A drunk driving crash can change everything in an instant. You may be sitting at a stoplight, pulling out of a parking lot, or heading home after work when another driver suddenly hits you with no warning. The impact can leave you shaken, hurt, and unsure what to do next. Maybe your car is badly damaged. Maybe your injuries do not set in until later that night. Maybe the other driver is slurring their words or struggling to stand, and you are left trying to make sense of a situation you never expected to face.
If you are hit by a drunk driver in Charleston, knowing what steps to take can help protect both your health and your legal rights.
Your safety comes before anything else. If you are able:
Emergency responders will also document important details that can support your case later.
If possible, collect whatever information you safely can. This may include:
If the driver appears intoxicated, such as slurred speech or the smell of alcohol, make a note of it and let officers handle the rest.
When police arrive, give a clear and accurate account of what happened. Officers will likely conduct a field sobriety test or other procedures if intoxication is suspected. Ask for the responding officer’s name and badge number, as this information can help your lawyer access the official report.
The police report is often a key piece of evidence in drunk driving cases.
Some injuries from drunk driving crashes begin subtly and worsen over time. Even if you feel fine, get a medical exam as soon as possible. Medical records help document your injuries and link them to the crash.
The aftermath of a drunk driving crash can be complicated. A Charleston car accident lawyer can guide you through what comes next by:
Legal guidance is especially important when the at-fault driver was impaired, since these cases can involve additional damages and a more complex investigation.
If you were injured, you may be eligible for compensation for:
Every case is different, but a lawyer familiar with Charleston and South Carolina laws can help ensure nothing is overlooked.
South Carolina imposes strict penalties on drunk driving, and evidence of impairment can strengthen your case. Accidents on Charleston streets like Savannah Highway, Rivers Avenue, Coleman Boulevard, or the Ravenel Bridge often involve busy traffic patterns, which can support the timeline and circumstances of the crash. A local attorney understands how these cases move through Charleston courts and how to use local factors to your advantage.
If you were hit by a drunk driver in Charleston, you do not have to navigate the aftermath alone. Lesemann & Associates is ready to stand up for you, protect your rights, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you begin your path toward recovery.
