Can an Accident Victim Sue a Bar or Restaurant for Liability When the Driver at Fault Had Been Drinking There?
Motor vehicle accidents caused by drunk driving are tragic and often preventable. When a driver who has been drinking at a bar or restaurant causes an accident, victims may wonder if they can hold the establishment responsible for serving alcohol to the intoxicated individual. The Palmdale car accident lawyers at Kistler Law Firm can clarify this issue.
California’s Stance on Dram Shop Laws
“Dram shop” laws refer to statutes that hold alcohol-serving establishments, such as bars and restaurants, liable for damages caused by their patrons. These laws vary significantly from state to state, with some states having strict regulations while others offer more limited liability.
In California, dram shop laws are notably limited. The state’s Civil Code Section 1714, also known as the “California Dram Shop Act,” largely protects alcohol-serving establishments from liability. According to this law, a bar or restaurant cannot be held responsible for injuries caused by an intoxicated patron except under specific circumstances.
Exceptions to the California Dram Shop Act
While California generally provides broad immunity to bars and restaurants under its dram shop laws, there are important exceptions:
Serving Alcohol to Minors: An establishment can be held liable if it serves alcohol to a minor who then causes an accident. In such cases, the injured party may have grounds to sue the bar or restaurant for negligence in serving alcohol to an underage person.
Obvious Intoxication: Although more challenging to prove, another potential exception involves serving alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person. If it can be demonstrated that the establishment continued to serve alcohol to someone who was clearly intoxicated and that individual subsequently caused an accident, there might be a basis for liability. However, this is much harder to establish compared to cases involving minors.
Proving Liability in California
Given the limited scope of California’s dram shop laws, proving liability can be complex. Here are the essential steps and considerations:
Gathering Evidence: Evidence is crucial in building a case against a bar or restaurant. This includes obtaining surveillance footage from the establishment, eyewitness testimonies, and receipts indicating the amount of alcohol served. It may also involve expert testimony to demonstrate that the person was visibly intoxicated when they were served more alcohol.
Establishing Negligence: To hold a bar or restaurant liable, it must be shown that the establishment acted negligently by serving alcohol to a minor or a visibly intoxicated person. This requires a detailed examination of the circumstances, including the patron’s and staff’s behavior.
Legal Representation: Due to the complexities involved in Dram Shop cases, securing experienced legal representation is essential. A skilled attorney can navigate the legal intricacies, gather necessary evidence, and build a compelling case to seek compensation from the establishment.
Steps for Victims
If you have been involved in an accident caused by a drunk driver who had been drinking at a bar or restaurant, here are the steps you should take:
Seek Medical Attention: Your health and safety are the top priorities. Ensure that you receive appropriate medical care for any injuries sustained in the accident.
Document the Accident: Gather as much information as possible about the accident. This includes taking photographs of the scene, obtaining contact information from witnesses, and filing a police report. The police report can be crucial in establishing that the driver was intoxicated.
Identify the Establishment: Determine where the at-fault driver had been drinking. This information may come from the driver’s statements, witnesses, or receipts found in the driver’s possession.
Consult an Attorney: Contact an attorney who specializes in personal injury and dram shop laws. They can evaluate your case, help gather evidence, and determine the best course of action to seek compensation.
Consider Other Avenues for Compensation
Even if holding the bar or restaurant liable proves challenging, you may still have other avenues for compensation. This includes filing a claim against the drunk driver’s insurance policy or seeking compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, if applicable.
Importance of Comprehensive Legal Support
Navigating the legal landscape in dram shop cases requires thorough knowledge and expertise. An attorney with experience in personal injury and alcohol liability cases can provide invaluable assistance. They can help you understand your rights, gather critical evidence, and advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact Kistler Law Firm
While California’s dram shop laws offer limited opportunities to hold bars and restaurants accountable for serving alcohol to intoxicated patrons, exceptions do exist, particularly in cases involving minors or visibly intoxicated individuals. Proving liability in these cases is complex and requires substantial evidence and legal expertise.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver who had been drinking at a bar or restaurant, it is crucial to seek legal advice promptly. At Kistler Law Firm, our experienced Palmdale personal injury attorneys are dedicated to helping victims of drunk driving accidents navigate the legal system and pursue justice.
Contact us today for a consultation, and let us assist you in holding the responsible parties accountable and securing the compensation you need for your recovery.
