If you were injured by someone who was clearly intoxicated, you may be asking: Can anyone besides the driver be held responsible? In some cases, the answer is yes.
Charleston residents were forced to confront this reality after a tragic crash in Folly Beach made national headlines. A newlywed bride was killed and her groom was seriously injured when an intoxicated driver struck the golf cart they were riding in just hours after their wedding. The driver was later sentenced to decades in prison. But the legal story did not end there. Civil claims followed, including claims against bars that allegedly continued serving the driver despite visible signs of intoxication.
That case illustrates how South Carolina dram shop laws can come into play. When alcohol service contributes to serious injury or loss of life, the bar or restaurant involved may share responsibility. Understanding how these claims work can help you decide whether you have legal options beyond pursuing the intoxicated driver alone.
Dram shop laws allow injured people to pursue claims against bars and restaurants that overserve alcohol to visibly intoxicated patrons who later cause harm. In South Carolina, these cases focus on the conduct of the establishment, not just the actions of the driver. To bring a dram shop claim, it must generally be shown that:
These cases often turn on what happened before the crash. In high-profile cases like the Folly Beach tragedy, investigators and attorneys examined where the driver had been drinking, how much alcohol was served, and whether staff followed responsible alcohol service practices.
Unlike a standard car accident claim, dram shop cases require deeper investigation. Evidence may include:
Bars and restaurants often dispute these claims, making it important to act quickly before evidence is lost or destroyed.
If you were injured in an accident involving a drunk driver, taking the right steps early can protect your health and your potential claim. Important steps include:
Even if the driver has already been charged criminally, civil claims operate under different rules and timelines.
Dram shop claims are governed by South Carolina law, but local knowledge still matters. Charleston attorneys understand how these cases are handled in local courts and what evidence tends to carry weight with insurers and juries.
In areas with busy nightlife, tourism, and event-driven alcohol service, these cases often involve multiple establishments, overlapping insurance policies, and aggressive defense strategies. Having guidance from someone familiar with Charleston-area dram shop litigation can make a meaningful difference.
If you were injured by an intoxicated patron, you may have more options than you realize. Claims against bars or restaurants can play a key role in helping injured people recover compensation, especially when injuries are severe or life-altering.
At Lesemann & Associates, we help clients evaluate whether a bar or restaurant may share responsibility and how a dram shop claim fits into the larger legal picture. To speak with a Charleston dram shop attorney about your situation, contact Lesemann & Associates today. Acting sooner can help preserve evidence and protect your rights.
