Charleston DUI Accident &
Distracted Driving Injury Lawyer

Injured by a drunk or distracted driver? Protect your health, your finances, and your future with experienced legal guidance.

A serious crash caused by a drunk, impaired, or distracted driver can leave victims facing medical bills, missed work, pain, and uncertainty about what comes next. For more than 30+ years, Peter David Brown has helped injury victims throughout Charleston and the Lowcountry pursue compensation and accountability after preventable accidents. Our firm provides direct attorney access and personalized representation during every stage of your case.You shouldn't have to bear the consequences of someone else's reckless choices.

DUI Accident Lawyer for Victims Across the Lowcountry

Being injured by a drunk driver is different from a typical accident. The potential for a larger financial recovery is higher because of the punitive aspect as a result of the DUI. DUI accidents often involve serious injuries and clear negligence because of the speed and recklessness of the drunk driving. Such serious injuries lead to long-term consequences that can affect every part of your life.

At The Law Office of Peter David Brown, we represent victims of DUI-related accidents in Charleston, North Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Moncks Corner, Goose Creek, Summerville and Orangeburg and throughout the Lowcountry extending well into the Upstate—helping victims and their families pursue full compensation and accountability. This means in civil and criminal court! We stand beside you.

Medical Knowledge That Strengthens Serious Injury Cases

Medical Knowledge That Strengthens Serious
Injury Cases

Dr. Debora Brown, medical consultant at Peter David Brown Law

Meet

Dr. Debora Brown, PT, DPT

With the insight of Dr. Debora Brown, PT, DPT, we look deeper—examining not just what your injury is today, but what it will become over time. Dr. Brown brings more than 30+ years of clinical experience and 22+ years of teaching at MUSC’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, where she trained graduate-level students in the mechanics of the human body.

Her understanding of long-term injury progression allows us to identify future limitations, ongoing care needs, and potential complications that are often overlooked.

This gives us the ability to advocate for benefits and compensation that reflect the true impact of your injury—not just in the present, but for the future you’re facing.

Medical Knowledge That Strengthens Serious
Injury Cases

Dr. Debora Brown, medical consultant at Peter David Brown Law

Meet

Dr. Debora Brown, PT, DPT

With the insight of Dr. Debora Brown, PT, DPT, we look deeper—examining not just what your injury is today, but what it will become over time. Dr. Brown brings more than 30+ years of clinical experience and 22+ years of teaching at MUSC’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, where she trained graduate-level students in the mechanics of the human body.

Her understanding of long-term injury progression allows us to identify future limitations, ongoing care needs, and potential complications that are often overlooked.

This gives us the ability to advocate for benefits and compensation that reflect the true impact of your injury—not just in the present, but for the future you’re facing.

When Alcohol Is Involved, the Stakes Are Higher

Drunk driving accidents often result in:

More severe injuries

Higher medical costs

Long-term or permanent disability

Emotional trauma for victims and families

These cases may also involve additional legal claims and insurance coverage beyond a standard car accident. Serious injuries call for vast life and legal experience to guide you. No rookie attorneys or new law school graduates will touch your case!

With a drunk driver injury matter where the damages are higher, you need the most skilled and experienced attorney to personally lead and direct your legal matter. You need the attorney whose name is on the building, not on the door, or even the desk. There is no margin for error.

Having the wrong attorney can cost you thousands of dollars that you are legally entitled to recover from your truck or automobile accident!

We also add the unique element of having 30+ years of actual courtroom experience on the criminal side. We can act as the liaison with the prosecution for the DUI, felony DUI, reckless homicide or hit and run. We know the courtroom.

We promise to be by your side for the years it will take to prosecute the defendant. We will advocate for the family and push for the appropriate justice. We have stood in open court many a time in the last few years and pushed to have active prison time for criminal defendants who been responsible for the death of our clients.

We have a smooth and simple process to hire us. It often allows you to avoid court appearances and reduces your anxiety and stress. We promise exceptional personal service with regular and reliable communication.

