Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Roebuck

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash caused by a drunk driver, you need a skilled advocate who will fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. At Langley Law Firm, our team is committed to holding negligent drivers accountable and helping victims in Roebuck rebuild their lives. As your drunk driving accident lawyer, we understand the emotional and financial toll these incidents take—and we’re here to help. Call us today at (864) 667-6144 to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward recovery.

Understanding the Impact of an Underage or Company Drunk Driver in a Roebuck Accident

If you’ve been involved in a car accident with a drunk driver in Roebuck, the situation can be complicated by factors like the driver’s age or the fact that they were driving a company vehicle. These two circumstances introduce unique legal questions and challenges that can affect your case. Whether the driver was underage or operating a vehicle for work purposes, it’s important to understand the potential consequences and how they could impact your injury claim.

Underage Drunk Drivers: What You Need to Know

In South Carolina, the legal drinking age is 21. If the driver who caused your accident was under 21 and intoxicated, they are in violation of both state and federal laws. South Carolina takes underage drunk driving seriously, and if the driver was underage and involved in a crash, they could face severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. However, these legal consequences don’t directly help you as the victim in the accident. What matters to you is how this affects your ability to recover damages for your injuries.

When dealing with an underage drunk driver, the first step is determining if the driver has insurance. While the driver may be personally responsible for damages, the insurance coverage may not be sufficient, especially if they are young and do not have a significant income or assets. In some cases, their parents or guardians might be liable for certain damages, depending on the situation.

However, when the underage driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own insurance policy may come into play. This is where your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can be crucial. South Carolina law requires insurance companies to offer this coverage when you purchase an auto insurance policy, although it’s not mandatory. If you have it, it can cover expenses like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering caused by an underage drunk driver.

It’s also worth noting that if the underage driver was drinking at a bar, restaurant, or another establishment that served alcohol, there may be additional avenues for recovery. South Carolina has “dram shop” laws, which allow victims to hold alcohol-serving businesses accountable for over-serving underage or visibly intoxicated individuals. In these cases, the business that served alcohol to the underage driver could be liable for your damages in addition to the driver themselves.

Accidents Involving Drunk Drivers in Company Vehicles

Accidents involving a drunk driver who was operating a company vehicle bring a different set of complexities. When the driver is working at the time of the accident, their employer may be held responsible under the legal concept of “vicarious liability.” This means that an employer can be held liable for the actions of an employee if they were acting within the scope of their job when the incident occurred.

For example, if the drunk driver was driving a company car for work-related purposes at the time of the crash, the employer could be held financially responsible for the injuries and damages caused. In these cases, victims may be able to pursue a claim against the company in addition to the individual driver. However, there are certain conditions that must be met for vicarious liability to apply:

1. Employee Status: The driver must be an employee of the company, not an independent contractor.

2. Scope of Employment: The driver must have been performing work duties at the time of the accident. If the driver was using the vehicle for personal reasons, outside the scope of employment, the company may not be liable.

Even if the employer is not directly responsible, their insurance policy may cover the incident if the driver was acting within the scope of employment. In such cases, the company’s commercial vehicle insurance could provide compensation for your medical bills, property damage, and lost wages.

Determining Liability and Compensation

When either an underage or company-employed drunk driver is involved in an accident, determining liability becomes a critical part of your case. This process can be complicated by multiple potential sources of compensation, including:

• The Driver’s Personal Liability: In the case of an underage drunk driver, the driver themselves could be held accountable for your injuries, although collecting damages from them might be difficult if they have limited assets or insurance.

• The Employer’s Liability: For accidents involving a company vehicle, the employer may also bear responsibility, which could provide additional compensation options for the victim. Commercial vehicle insurance policies are typically higher than personal auto insurance, meaning the insurance coverage might be able to cover more of your medical expenses and other damages.

• Insurance Coverage: Whether it’s the drunk driver’s personal insurance, the company’s commercial insurance, or your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, your lawyer will work to identify all possible sources of compensation.

• Third Parties (e.g., Dram Shop Claims): If the underage driver was over-served alcohol by a business establishment, that business could also be liable for your damages.

The Importance of Legal Representation

Navigating a case involving an underage drunk driver or a company vehicle can be complex. You may face multiple defendants, insurance companies, and legal hurdles. Having a skilled personal injury lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

In addition to helping you identify the responsible parties, your legal team will also handle the investigation, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Your Trusted Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Roebuck: Let Us Fight for You

When you’ve been hurt by a drunk driver, you deserve a lawyer who understands the complexities of these cases and is ready to take action on your behalf. At Langley Law Firm, we are dedicated to securing the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Don’t let the responsible party avoid accountability—contact us today at (864) 667-6144 for a free consultation. Let our drunk driving accident lawyer team help you navigate the road to justice.