Award Winning
Drunk driving is one of the most reckless and preventable causes of accidents on Charleston’s roads. When someone chooses to get behind the wheel under the influence, they not only break the law they put innocent lives at risk.
If you or someone you love has been injured by an impaired driver in Charleston, you have the legal right to pursue compensation for your injuries, financial losses, and emotional suffering. At Ted Law Firm, our drunk driving accident lawyers aggressively pursue justice on behalf of victims and their families. You focus on healing, we’ll handle the rest.
Local Roads, Local Representation
Charleston’s vibrant nightlife, bars, and coastal highways make it a hub for DUI-related crashes. From King Street and East Bay Street to I-26, Savannah Highway (US-17), and Rivers Avenue, the city’s most-traveled routes see dozens of alcohol-related collisions every year.
According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS), Charleston County averages over 600 DUI-related crashes annually, resulting in hundreds of injuries and fatalities. These tragedies often involve drivers coming from bars, restaurants, and private events across the Charleston peninsula and beaches.
We’ve helped victims injured in:
- Head-on collisions caused by drunk drivers drifting across lanes.
- Rear-end crashes at stoplights and intersections downtown.
- Multi-vehicle pileups on I-26 and I-526.
- Fatal wrong-way crashes and hit-and-runs across Charleston County.
If you were injured by a drunk driver, our Charleston attorneys will fight to recover every dollar you deserve , and hold reckless drivers accountable.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Drunk Driving Accident?
Most people assume the drunk driver is the only one responsible. But under South Carolina law, others may share liability.
- The intoxicated driver – for driving under the influence.
- Bars, restaurants, or clubs – for overserving visibly intoxicated patrons (Dram Shop liability).
- Social hosts – if they provided alcohol to minors or impaired guests.
- Employers – if the driver was working at the time of the crash.
- Insurance companies – under uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) coverage.
Our Charleston attorneys investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.
Punitive Damages in Drunk Driving Accident Cases
In addition to compensation for medical bills and pain, victims of drunk driving accidents can recover punitive damages additional financial penalties designed to punish and deter reckless conduct.
Punitive damages may apply if:
- The driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeded the legal limit (0.08%+).
- The driver was a repeat offender.
- The driver fled the scene or caused a fatal crash.
Our team aggressively pursues these damages to ensure justice is served not just for you, but for the Charleston community.
Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving crashes are often severe because intoxicated drivers fail to brake or react in time. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions.
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis.
- Internal bleeding and organ damage.
- Broken bones and fractures.
- Burns and scarring from vehicle fires.
- PTSD and emotional trauma.
- Wrongful death in fatal crashes.
We partner with local medical professionals at MUSC Health and Roper St. Francis Hospital to fully document your injuries and long-term care needs.
Wrongful Death in Drunk Driving Cases
Tragically, some DUI crashes end in fatalities. When that happens, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim to recover damages for:
- Funeral and burial expenses.
- Loss of financial support.
- Emotional anguish and loss of companionship.
- Punitive damages against the driver or establishment.
At Ted Law Firm, we handle these cases with compassion and persistence helping Charleston families find justice and closure.
The Harsh Reality of Drunk Driving in Charleston
Charleston sees thousands of visitors each year, from tourists exploring downtown to college students and nightlifers across the peninsula. Unfortunately, this also means a high risk of impaired drivers especially at night and on weekends.
Drunk driving accidents often involve:
- High-speed collisions
- Head-on crashes
- Rear-end impacts at intersections
- Pedestrian and cyclist injuries
- Fatal crashes
Injuries from these accidents tend to be severe and life-altering, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, multiple fractures, internal bleeding, and more.
What Makes Drunk Driving Accidents Different?
Unlike typical auto accidents, drunk driving collisions often involve:
- Clear evidence of negligence driving under the influence is a crime and a breach of legal duty.
- Criminal investigations, which may provide helpful evidence in your civil claim.
- Potential for punitive damages, especially if the driver’s behavior was grossly negligent or involved repeat offenses.
