Greenville Drunk Driver Accident Lawyers
Accidents caused by drunk drivers are among the most devastating and preventable collisions we see in our practice. Impaired drivers often make reckless decisions that place everyone on the road in danger, and when they cause harm, the consequences are severe. At Davis & Snyder Injury Attorneys, we bring decades of combined experience on both the plaintiff and defense sides to every drunk driving crash case we handle. That background gives our team a unique advantage in understanding how insurers evaluate these claims, how criminal proceedings affect the civil case, and what evidence is critical to proving responsibility. Our Greenville drunk driver accident lawyers approach every case with compassion for our clients and a focused determination to secure the full measure of compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
Why Drunk Driving Crashes Are So Catastrophic
Driving under the influence impairs nearly every function necessary for safe driving: judgment, reaction time, coordination, awareness, and decision-making. For this reason, collisions involving alcohol or drugs tend to be far worse than typical traffic accidents. Impaired drivers often fail to brake, slow down, or take any evasive action before impact. Many victims report that their collision felt sudden and violent, with no warning at all. This lack of reaction time leads to significantly higher-force crashes, more severe injuries, and a greater likelihood of long-term or permanent disability.
Alcohol-related crashes take many forms. Wrong-way driving is one of the most dangerous scenarios, whether it occurs on a Greenville city street or on a high-speed highway leading to Spartanburg, Anderson, or other Upstate communities when drunk drivers mistakenly enter an off-ramp. Impaired drivers may misinterpret signage, drift across divided roads, or entirely lose their bearings. Running stop signs and red lights is another common behavior, often leading to high-impact T-bone collisions and intersection crashes. Drifting out of a lane or crossing the center line is especially hazardous on two-lane rural roads, where many serious head-on collisions occur late at night or early in the morning.
Other forms of impairment-related driving include falling asleep at the wheel, speeding excessively, or driving far too slowly and unpredictably. Slower-than-normal driving, particularly on highways, creates unexpected hazards as other vehicles approach at regular speed. In all these scenarios, the impaired driver’s inability to perceive risk or respond appropriately increases the likelihood of catastrophic injury and extensive property damage.
Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Collisions
Because drunk drivers often strike unexpectedly and at full speed, victims frequently sustain life-altering injuries requiring lengthy medical treatment and rehabilitation. We represent individuals and families facing:
- Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions, intracranial bleeding, and long-term cognitive impairments.
- Spinal cord injuries, herniated discs, nerve damage, and paralysis resulting from high-impact collisions.
Many suffer broken bones, internal organ trauma, burns, psychological distress, and other injuries that disrupt every aspect of daily life. Our team understands the challenges these injuries present and works closely with medical providers, vocational specialists, and life-care planners to fully document the long-term consequences of a drunk driving crash.
Civil Claims and Criminal Proceedings: How They Interact
A drunk driving accident often triggers both a criminal case against the impaired driver and a civil claim for compensation brought by the victim. While the two processes are separate, they intersect in meaningful ways. Many clients initially believe that a criminal conviction is necessary before they can pursue a civil claim, but that is not the case. The civil process moves independently, and a victim’s right to financial recovery does not depend on whether the impaired driver is convicted, acquitted, or never charged at all.
A criminal conviction for driving under the influence can strengthen a civil personal injury claim because it serves as persuasive evidence that the driver acted negligently. However, the criminal court applies a much higher burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt than the civil system, which relies on a preponderance of the evidence. That difference means a driver may be acquitted, or the prosecutor may decline to pursue charges, even when substantial evidence supports negligence in the civil context.
Similarly, the rules of evidence in criminal court differ significantly from those in civil proceedings. Certain types of testimony or investigative materials may not be admissible in a criminal trial but can be used effectively in a civil case. Therefore, the absence of a conviction does not undermine a victim’s claim, nor does it limit our ability to prove liability. We work to obtain police reports, breath or blood test results when available, field sobriety evidence, eyewitness accounts, surveillance footage, and other materials from the criminal investigation. Even if the criminal case is pending or ultimately dismissed, we can independently build a strong claim using civil standards and civil discovery tools.
Our experience on both sides of the courtroom gives us a sophisticated understanding of how to handle these cases. We know how insurers respond when criminal charges are involved, and we know how to use the timing and outcome of those proceedings to strengthen our clients’ cases.
Proving Liability in Greenville Drunk Driving Accident Cases
Drunk driving cases often involve clear negligence, but insurers may still attempt to limit compensation. They may argue that the victim was partially responsible, that injuries were preexisting, or that the impact was insufficient to cause the claimed harm. We have extensive experience countering these arguments with evidence grounded in scientific analysis, accident reconstruction, medical documentation, and witness testimony.
One advantage of pursuing a civil claim involving an impaired driver is the availability of additional forms of damages in certain cases. For example, punitive damages may be available when a driver knowingly endangers others by operating a vehicle under the influence. These damages are designed to punish reckless behavior and deter similar conduct. We evaluate each case individually to determine whether punitive damages may be warranted and how best to present the evidence supporting them.
Why Legal Representation Is Critical After a Drunk Driving Crash
Drunk driving cases often involve a complex combination of criminal evidence, insurance disputes, and high-stakes negotiations. Victims frequently face significant medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma, all while trying to navigate unfamiliar legal processes. Our team takes on the burden of dealing with insurers, coordinating with law enforcement, and ensuring that no opportunity to strengthen the case is missed.
We also understand the importance of compassion during this difficult time. Victims of drunk driving crashes often feel anger, frustration, and grief. We listen carefully, answer questions thoroughly, and provide steady guidance throughout the process. At every step, our goal is to pursue accountability and secure meaningful compensation that reflects both the immediate and long-term impact of the crash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the drunk driver have to be convicted before I can file a civil claim?
No. A civil claim can proceed regardless of the outcome of the criminal case. Different standards and rules apply, so a lack of conviction does not prevent you from recovering compensation.
Will the criminal case evidence be used in my civil claim?
Often, yes. Police reports, breath tests, field sobriety observations, and witness statements may all support your civil claim, even if they are handled differently in criminal court.
Can I recover punitive damages in a drunk driving case?
Potentially. South Carolina allows punitive damages when the defendant’s behavior demonstrates recklessness or willful disregard for safety, which may apply in drunk driving cases.
What if the drunk driver fled the scene or had no insurance?
Uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured coverage, or other avenues of recovery may still be available. We evaluate all possible sources of compensation.
How long do I have to bring a civil claim?
Most personal injury claims in South Carolina must be filed within three years, but it is important to begin the process quickly to preserve evidence.
Contact Our Greenville Drunk Driver Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one was injured by a drunk or impaired driver in Greenville, you deserve a legal team that understands the gravity of your situation and has the experience to stand up for your rights. At Davis & Snyder Injury Attorneys, we are committed to holding impaired drivers accountable and helping our clients secure the compensation they need to move forward. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue justice after a preventable tragedy.
