Skip to Content
Pierce, Sloan, Kennedy & Early LLC Pierce, Sloan, Kennedy & Early LLC
Call For A Free Consultation 843-968-0886
Top

Wrongful Death Laws Help Families Face the Devastating Consequences of Fatal DUI Crashes

Wrongful Death Laws Help Families Face Devastating Consequences of Fatal DUI Crashes

The start of a new year is a time for celebration, hope, and new beginnings. Unfortunately, for some families, this joyous occasion can quickly turn into a tragedy due to the reckless actions of others. One such devastating scenario is a New Year's DUI crash that results in the loss of a loved one. South Carolina's wrongful death laws provide a way for grieving families to seek justice and hold responsible parties accountable. In these heart-wrenching cases, grieving families can work with an experienced attorney to file a wrongful death claim.

The Impact of New Year's DUI Crashes

New Year's Eve is notorious for excessive drinking and partying, leading to a rise in drunk driving incidents. Statistics show that alcohol-related crashes tend to spike during the holiday season, making it a dangerous time to use roadways. Excessive drinking and reckless behavior can result in tragic accidents and unnecessary loss of life, with over 10,000 people dying each year from drunk driving-related accidents.

Understanding South Carolina's Wrongful Death Laws

Losing a loved one is an incredibly difficult experience, especially when their death is the result of someone else's negligence or wrongdoing. In South Carolina, there are specific laws that govern wrongful death claims, providing a legal avenue for grieving families to seek justice and hold responsible parties accountable.

South Carolina's wrongful death laws guide victims in the claims process:

  • The South Carolina Wrongful Death Statute: South Carolina's wrongful death statute, Section 15-51-10 through 60, allows surviving family members to file a lawsuit on behalf of the deceased. The statute outlines the legal framework for pursuing wrongful death claims, including who can file a claim, the time limit for filing, and the types of damages that can be sought.
  • Eligibility to File a Wrongful Death Claim: In South Carolina, eligible individuals who can file a wrongful death claim include the spouse, children, parents, or legal heirs of the deceased. If the deceased had no surviving family members, the personal representative of their estate can file the claim.
  • Statute of Limitations: It is important to be aware of the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim in South Carolina. Generally, the claim must be filed within three years from the deceased person's death date. Failing to file within this timeframe may result in the loss of the right to seek compensation.
  • Damages and Compensation: Wrongful death claims aim to compensate surviving family members for the losses they have endured due to the death of their loved one. Some of the damages that can be pursued in South Carolina include:
  • Economic Damages: Includes tangible financial losses such as medical expenses, funeral costs, and loss of future income or financial support.
  • Non-Economic Damages: These are intangible losses such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.
  • Proving Wrongful Death: Certain elements must be proven to establish a successful wrongful death claim. These typically include:
    • The existence of a duty of care owed by the defendant to the deceased.
    • Breach of that duty of care through negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions.
    • Causation, demonstrating that the defendant's actions directly led to the death of the individual.
    • Damages suffered by the surviving family members as a result of the death.
  • Seeking Legal Assistance: Navigating the legal process for a wrongful death claim can be complex and emotionally challenging. It is crucial to seek the guidance of an experienced wrongful death attorney who understands South Carolina's laws and can advocate for your rights. They can help gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court, ensuring that you have the best chance of obtaining the compensation you deserve.

The aftermath of a New Year's DUI crash resulting in a wrongful death is an avoidable disaster. This tragic event forever shatters lives and families. However, the existence of wrongful death claims offers a glimmer of hope for grieving families to pursue justice and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions. By increasing awareness and implementing preventive measures, we can collectively work towards a safer future, shielding our loved ones from such devastating incidents.

Legal Support for Wrongful Death Claims

If you are seeking legal guidance following the devastating loss of a loved one in a fatal crash, Pierce, Sloan, Kennedy & Early LLC is here to assist you. With over 20 years of experience in handling personal injury cases, including wrongful death claims, our team has the knowledge and skill needed to navigate the complexities of your situation. Our attorneys have a deep understanding of South Carolina law and have achieved success at all levels of legal practice. With a combined experience of 165 years, we bring extensive knowledge and legal acumen to every case we handle.

Our attorneys provide compassionate and personalized representation tailored to our client’s specific needs. We are driven to help clients seek justice and obtain the compensation they deserve for their loss. Pierce, Sloan, Kennedy & Early LLC also understands the emotional and financial challenges families face during these challenging cases, which is just one reason our firm offers contingency fee options to ease the burden of upfront legal costs.

In addition to being well-versed in building strong cases and advocating for maximum compensation for our clients, we are also dedicated to standing by our clients throughout the legal process to protect our client’s interests while holding the responsible party accountable.

When it comes to seeking justice and support after a tragic DUI crash resulting in wrongful death, having a trusted advocate by your side is crucial. With a proven track record and a personalized approach, Pierce, Sloan, Kennedy & Early LLC is the top choice for exceptional legal representation. Contact us today online or at (843) 968-0886 to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced wrongful death attorneys.