DRUNK DRIVER ACCIDENTS

INJURED BY A DRUNK DRIVER? DELIVERING JUSTICE TO VICTIMS OF DRUNK DRIVING FOR OVER 15 YEARS.

── Injured by Drunk Driver in South Carolina?

According to the Mothers Against Drunk Driving website, there are some startling statistics regarding drunk driving:

Adults drink too much and drive about 121 million times per year—over 300,000 incidents of drinking and driving a day.
Each day, people drive drunk more than 300,000 times, but only about 2,800 are arrested.
Drunk driving costs the United States $132 billion a year.
About one-third of all drivers arrested or convicted of drunk driving are repeat offenders.
Every day, about 800 people are injured in a drunk driving crash.
An average drunk driver has driven drunk over 80 times before their first arrest.
South Carolina is one of the most dangerous states for drunk driving, ranking as the 8th worst in the U.S. for drunk driving accidents, with the third-highest rate of fatalities in crashes involving a drunk driver.

These statistics highlight a troubling reality—the number of individuals who are not being held accountable for their actions. If you have been injured or affected by a drunk driving accident in South Carolina, it’s important to understand the legal consequences, levels of responsibility, and the options available to seek justice.

At Kyle J. White Law Firm, we bring over 80 years of combined experience in serving South Carolina residents facing a variety of legal challenges, including drunk driving-related injuries and claims.

While every case is unique and local laws can vary, there are common questions we often hear regarding the legal ramifications of drunk driving:

Q: Who is responsible for a drunk driving accident?

A: The state of South Carolina does not have a Dram Shop Act. However, it IS illegal for a bartender or server at an establishment that sells alcohol to over-serve someone who they witness being knowingly intoxicated.

Q: Does “driving under the influence” just pertain to too much alcohol?

A: No. In the state of South Carolina, driving under the influence includes operating a vehicle while under the influence of not just alcohol, but drugs. What we’ve seen is that the legal process and penalties are very similar regardless if the accident is due to driving under the influence of alcohol vs. drugs, but this can vary based on the situation and other factors.

Q: What is the legal limit in South Carolina for driving under the influence of alcohol?

A: The following statement comes directly from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety:

“South Carolina law prohibits a person from driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol to the extent that the person’s faculties to drive are materially and appreciably impaired. If you have a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher, it will be inferred that you were driving under the influence. If you have a BAC that is at least 0.05 percent but less than 0.08 percent, your BAC level may be considered along with other evidence to infer that you are under the influence.”

── Tell Us How We Can Help

At Kyle J. White Law Firm, we are committed to doing everything in our power to help if you or a loved one has been affected by a drunk driving accident.

Based in Anderson, South Carolina—just 30 miles southwest of Greenville—our dedicated trial lawyers serve clients across the state, including Columbia and Rock Hill. Beyond drunk driving accidents and injury cases, we handle a wide range of personal injury and civil litigation matters, from foster child abuse to wrongful death claims.

Don’t hesitate to reach out. Call us or fill out our online form today to schedule your personal consultation.

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WE ARE HERE TO DO EVERYTHING IN OUR POWER TO HELP YOU. TELL US HOW WE CAN HELP.

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