It happens in a flash. One moment you are driving home, headlights glowing against the dark road, and the next you see flashing blue lights in your rearview mirror. Your heart drops. There has been an accident, and officers suspect you have been drinking. Suddenly, a regular night has spiraled into a life-changing legal battle.
In South Carolina, driving under the influence is always a serious charge. When an accident is involved, the stakes rise dramatically. You are not only facing questions about your blood alcohol level but also about the damage, injuries, or even lives affected.
In moments like this, you need more than information, you need someone to stand in your corner. At Truslow & Truslow, PA, our attorneys defend people across South Carolina facing exactly these charges. If you or someone you love has been charged with DUI after an accident, contact us today for a free legal consultation.
Understanding DUI Laws and How Accidents Change Everything
South Carolina law sets a clear standard. A blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher puts you over the legal limit. But here is the truth: officers do not need a number to charge you. If they believe your ability to drive was impaired, you could still be arrested.
Now, add an accident into the mix. The law becomes far less forgiving. A simple collision that causes only minor damage already increases the severity of the case. If someone is hurt, the charge can escalate to felony DUI, which carries mandatory prison time. And if a life is lost, the potential sentence stretches into decades.
This is why accident-related DUI cases feel different. They are not treated as simple mistakes. They are handled as if the driver caused harm, whether or not that is fully true.
The Penalties and Consequences You Could Face
When people think about DUI, they often picture fines, license suspension, maybe a night in jail. With an accident, the list grows longer.
Criminal penalties can range from steep fines and license suspension to years in prison if serious injury or death is involved. Even for first-time offenders, an accident may push the case into felony territory.
Civil lawsuits often follow. The other driver, passengers, or even pedestrians may pursue damages. These claims cover medical bills, lost income, or emotional suffering. Even if your insurance pays part of it, you may still face heavy financial responsibility.
Long-term consequences are harder to measure but no less real. A conviction can shadow you when applying for jobs, trying to rent an apartment, or pursuing certain licenses. Losing your driving privileges makes daily life difficult. And the social stigma of a DUI accident is something many clients never expect until they feel it firsthand.
What the Legal Process Looks Like in South Carolina
After an arrest, the path forward is rarely quick or simple. First comes a bond hearing, where a judge decides if you can be released. Then the formal charges are read at an arraignment.
From that point, your attorney begins digging into the case. Were field sobriety tests done correctly? Was the traffic stop even valid? Were the breath or blood tests reliable? Small details matter. A single flaw in the state’s case could shift the outcome dramatically.
Some cases end in negotiations, with charges reduced or penalties lessened. Others move all the way to trial. In either path, the strategy chosen by your defense lawyer plays a critical role. Without strong representation, you are left standing alone against prosecutors determined to secure a conviction.
Why You Need a Skilled DUI Defense Attorney
There is no sugarcoating it: facing a DUI after an accident in South Carolina is overwhelming. But you do not have to navigate it alone. An experienced DUI defense attorney can investigate, challenge evidence, and negotiate on your behalf. More importantly, they can help you see a path forward when it feels like your future has been taken from you.
At Truslow & Truslow, PA, we have spent years standing up for people accused of DUI in Columbia and throughout the state. We know the courts, the prosecutors, and the tactics that work in these high-stakes cases. Every client is more than a file to us—they are a person with a future worth protecting.
Protect Your Rights Before It Is Too Late
Being charged with DUI after an accident is frightening, but you still have options. The law is tough, but it is not absolute. With the right defense, there are ways to challenge the charges, limit the damage, and fight for your future.If you are in this position, do not wait. Contact Truslow & Truslow, PA today for a private legal consultation. Our team will listen to your story, review your case, and help you take the first step toward protecting what matters most.