Drunk driving remains one of the most dangerous and preventable threats on our roads today. Every year, thousands of lives are lost, and countless families are shattered due to impaired drivers who make the incredibly reckless decision to get behind the wheel. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in an accident involving an intoxicated driver, you need quality legal representation.
At Dan Pruitt Injury Law Firm, we take drunk driving accidents seriously and do everything possible to hold these dangerous drivers accountable for your injuries. Schedule a free consultation with a drunk driving accident lawyer from our firm who can explain to you all of the available legal remedies following a drunk driving incident.
How Do You Know if a Driver is Drunk?
Identifying the signs of a drunk driver helps prevent serious accidents and can potentially save lives. Impaired drivers typically exhibit noticeable and unsafe behaviors that distinguish them from other drivers on the road. Some common indicators of intoxication include the following:
- Swerving between lanes or drifting across lane markers
- Driving significantly slower or faster than the speed limit
- Making sudden, unexplained stops or starts
- Ignoring traffic signals, stop signs, or other road signs
- Following other vehicles too closely (tailgating)
- Making wide turns or turning abruptly without signaling
- Driving without headlights during dark hours
- Responding slowly to traffic changes or emergency vehicles
If you observe any combination of these behaviors, knowing how to report a drunk driver becomes critical. Don’t attempt to confront or signal the driver directly, as this could escalate a dangerous situation and put you at greater risk.
How to Report a Drunk Driver
When you spot a potentially impaired driver, your first priority should be your own safety, followed by getting the information to law enforcement as quickly as possible. Pull over safely before making any phone calls, or have a passenger make the call if you’re not alone. Call 911 immediately and provide the dispatcher with as much detailed information as possible.
Include the vehicle’s license plate number, make, model, and color, along with your current location and the direction the vehicle is traveling. Describe the specific driving behaviors you’ve observed that suggest impairment. Stay on the line with the dispatcher if requested, and continue to monitor the vehicle’s location while maintaining a safe distance.
Law enforcement officers are trained to handle these dangerous situations and will respond appropriately. Remember that false reporting can have legal consequences, so only report drivers when you have genuine reason to believe they may be impaired.
The Importance of Reporting a Drunk Driver
Reporting suspected drunk drivers isn’t just about following the law; it’s about protecting your community and potentially saving lives. A single phone call can prevent devastating accidents, protect innocent families, and get dangerous drivers off the road before they cause irreparable harm.
What to Do if You’re a Victim of a Drunk Driving Accident?
Being involved in an accident with a drunk driver can be overwhelming, but taking the proper steps immediately after the incident can protect your health and legal rights. Your actions in the first few hours and days following the drunk driving accident can significantly impact your ability to secure a settlement for your injuries and damages. Victims of drunk drivers must:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine initially, see a doctor as soon as possible after the accident. Some injuries, particularly soft tissue damage and concussions, may not show symptoms immediately but can have serious long-term consequences.
- Report the Drunk Driver: Contact law enforcement immediately to file an official accident report. Provide officers with any evidence you have of the other driver’s impairment, including your observations of their behavior before and after the accident.
- Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer: Contact an experienced attorney who handles drunk driving cases as soon as possible. A lawyer can help protect your rights, gather evidence, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
After addressing these immediate concerns, you must focus on documenting everything related to the accident and your injuries. Keep detailed records of medical treatments, lost wages, and how the accident has affected your daily life, as these will be important for your legal case.
Why You Need a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Drunk driving cases involve complex legal issues that require experienced representation to achieve the best possible outcome. While you might think you can handle the insurance claims process alone, having an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer on your side can make a significant difference in the compensation you receive. Reasons your case benefits from having a qualified attorney are as follows:
- Drunk driving cases may involve both criminal and civil proceedings.
- Insurers often try to minimize payouts, even in clear-cut drunk driving cases.
- Evidence of intoxication can disappear quickly if not properly preserved.
- Medical bills and lost income can accumulate quickly while you recover.
- You may be able to pursue punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages.
An experienced drunk driving attorney understands how to build a strong case, negotiate with liable insurance companies, pursue criminal charges, and fight for the full compensation you are entitled to in civil proceedings. They will also help you know the difference between criminal charges against the drunk driver and your civil case for damages.
Contact a South Carolina Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Now
If a drunk driver has caused you injuries, don’t wait to seek legal representation. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories can fade, and insurance companies will begin building their defense immediately. The trusted legal team at Dan Pruitt Injury Law Firm is ready to assess your rights and take action to begin building a strong case. We fight for full compensation for your losses from the insurance companies of drunk drivers.
Never delay in contacting our qualified South Carolina drunk driving attorney today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and learn about your legal options for recovery. Case evaluations are free with no obligation, so there is nothing to lose by discussing your case with our firm today.