How Drunk Driving in Charleston Contributes to Motorcycle Crashes

A motorcycle and helmet lie on the road in front of a car, suggesting a collision.

Charleston’s vibrant nightlife scene—particularly along King Street, East Bay, and the French Quarter—draws thousands of visitors and locals every weekend. But when bars close and impaired drivers take to the roads, motorcyclists often face the greatest risks. Alcohol-involved crashes continue to be a leading cause of motorcycle fatalities in South Carolina, including right here in Charleston County.

Why Trust Taylor Anderson Law Firm With Your Motorcycle Accident Claim?

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a drunk driver, the legal road ahead can be complex. Taylor Anderson, a highly regarded Charleston personal injury attorney, offers more than two decades of legal experience and a strong record of results in serious accident litigation.

Highlights of his credentials include:

  • D., cum laude, from the University of Georgia School of Law (2004)
  • Licensed to practice in South Carolina (2008) and Georgia (2004)
  • Martindale-Hubbell Preeminent Lawyer award recipient for 2021–2023
  • Member of the Charleston County Bar Association, South Carolina Bar, and State Bar of Georgia
  • Broad litigation experience, including personal injury, wrongful death, and complex civil claims

Taylor is based on James Island and is personally familiar with Charleston’s high-risk roads and accident patterns—giving clients local insight as well as proven legal skill.

Drunk Driving and Motorcycle Crashes in Charleston: The Numbers

According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, Charleston County reported:

  • 79 alcohol-related fatal crashes between 2018 and 2022
  • 23 motorcycle fatalities in Charleston County in 2022 alone—8 of those involved a suspected impaired driver
  • Statewide, 32% of fatal motorcycle crashes in 2022 involved alcohol impairment

Charleston’s nightlife districts contribute significantly to these figures. The City of Charleston Police Department frequently identifies King Street, Calhoun Street, and Meeting Street as high-incidence areas for DUI arrests and weekend collisions.

Statewide, motorcycle riders made up 14% of all traffic fatalities, despite motorcycles representing only 3% of registered vehicles in South Carolina.

How Drunk Driving Impacts Motorcycle Safety

Motorcycles are already harder for drivers to see, especially at night. Add alcohol impairment, and the risks multiply. Drunk drivers are more likely to:

  • Drift into oncoming traffic or across lane lines
  • Fail to yield at intersections or traffic signals
  • Misjudge distance and speed of motorcycles
  • React too slowly to avoid collisions

For riders, the consequences are often catastrophic, including:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord damage and paralysis
  • Compound fractures
  • Road rash and severe skin lacerations
  • Long-term disability or disfigurement

Legal Aspects of Alcohol-Related Motorcycle Accidents in South Carolina

Comparative Negligence

South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can recover damages even if you are partially at fault—as long as your fault does not exceed 50%. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Dram Shop Liability

Under South Carolina’s dram shop laws, businesses may be held liable if they serve alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who later causes a crash. This could expand the pool of compensation in DUI-related motorcycle accidents.

Criminal vs. Civil Proceedings

Even if the drunk driver is arrested and charged, criminal proceedings won’t directly compensate victims. A separate civil claim is required to pursue damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses.

Dangerous Areas for Motorcycle Riders in Charleston

Based on recent accident data and DUI arrest trends, these areas pose elevated risks for riders, especially at night:

  • Upper King Street between Calhoun and Spring Street
  • East Bay Street near Waterfront Park and the Market area
  • Meeting Street between Broad Street and Huger Street
  • Savannah Highway near West Ashley nightlife spots
  • Folly Road from James Island to Folly Beach, particularly after beach parties or bar events

What To Do After a Crash With a Drunk Driver

If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident with a suspected drunk driver:

  1. Call 911 immediately to report the crash and request medical help.
  2. Seek medical treatment as soon as possible—even minor injuries can become serious.
  3. Document the scene with photos, witness information, and any unusual driver behavior.
  4. Get a copy of the police report—it will note if alcohol was suspected.
  5. Consult a motorcycle accident lawyer before dealing with insurance adjusters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How does alcohol use affect fault in a motorcycle accident?

A: If the at-fault driver was impaired, that significantly strengthens your claim. Police reports, DUI charges, and witness testimony can help prove negligence.

Q: What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

A: In South Carolina, riders over 21 are not legally required to wear helmets. However, insurance companies may try to use this against you. A lawyer can help protect your rights.

Q: How long do I have to file a claim?

A: You have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim in South Carolina.

Q: Can I recover damages if a bar over served the driver?

A: Yes. South Carolina’s dram shop law allows you to seek compensation from establishments that served alcohol to an intoxicated person who caused the crash.

Q: What kinds of damages can I recover?

A: You may be eligible for:

  • Medical costs (current and future)
  • Lost income or loss of earning potential
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage to your motorcycle
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement

Contact Taylor Anderson Law Firm for Help

Alcohol-related motorcycle accidents can result in devastating injuries and long-term hardship. Taylor Anderson Law Firm is here to guide you through the legal process and pursue fair compensation if a drunk driver caused your crash in Charleston or the surrounding Lowcountry.

Call today or visit online to request a consultation

Posted on behalf of Taylor Anderson Law Firm


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