Columbia Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Injured in a DUI Accident in Columbia, SC?

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by an impaired driver, you may be entitled to significant compensation. At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, our legal team is dedicated to holding drunk drivers accountable and helping accident victims recover physically, emotionally, and financially. Drunk driving accidents are entirely preventable, yet they remain one of the leading causes of catastrophic injuries and fatalities in South Carolina. When negligence on the road changes your life, you need an experienced Columbia drunk driving accident lawyer to fight for your rights.

Contact us today at (803) 599-2207 for a free consultation with an experienced Columbia drunk driving accident attorney.

Drunk Driving Laws in South Carolina

South Carolina takes impaired driving very seriously. Under South Carolina Code § 56-5-2930, it is unlawful for a person to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. For commercial drivers, the legal limit is 0.04%, and for drivers under the age of 21, the state has a “zero tolerance” policy at 0.02%.

In addition to alcohol, South Carolina law also prohibits driving under the influence of drugs or any other substance that impairs a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Penalties for DUI can include heavy fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and jail time.

However, while criminal charges punish offenders, they do little to help the victims of drunk driving accidents. That’s where civil claims come in. By filing a personal injury lawsuit, you can seek compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by the drunk driver’s negligence.

How Alcohol Impairs Your Ability to Drive

Alcohol consumption negatively affects virtually every skill necessary for safe driving, including:

• Reduced reaction time – Even small amounts of alcohol slow the brain’s ability to respond to sudden changes in traffic.
• Impaired judgment – Alcohol can cause drivers to make reckless decisions, such as speeding, ignoring traffic signals, or attempting dangerous maneuvers.
• Loss of coordination – Balance, hand-eye coordination, and motor skills are often compromised, making it difficult to maintain control of a vehicle.
• Blurred vision – Alcohol affects vision clarity, depth perception, and peripheral awareness, increasing the risk of missing hazards.
• Decreased concentration – Focus and attention span decline, leading to dangerous distractions.

When a driver gets behind the wheel while impaired, they put themselves, their passengers, and everyone else on the road in danger. If you’ve been the victim of such reckless behavior, our team at Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC will fight aggressively to hold the at-fault driver accountable.

How to Prove Liability Against a Drunk Driver

Establishing liability in a drunk driving accident case requires evidence that the driver was impaired and that their impairment directly caused the crash. Our Columbia drunk driving accident lawyer may use the following types of evidence:

• Police reports & arrest records – DUI citations, breathalyzer results, and officer observations can prove intoxication.
• Witness testimony – Bystanders, passengers, or other drivers may have observed the impaired driver’s behavior.
• Surveillance or dashcam footage – Videos may show reckless driving patterns before the collision.
• Expert testimony – Accident reconstruction experts can help connect the dots between the driver’s impairment and the crash.
• Medical and toxicology reports – Lab results and hospital records can confirm intoxication levels.

Unlike criminal cases, where prosecutors must prove guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt,” civil claims only require proof by a preponderance of the evidence. That means it must be shown that it is more likely than not that the driver’s impairment caused the accident.

South Carolina Dram Shop & Social Host Liability

In some cases, liability for a drunk driving accident may extend beyond the driver. Under South Carolina’s dram shop laws, bars, restaurants, and liquor stores can be held responsible if they serve alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated or under the legal drinking age, and that person later causes a crash.

Additionally, South Carolina recognizes social host liability. This means that individuals who knowingly provide alcohol to minors at parties or gatherings may also be held accountable if those minors cause harm while driving drunk.

At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, we investigate every possible angle of your case. By identifying all liable parties—including bars, restaurants, or hosts—we maximize your chance of recovering full compensation.

Drunk Driving Accident FAQs

What should I do immediately after a drunk driving accident in Columbia?

Call 911, seek medical treatment, and cooperate with law enforcement. If possible, collect witness information and take photos of the accident scene. Then, contact a lawyer as soon as possible.

Can I still recover damages if the drunk driver was not convicted of DUI?

Yes. A criminal conviction is not required for a civil lawsuit. Your case is independent and requires only proof of negligence.

What damages can I recover after a drunk driving accident?

You may recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and in some cases, punitive damages designed to punish reckless behavior.

How long do I have to file a drunk driving accident claim in South Carolina?

Generally, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in South Carolina is three years from the date of the accident. Acting quickly ensures your rights are protected.

Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company offers me a settlement?

Yes. Insurance companies often make low initial offers that don’t fully cover your losses. A skilled attorney can negotiate on your behalf and pursue litigation if necessary.

Speak with a Columbia Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today

Drunk driving crashes are devastating, and victims should not have to suffer financially because of another person’s reckless decisions. At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, we have the experience, resources, and determination to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI-related accident in Columbia, SC, don’t wait to call (803) 599-2207 or contact us online today.