accident, that business may be held legally responsible for your injuries.
Criminal vs. Civil Evidence:
We monitor the criminal proceedings closely. A DUI conviction can serve as powerful evidence in your civil lawsuit to prove the driver’s liability.
The Life-Altering

Impact of Impaired Driving

Police cars with flashing lights at a nighttime accident scene, relevant to South Carolina injury claims

Drunk drivers often fail to brake or swerve before a collision, leading to high-impact “offset” or head-on crashes. These violent accidents frequently result in:

Catastrophic Brain and Spinal Injuries:
The force of an impaired driving wreck can lead to permanent paralysis or cognitive disabilities.
Internal Organ Damage:
High-speed impacts often cause hidden bleeding and trauma that require immediate, life-saving surgery.
Psychological Trauma:
Victims of DUI accidents often struggle with PTSD, anxiety, and a lingering sense of injustice that requires long-term counseling.
Wrongful Death:
Tragically, many DUI accidents are fatal. we provide compassionate representation for families seeking to hold a negligent driver accountable for the loss of a loved one.
Person assisting injured pedestrian lying on rural roadway after accident
Navigating

the Legal Path to Recovery

The insurance company for a drunk driver may try to offer a quick settlement to make the case go away. Do not sign anything until you have consulted with counsel. Our firm takes a comprehensive approach to building your case:

1
Securing Evidence:
We obtain toxicology reports, police dashcam footage, and 911 dispatch recordings.
2
Identifying All Liable Parties:
We investigate the driver’s "path of travel" to see if a commercial establishment contributed to the intoxication.
3
Expert Consultation:
We work with medical professionals and accident reconstructionists to quantify the lifetime cost of your injuries.
In South Carolina, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. However, because evidence in DUI cases—such as blood test results and surveillance footage—can be time-sensitive, it is vital to begin the investigation immediately.

You’ve Been Through Enough—Let Us Take the Lead

If you or a loved one has been hurt by an impaired driver, you are likely feeling a mix of anger and uncertainty. Let the Law Offices of David L. Hood carry the legal burden so you can focus on your physical and emotional healing. With 18 locations throughout South Carolina, we are always within reach when you need us most.

Contact The Law Offices of David L. Hood today or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation. We operate on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover money for you.

Attorney David L. Hood, Murrells Inlet SC personal injury lawyer, kneeling with his dog in a professional portrait
The Law Offices of David L. Hood’s principal office is located in Murrells Inlet, SC and that is where Attorney Hood principally performs legal services and practices law. This website constitutes attorney advertising and is designed for general information only. The information presented in this website should not be construed to be formal legal advice or create an attorney client relationship.
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