Drunk driving collisions are typically the fault of an impaired motorist. People know it is illegal to drive after drinking, but they make the choice to drive after consuming excessive amounts of alcohol.
They fail to recognize their own intoxication or overestimate their driving skills. Their choices can put other people in the hospital or even cause preventable deaths. Those affected by drunk driving collisions frequently want justice in the form of financial restitution. The drunk driver may lack insurance coverage and resources to properly compensate the people they hurt. A business might be partially liable if a drunk driver drank at a licensed establishment before causing a wreck.
When is it possible for the parties affected by a drunk driving wreck to hold a licensed bar or restaurant accountable?
Dram shop laws protect the public
There are many rules limiting the service of intoxicating beverages. Businesses generally need to secure a license from the state and to comply with the law to legally serve alcohol. One of the most important restrictions involves refusing service to those already under the influence.
If another reasonable person could recognize that an individual is drunk, bartenders and wait staff should refuse to continue serving them. If there is security camera footage or even witness statements affirming that an individual appeared intoxicated while continuing to buy drinks, then the people affected by the crash they caused after leaving the establishment may have grounds for a dram shop lawsuit.
Litigation against a bar or restaurant can lead to more complete compensation than a basic car insurance claim in many cases. Reviewing a recent drunk driving crash with a skilled legal team can help people determine if they can potentially hold a bar or restaurant accountable for the harm they’ve suffered.
