In cases of drunk driving accidents, the fault of the intoxicated driver is often apparent. However, there are other parties who could be liable for the damages resulting from these types of collisions. Dram shop laws are a lesser-known aspect of drunk driving accident litigation. These laws allow other at-fault parties to share liability.

It is possible that a party other than the at-fault driver may be liable for your damages if you or a loved one were injured in a drunk driving accident. The Columbia dram shop lawyers of Woron and Dhillon, LLC can help you identify these parties and ensure you are fully compensated for the financial and non-economic effects of a collision.

Call (803) 626-1345 or send us a message for a free consultation with our legal team.

What Are Dram Shop Laws?

Dram shop laws attribute liability to parties other than the driver who may be liable for damages in cases of drunk driving accidents. Under these laws, it’s possible that restaurant and bar management, liquor stores, social hosts, and other parties can be partially liable for drunk driving accidents. The terms of dram shop laws are different in every state.

In South Carolina, businesses can be held liable for serving alcohol to a minor or a visibly intoxicated person who eventually drives drunk and injures another person. Social hosts can be held liable for serving alcohol to a minor who eventually drives drunk, but will likely avoid liability in South Carolina if the drunk driver is of legal drinking age.

How a Lawyer Can Help You

If you were injured in a drunk driving accident, our Columbia dram shop lawyers will work to identify everyone who is liable and ensure they are held accountable for their negligence. We will not only help you file a claim against the at-fault driver, but will guide you through legal action against businesses or social hosts who may also be liable for your injuries. It is our goal to recover the full amount of compensation that you deserve.

The Claims Process

In dram shop cases, you will most likely need to pursue a personal injury case rather than an insurance claim. Your claim against the driver will proceed similarly to any car accident case, but your claim against a business or social host will be more similar to a lawsuit. Our legal team will help you navigate these complicated legal processes and ensure your rights are represented.

Damages You Can Recover Through a Dram Shop Claim

The damages you can recover through a dram shop claim include medical bills and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. The damages you recover may make up for any compensation that was not recovered through a claim against the drunk driver or could account for the damages that a business or social host was solely responsible for. For example, an insurance claim may cover your medical bills but an at-fault business could be liable for causing additional pain and suffering. Additionally, a party that is at fault under dram shop laws may be liable for punitive damages.

Contact Us Today

Understanding dram shop laws and identifying who is liable for a drunk driving accident can be complicated. We are here to represent you, help you understand your rights, and get the help you need in the aftermath of an injury. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.

If you are interested in speaking with our dram shop attorneys in Columbia, complete our contact form or call (803) 626-1345.