Your Rights After a DUI Accident in South Carolina

If you were injured by a driver under the influence, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for:

Economic Damages

Medical bills and future treatment Emergency care, hospitalization, and surgery Rehabilitation and therapy Lost wages and reduced earning capacity Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and suffering Emotional distress and trauma Loss of enjoyment of life Permanent injury or disability

Wrongful Death Damages

If you lost a loved one due to a drunk driver, your family may be able to recover: Funeral and burial expenses Loss of financial support Loss of companionship Emotional suffering

Additional Claims for DUI Injury Cases in South Carolina

DUI accident cases may involve more than just the at-fault driver.

We evaluate whether additional claims may apply, including:

Dram Shop Liability

In certain situations, a bar, restaurant, or establishment may be held responsible for serving and overserving alcohol to an intoxicated person. We sue the bars involved for their negligence in continuing to serve someone in order to make a profit.

Third-Party Liability

Other parties may also contribute to the accident, such as:

  • Employers (if driving for work)
  • Vehicle owners
  • Event hosts

Identifying all responsible parties is critical to maximizing available compensation.

Dram shop liability legal representation for DUI injury victims in SC

Award-Winning Representation – As Seen On:

What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in South Carolina

  • Call 911 and seek immediate medical attention
  • Document the scene if possible (photos, video, witnesses)
  • Obtain information as to the DUI driver’s bond hearing and court date for the DUI. We will go to court with you.
  • Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before getting guidance from an experienced attorney
  • Contact Peter Brown to protect your rights and make sure you understand your increased role as a victim
Personal injury attorney consulting with distracted driving victim

We Handle the Process So You Can Focus on Recovery

After a serious accident, the process can feel overwhelming. We manage your case from start to finish, including:

  • Investigating the accident, gathering and preserve all crucial evidence
  • File a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act Request)
  • Obtaining police reports and toxicology results
  • We actually go to court with you as the victim of this drunk driver
  • Identifying all available insurance coverage
  • Coordinating medical documentation and care
  • Handling all communication with insurance companies and act as a liaison with the prosecutor
  • Negotiating a resolution or proceeding to litigation if needed

Holding Drunk Drivers Accountable in South Carolina

A DUI accident is preventable. When someone chooses to drive under the influence, they put others at risk.

We work to hold negligent drivers accountable and help victims move forward with the financial support they need.

Why Choose The Law Office of Peter David Brown for Your DUI Injury Case?

  • We have over thirty (30+) years of experience handling DUI accidents and injuries.
  • Peter Brown was an insurance adjuster in the mid 80's before he went to law school.
  • Understanding of both the criminal legal and civil legal aspects of a DUI accident and the medical aspects of injury cases
  • We compose a very strategic, case-specific approach to each accident case—especially DUI accidents.
  • We have a vast local knowledge of Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester and Orangeburg courts and the nuances of each court.
  • Free consultation with no pressure to sign with us. We seek to educate you so you can make informed decisions.

Our focus is two-fold: 1) We focus on clearly documenting your injury, your recovery, and the full impact on your life. 2) We focus on the criminal matter in order to obtain the proper penalty for the drunk driver.

Protect Your Future After an Injury in South Carolina

An injury can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to handle it alone.

With the right guidance, you can:

  • Understand your options
  • Avoid costly mistakes
  • Focus on healing while your case is handled properly by an experienced professional

Get Help Understanding Your Personal Injury Benefits

If you’re dealing with an injury caused by someone else’s negligence, such as a DUI driver in Charleston, North Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Moncks Corner, Goose Creek, Summerville or Orangeburg—or anywhere in the upstate, contact The Law Office of Peter David Brown for a free consultation. No pressure. Just clear answers about your rights and options.

