Have you or someone you loved been injured by a drunken driver?
On average, someone is killed by a drunk driver every forty-five minutes. Approximately three out of every ten Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some point in their lives.
In such cases, it is clear that the drunken driver is negligent provided his or her lack of judgment directly results in the injury or death of an innocent.
But the drunken driver is not the only one at fault. What about the bar that kept bringing shots to the man who could barely stand up? Or the gas station that sold a six-pack to a minor without checking I.D. Of the waiter that chose not to call a cab for a person that was served numerous drinks?
These cases fall under a statute in Texas called dram shop liability. Dram shop liability essentially states that establishments that serve alcoholic beverages are, to some degree, liable for the actions resulting from those sales. If a bar or restaurant employee knowingly serves a person to the point of intoxication, serves alcohol to an already intoxicated person, or serves alcohol to a minor, that establishment is liable. A plaintiff in these cases can and should take action against both the drunken driver and the establishment that let the drunken driver stumble to his car.
As it often happens, sometimes the drunken driver is killed in an accident that also injures an innocent. The
plaintiff in this case might feel that there is no legal recourse for he or she to take. But under dram shop liability, the plaintiff may take action against the liable establishment even in the case of the drunken driver’s death.
As a victim of a drunk driving accident, you need to know what options are available to you. Pursuing a dram shop cause of action is something that few law firms are experienced in. The attorneys of
Grossman Law Offices have recovered millions of dollars for the victims of drunken driving accident and we have the experience to help you make the most of your case.
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Questions answered on this page:
Who is responsible in a drunk driving accident?
Can you sue a bar or restaurant because of a drunk driving accident?
Are bars and restaurants responsible for drunk driving accidents?
What is a dram shop cause of action?