According to a recent report from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), South Carolina is the worst state in the nation for drunk driving-related deaths. The report found that South Carolina had 335 drunk driving deaths in 2013. Even though this number represented 13 fewer deaths than in 2012, South Carolina earned the distinction of being the worst state for DUI-related traffic accidents because 44% of all traffic deaths in South Carolina are caused by drunk driving. The national average is only 31%.
Over the past several years, MADD has taken efforts to reduce DUI-related traffic accidents through its Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving. The three-part campaign is focused on (1) supporting high-visibility law enforcement to catch drunk drivers and discourage others from driving while drunk; (2) requiring ignition interlock devices, or in-car breathalyzers, for all drunk drivers; and (3) supporting the development of technology to determine automatically whether or not the driver is above the legal limit of .08 so that their car will not operate if the driver is drunk.
Unfortunately, the campaign has not been as effective as hoped. From 2012 to 2013, the number of traffic deaths in South Carolina dropped by 11%, but drunk driving deaths dropped by only 4%. MADD South Carolina Program Director Steven Burritt stated, “Improvements aren’t being made fast enough, and it’s a shame that we lead the nation in such devastating circumstances.” Looking forward to 2015, MADD South Carolina and law enforcement officials hope to improve the prosecution of DUI arrests by making changes to the state’s law regarding videotaping of DUI arrests.
Examples of Damages You May Recover
If you have been injured in a car accident by a drunk driver’s reckless conduct you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries. The type and the amount of the compensation that you may be entitled to recover will depend on the nature of each accident. Examples of recoverable damages include:
- Past and future medical expenses, including therapy bills and out-of-pocket expenses;
- Loss of wages and loss of future earning capacity;
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering, including physical disfigurement and impairment, mental anguish, and lowered quality of life;
- Costs to repair or replace property;
- Loss of companionship of a spouse or child; and
- Punitive damages, if an accident was caused by intentional misconduct or gross negligence, such as a drunk driver.
Contact a Greenville Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney
Whether you were injured by a drunk driver or by some other reckless or negligent conduct, if you have suffered injuries in a car accident, a Greenville car accident attorney can help you recover compensation. David R. Price, Jr., a car accident attorney located in Greenville, South Carolina, has extensive experience helping car accident victims recover compensation for their injuries. From handling your insurance claim to litigating your lawsuit, our office will help you throughout the entire process to make sure that you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact David R. Price, Jr., today for a free initial consultation and case evaluation.