Areas We Routinely Represent Auto and Truck Accident Victims:

Charleston Metro Region and throughout South Carolina

  • City of Charleston
  • Mount Pleasant
  • Sullivan’s Island
  • Isle of Palms
  • Charleston County
  • Berkeley County
  • Dorchester County
  • Orangeburg County
  • North Charleston
  • Goose Creek
  • Hanahan
  • Summerville
  • Moncks Corner
  • Folly Beach
  • Seabrook Island
  • Kiawah Island
  • West Ashley
  • James Island
  • Ladson
  • Ravenel
  • Meggett
  • Rockville
  • Hollywood
  • Cottageville
  • Lincolnville
  • Kingstree
  • Nexton
  • Jedberg
  • Cross
  • McClellanville
  • Awendaw
  • St. Stephen
  • Bonneau
  • Jamestown
  • St. George
  • Ridgeville
  • Harlyville
  • Reevesville
  • Santee
  • Elloree
  • Branchville
  • Holly Hill
  • Bowman
  • Rowesville
  • Cope
  • Cordova
  • Norway
  • North
  • Neeses
  • Springfield
  • Woodford

All other municipalities throughout the Lowcountry and the entire state of South Carolina

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — and sooner than you might think. Insurance adjusters work for the at-fault driver’s carrier, and their goal is to close your claim for as little as possible. Peter David Brown steps in to handle all communication with the insurer, protect you from recorded statements or premature settlement offers, and make sure critical evidence — dash cam footage, police reports, toxicology results, and witness accounts — is preserved before it disappears.
Our firm represents victims injured in crashes caused by drunk, drugged, or impaired drivers, as well as accidents involving texting, phone use, and other forms of distracted driving. We handle everything from rear-end impacts and T-bone collisions to severe multi-vehicle crashes, whether they involve passenger cars, commercial trucks, or rideshare vehicles. If a preventable choice behind the wheel changed your life, we want to hear from you.
We move quickly to secure the evidence that matters most — police reports and DUI citations, breathalyzer and blood test records, surveillance or dashcam video, cell phone data, and eyewitness accounts. When the facts require it, we work with accident reconstructionists and medical experts to establish exactly what happened and connect the driver’s conduct to your injuries. A strong, documented record is what gives us leverage in settlement negotiations — and at trial if it comes to that.
Depending on the facts of your case, you may be able to recover medical bills and future treatment costs, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and property damage. South Carolina also allows punitive damages in DUI accident cases when the driver’s conduct was especially reckless — an additional form of accountability above and beyond your actual losses. Our goal is to identify every applicable source of coverage and fight for the full value of what you have been through.
In many DUI cases, yes. South Carolina courts can award punitive damages when a driver’s behavior is found to be willfully reckless — and choosing to drive drunk or under the influence often meets that standard. Punitive damages are separate from and in addition to your compensatory recovery. This is one of the ways the civil justice system sends a clear message that dangerous choices on the road carry real financial consequences.
This is more common than most people expect, and it does not necessarily mean you are out of options. South Carolina requires drivers to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, and your own policy may provide compensation when the at-fault driver cannot. We review every available insurance policy — including your own and any umbrella coverage — to find all sources of recovery. Do not assume you have no claim just because the other driver was uninsured.
It depends on the severity of your injuries and whether the insurance company accepts responsibility or disputes your claim. Cases involving clear liability and completed medical treatment can sometimes be resolved in months, while cases involving permanent injuries, disputed fault, or uncooperative insurers may take longer — especially if litigation is required. We never rush a settlement that would leave you without coverage for future medical care, and we keep you informed every step of the way.
South Carolina’s statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. However, if a government entity or employee is involved, the deadline can be significantly shorter, and notice requirements may apply. Evidence also becomes harder to preserve as time passes, and delays can give insurance companies room to argue that something else caused your injuries. We encourage you to contact us as soon as possible after a crash.

Not when it comes to your right to recover. A driver who was texting, using a phone, eating, or otherwise distracted owes you the same duty of care as any other motorist, and a breach of that duty that causes your injury creates the same grounds for a claim. Distracted driving cases can sometimes be harder to prove — cell phone records and in-car data are critical — which is exactly why having an experienced legal team in your corner makes a difference.

Our team includes Debbie Brown, PT, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with decades of clinical rehabilitation experience. Her expertise helps us understand the true extent of your injuries — including long-term limitations that may not be obvious from a medical chart alone. That insight allows us to present insurance companies and juries with a clear, credible picture of what your recovery actually looks like and what your future will require.

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