When a drunk driver hits you, life changes fast. Your body hurts. Your nerves are shot. Your car is a mess. And now you have to deal with police, doctors, and insurance companies all at once. If this happened here in Charleston, this guide gives you the exact steps that protect you, your health, and your case.
What to do in the first 10 minutes
- Call 911 right away. Tell the operator if the other driver smells like alcohol or is acting strange.
- Stay in your car if you feel unsafe. Drunk drivers can be unpredictable.
- Take slow breaths and check yourself for pain. Even small pains matter later.
- Only speak to the police about what happened. Keep it short and honest.
- Do not argue with the drunk driver. Let officers handle them.
- Take photos. Get the cars, the road, the plates, and your injuries.
What to do in the next 24 hours
- Go to a doctor or urgent care. Pain often gets worse later.
- Write down everything you remember. No fancy notes. Just real details.
- Save your clothes, your shoes, and anything damaged.
- Tell a family member or friend what happened so there is someone who saw your condition right after the crash.
- Call a Charleston injury lawyer before you speak to any insurance company.
Why these cases are different in South Carolina
A drunk driving crash is not a simple fender bender. The choice to drink and drive shows a level of care that falls far below what our law expects. That matters for your claim. It can open the door to higher compensation and, in some cases, punitive damages. These cases need careful work because they involve both criminal and civil parts. The criminal side deals with the DUI. The civil side deals with your injuries. You control the civil side.
What real emotional distress looks like after a drunk driver hits you
You may feel scared to drive. Your heart may race at stoplights. You may wake up at night thinking of the crash. None of this means you are weak. It means you are human.
Proof of emotional distress is simple but must be honest:
- Notes in your phone about bad nights or panic
- Missed work because you could not focus
- Doctor or counselor visits
- Statements from people close to you who saw the change
Small details matter. They show how the crash touched your life.
The hidden traps in drunk driving cases
We see the same mistakes over and over in Charleston:
- Waiting to get checked because you think the pain will pass
- Posting about the crash online
- Giving long statements to insurance adjusters
- Trying to settle before you know the full medical picture
- Not keeping track of symptoms or emotional changes
One small slip can weaken your claim. A short call with a lawyer stops these mistakes before they happen.
How Bill Green Law Firm builds these cases
Here is what we do behind the scenes:
- Gather every piece of police evidence
- Track down witnesses before memories fade
- Collect medical records and explain them in simple terms
- Build a clear story of how the crash changed your daily life
- Handle all insurance calls so you never feel pushed or rushed
- Fight for full value, including emotional harm and long term impact
Our work removes the weight from your shoulders so you can focus on healing.
What to expect in the days ahead
Pain will rise and fall. You may feel better one day and worse the next. Insurance companies may call and sound friendly. They are not on your side. Keep it simple. Tell them you are getting medical care and your lawyer will follow up.
When you should call a lawyer
Call as soon as you are safe and calm. Early help makes a huge difference because evidence disappears quickly. A lawyer can lock down proof, protect you from insurance traps, and guide you through the medical side of your claim.
A simple closing thought
If a drunk driver hit you in Charleston, you did not ask for this. You did not cause this. You should not carry the burden alone. Bill Green Law Firm is here to listen, guide, and fight for you. The first call costs nothing and gives you clear direction for your next step.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general informational purposes only. It should not be taken as professional advice. Always consult our qualified lawyers for guidance related to your specific situation.