In April 2023, a newlywed couple was leaving their wedding reception on Folly Beach when a drunk driver hit their golf cart going over 60 miles per hour. The bride, Samantha Miller, was killed instantly. Her husband and two others were badly hurt.
The driver, who had spent the day drinking at several local bars, later had a blood alcohol level more than three times the legal limit. This heartbreaking case made national headlines—and it also highlighted something many people don’t realize: in South Carolina, bars and restaurants can be held legally responsible for overserving alcohol to someone who causes harm.
These are called Dram Shop cases, and they’re an important part of protecting victims and holding businesses accountable. If you or someone you love has been hurt by a drunk driver, a Charleston Dram Shop attorney can help you understand your rights and your options.
In simple terms, Dram Shop laws allow victims to sue a bar, restaurant, or store if they sold alcohol to someone who was already clearly drunk or underage—and that person went on to cause an accident.
In South Carolina, it’s illegal for businesses to serve alcohol to anyone who is visibly intoxicated. If they do, and someone gets hurt as a result, the business can be held financially responsible along with the drunk driver.
The Folly Beach crash wasn’t the only case like this. In fact, Charleston has seen several major legal cases where overserving led to life-changing injuries:
After Samantha Miller’s death, her husband sued the bars that served the driver. Several of those businesses settled, paying more than $1.3 million combined.
In another case, a passenger suffered serious injuries after a drunk driver left a Charleston bar. A jury awarded the victim $33.8 million, finding two bars responsible for continuing to serve alcohol to someone who was clearly impaired.
In a separate incident, a man who drank at several locations around Folly Beach and Shem Creek caused a crash that left his passenger with a traumatic brain injury. That case ended with a $9.8 million settlement.
These are just a few examples, but they all show the same thing: overserving isn’t just dangerous—it can be deadly. And when bars and restaurants ignore the signs, they can be held accountable.
If you’ve been hurt by a drunk driver, it’s important to talk to a lawyer who understands how to handle Dram Shop claims. These cases require gathering strong evidence—things like:
The team at Lesemann & Associates knows how to dig into the facts and build a case that shows the full picture. We work to hold everyone responsible—not just the driver, but the businesses that played a role.
When you’ve been injured in an alcohol-related crash, the financial and emotional toll can be overwhelming. Medical bills, time off work, and long-term recovery can take a serious toll. A Dram Shop case can help you recover compensation for:
It’s not just about the money—it’s about justice, accountability, and making sure this doesn’t happen to someone else.
If you were hurt—or lost someone—because of a drunk driver in Charleston, don't wait. Contact Lesemann & Associates today to schedule a free consultation. We’ll explain your rights, walk you through your legal options, and fight to get you the support and compensation you deserve.
Overserving alcohol can have devastating consequences. But South Carolina law gives victims a way to seek justice. At Lesemann & Associates, we’re here to help you hold bars and restaurants accountable, protect your rights, and move forward with confidence.
