Drennan Law Firm's Blog

Premises liability comes in a host of forms. One of the types that people might think about has to do with going to the store. When you go shopping, you probably assume that the store will be safe for people who are doing business there. While most of the time, all is well, sometimes things go wrong.

Accidents that occur at a store can lead to several different types of injuries. Some, such as those to the brain and spinal cord, are very serious. Here are some important things to know about shopping accidents:

Field sobriety tests are an important part of the evidence gathering process for police officers who conduct a suspected DUI stop in South Carolina. Because Breathalyzer test results -- and the results of other types of blood alcohol tests -- can sometimes be thrown out as evidence, it's important for police to have other tests they can fall back on. The field sobriety test is one such example -- and the detailed notes taken by the officer pertaining to the way a driver completed this test could, in some cases, be sufficient evidence to cause a DUI conviction.

Field sobriety tests include the following types of tests, which police must carry out in accordance with strict legal protocol:

While you might think that anyone can pass a sobriety test when they're sober, the reality is that these tests are so subjective that it might not be the case at all. There are three primary tests, the one-leg stand, horizontal gaze nystagmus test and walk-and-turn test.

Each of these is relatively easy on its own, but combined, many people could fail one or all of the tests even while sober. The reason for this is simple to break down.

Most people know that a DUI will affect them by resulting in criminal charges and possible penalties. One thing not many discuss is the possibility of your insurance costs increasing to a point where you can't afford to pay for it or to drive your vehicle.

After a DUI, insurance rates go up because you're not considered to be as safe of a driver. The insurance company weighs the risks and decides if you're a safe enough driver to continue to insure. If you can still get insurance through your provider, then you'll need to look into how much this new plan will cost. It's likely to be higher than you expect.