Dram Shop Liability Lawyer Lyman

When a night out turns tragic due to the reckless service of alcohol, the consequences can be life-altering—and victims deserve justice. At Langley Law Firm, we stand up for individuals and families harmed by intoxicated drivers who were overserved at bars, restaurants, or other establishments. South Carolina’s dram shop laws hold businesses accountable when their negligence contributes to serious injuries or loss of life. If you or a loved one has been affected by such an incident in Lyman, our dram shop liability lawyer is here to help. Call us today at (864) 667-6144 for a free consultation and learn how we can fight for the compensation you deserve.

What Steps to Take When Building a Dram Shop Case After a DUI Accident

When someone is injured in a DUI-related crash, the intoxicated driver is often the first and most obvious person held responsible. But in some cases, the business that sold the alcohol also shares in that responsibility. South Carolina’s dram shop laws make it possible to hold bars, restaurants, and liquor stores accountable when they serve alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who later causes harm. However, proving these cases requires detailed investigation and careful legal strategy.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI crash in or around Lyman, and you believe a business may be to blame for overserving the driver, it’s important to understand how a dram shop case is investigated. 

Start With a Thorough Review of the DUI Accident

The first step in any dram shop case is to fully understand what happened at the scene of the accident. Police reports are a crucial resource. They usually contain information about the driver’s level of intoxication, witness statements, and whether field sobriety or breathalyzer tests were performed. These details help determine how impaired the driver was and if their behavior indicated they had too much to drink.

In South Carolina, a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is considered legal intoxication. If a report shows a much higher BAC, that could support a claim that the driver was overserved.

You should also request video footage from traffic cameras or nearby businesses. These videos might show how the accident occurred or capture the driver’s behavior just before the crash.

Identify Where the Alcohol Was Purchased or Consumed

Next, it’s important to find out where the driver was drinking prior to the crash. In many DUI cases, the impaired driver tells police where they had their last drink. Sometimes, witnesses or passengers provide this information. Other times, credit card transactions, phone records, or social media posts offer clues.

Once you’ve identified the establishment, the focus turns to whether the employees acted irresponsibly. Did the bartender or server notice signs of intoxication? Were there any red flags that should have stopped them from continuing to serve alcohol?

Under South Carolina law, a bar or restaurant can be held liable if it served alcohol to someone who was already noticeably drunk. That’s not always easy to prove, so the next step involves collecting evidence from inside the establishment.

Request Surveillance Footage and Receipts

If the bar or restaurant has surveillance cameras—and many do—the footage can be one of the most important pieces of evidence in a dram shop case. Video can show how much the person drank, how they acted, and whether they appeared visibly impaired. It can also reveal how the staff interacted with them and if anyone tried to stop them from drinking more or leaving the premises.

Time is critical when it comes to video evidence. Many establishments automatically erase footage after a few days or weeks. A lawyer can quickly send a letter of preservation to prevent deletion.

Receipts and tabs can also help show how much alcohol was purchased and over what period of time. If the person had multiple strong drinks in a short window, that could point to negligent service.

Talk to Witnesses Who Were at the Bar or Restaurant

People who were present when the alcohol was served can provide valuable insight. These may include other patrons, employees, or even ride-share drivers who were waiting nearby.

Witnesses can confirm whether the driver appeared intoxicated—slurred speech, stumbling, loud behavior, or trouble staying awake are all potential signs. They can also report whether the staff ignored warning signs or encouraged more drinking.

Because memories fade quickly, it’s best to track down and speak with these witnesses as soon as possible. A lawyer can help identify and interview them in a way that preserves their testimony for legal use.

Check for Prior Violations or Alcohol Service History

Some businesses have a track record of serving alcohol irresponsibly. It’s worth looking into whether the establishment has faced past citations, fines, or lawsuits related to alcohol service. South Carolina’s Department of Revenue and local Alcohol Beverage Licensing (ABL) offices may have relevant records.

Patterns of poor oversight or previous dram shop claims can strengthen your case. They show that the bar or restaurant may have a habit of ignoring the rules, making the injury in your case more foreseeable and preventable.

Work With an Expert Witness if Needed

In more complex cases, expert witnesses may be called in to explain how alcohol affects the body, what signs of intoxication a trained server should recognize, and how overserving someone creates a risk of harm. Toxicologists, alcohol service professionals, and crash reconstruction experts can help paint a clearer picture for judges and juries.

Experts can also analyze BAC levels to estimate how many drinks the driver may have consumed and over what time period. This can tie back to the receipts or witness testimony collected earlier in the investigation.

Why Legal Representation Matters in Dram Shop Cases

Dram shop cases are not as straightforward as typical DUI claims. You need to prove that the business knowingly or negligently served alcohol to someone who was clearly intoxicated. That requires building a timeline, collecting hard-to-find evidence, and sometimes going up against well-funded insurance companies and corporate lawyers.

A personal injury attorney familiar with dram shop liability in South Carolina can handle these challenges. They know what to look for, how to preserve critical evidence, and how to negotiate or litigate for fair compensation.

Holding Negligent Establishments Accountable: Your Dram Shop Liability Case Matters

Dram shop liability cases are complex, but they play a critical role in preventing future tragedies and securing justice for victims. If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one due to the actions of an intoxicated person who was overserved at a bar or restaurant in Lyman, you don’t have to face the legal battle alone. Langley Law Firm has the resources, and dedication to pursue accountability and compensation on your behalf. Call us at (864) 667-6144 to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward holding negligent establishments responsible.