You may also have the right to file a dram shop claim if a bar, restaurant, or alcohol-serving establishment over-served the at-fault driver. These cases require careful legal investigation and are time-sensitive.
What to Do If You’ve Been Hit by a Drunk Driver
Taking the right steps after a drunk driving accident can protect your health and strengthen your case:
- Call 911 immediately and report the accident. Ask that officers perform field sobriety or breathalyzer testing if the other driver shows signs of intoxication.
- Get medical attention even if you feel fine. Injuries can appear hours or days later.
- Document everything:
- Take photos of the scene and both vehicles
- Gather contact info from witnesses
- Keep a copy of the police report
- Take photos of the scene and both vehicles
- Do not speak to the insurance company before talking to a lawyer.
- Contact a Charleston drunk driving accident lawyer as soon as possible.
The earlier you involve legal counsel, the better we can preserve critical evidence especially if there’s a criminal case pending.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Drunk Driving Accident?
Our attorneys will investigate all potential sources of liability, which may include:
- The drunk driver (for negligent and reckless behavior)
- The driver’s employer (if they were on the job at the time)
- A bar, club, or restaurant (for overserving alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person)
- A social host (if the at-fault driver was underage and served alcohol at a private event)
These parties may be held responsible through personal injury or wrongful death claims separate from any criminal penalties the driver may face.
Understanding Fault in South Carolina
South Carolina follows the modified comparative negligence rule (51% rule):
- You can recover compensation if you were less than 51% responsible for the crash.
- Your damages are reduced by your fault percentage.
What Damages Can You Recover?
A successful drunk driving accident claim can help you recover:
- Emergency medical costs and long-term treatment
- Lost income and future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Property damage
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Funeral expenses in wrongful death cases
- Punitive damages (intended to punish gross negligence)
At Ted Law Firm, we fight to hold impaired drivers fully accountable—not just financially, but morally. We know no amount of money can undo the trauma, but securing justice can make a real difference in your recovery.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
Evidence in DUI cases BAC tests, surveillance footage, bar receipts, and eyewitness accounts can disappear quickly. Acting fast allows us to:
- Preserve key evidence before it’s destroyed or lost.
- Coordinate with law enforcement for official reports.
- File Dram Shop and punitive damage claims before deadlines expire.
Under S.C. Code § 15-3-530, victims generally have three years from the accident date to file a civil claim, but early action strengthens your case dramatically.
Why Choose Ted Law Firm?
Drunk driving cases aren’t just about car crashes; they’re about accountability, responsibility, and standing up for victims. When you hire Ted Law Firm, you get:
- Experienced trial attorneys who understand both the legal and emotional impact of DUI accidents
- In-depth investigation of police reports, toxicology results, and surveillance footage
- Aggressive negotiation with insurers and corporate entities
- A strong voice in court, if your case goes to trial
- No legal fees unless we win your case
You deserve a team that won’t settle for less than what your case is worth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I sue a drunk driver even if they were already convicted?
Yes. A criminal conviction helps your civil case, but your right to sue is separate.
2. What is Dram Shop liability in South Carolina?
Bars or restaurants can be held responsible for overserving visibly intoxicated patrons who later cause accidents.
3. What damages can I recover?
You may recover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.
4. What if the drunk driver had no insurance?
We can file through your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage or pursue the bar that overserved them.
5. How long do I have to file a DUI injury claim?
Three years under S.C. Code § 15-3-530, but act fast to preserve evidence.
6. How much does it cost to hire Ted Law Firm?
We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win.
7. What if my loved one died in a DUI crash?
We’ll help you file a wrongful death claim for funeral costs, lost income, and emotional suffering.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Charleston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
At Ted Law Firm, we work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact us today for a free consultation, or stop by one of our conveniently located South Carolina offices in Charleston, Greenville, Columbia, Aiken, or Mrtyle Beach so we can discuss your case face-to-face. Remember, you pay nothing unless we win your case, so there is no harm in scheduling a free consultation. You’re in good hands with Ted Law Firm.
