What laws are meant to protect the public from drunk drivers in Toddville?

Toddville, SC – People who drive after consuming drugs or alcohol are likely to cause accidents that result in property damage, serious injuries, or even death. Because of these known consequences of intoxicated driving, all states within the U.S. have enacted various laws to punish people who act in this manner. Attorneys near me can help anyone who has been injured file a civil case against the person responsible and receive money through a settlement.

DUI laws

South Carolina’s DUI laws come with serious consequences, like those in every other state. Penalties increase with each subsequent offense, and they include fines, jail time, and suspension of the person’s driver’s license. Those with multiple offenses face larger fines, longer amounts of time in jail, longer license suspensions, and the possibility of permanently losing their driver’s license if they have four or more offenses. A person who causes injuries or death during a drunk driving accident will be charged with a felony for DUI, which means that they can spend multiple years in prison. 

Driving with a suspended license

Anyone who has been convicted of crimes related to driving under the influence will lose their driver’s license for a certain period of time. This means that these people are prohibited from operating a motor vehicle while serving their suspension. 

Open container laws

There are also laws that prevent drivers from consuming alcohol while they drive. People who have open containers of beer, wine, or liquor anywhere in the vehicle aside from the trunk or a stored piece of luggage can face the possibility of fines and jail time. 

Civil lawsuits against drivers who cause accidents

Civil cases for compensation are a fairly common way for accident victims to recover various kinds of costs related to motor vehicle crashes. These kinds of lawsuits can be brought against any driver who was negligent, including those who were under the influence of drugs or alcohol when they caused a crash. In the civil case, the plaintiff does not necessarily need to prove that the driver was drunk or that they were convicted of offenses related to drunk driving in civil court. Their goal is to prove that the driver deviated from what a reasonable person would have done in the same situation and caused their injuries and other losses. Compensation in civil accident lawsuits will normally include health care costs, lost income and wages, and non-economic compensation for pain and suffering. 

Attorneys can provide additional help after an accident

There are lawyers who help people in the area of Toddville and other parts of South Carolina. Anyone who needs more information about these processes can contact The Clekis Law Firm. 

Firm contact info:

The Clekis Law Firm

171 Church St., Charleston SC, 29401

[email protected]

843-900-0000

clekis.com