Man Drinking at a bar

How Bars and Restaurants May Have Liability in Your DUI Case

Drunk driving is a crime that should always be taken very seriously. The good news is that fatalities and injuries due to drunk driving have greatly decreased over the past few decades. However, drunk driving does still occur. Drunk driving can greatly alter the lives of those affected forever and the individual responsible should be held accountable for their actions. However, they may not be the only one liable for damages. 

A Drunk Driver May Not Have Enough to Compensate His or Her Victim(s)

First, it’s important to understand that drunk drivers are not only held criminally liable but may also face civil court. Many drunk drivers have insurance policies that aid them in paying for the damages that victims of such accidents sustain. Even with the help of the drunk driver’s insurance policy, you may not receive enough compensation to fully pay for your recovery. That’s why it’s important to seek out every possible party that is liable in this instance. 

Dram Shop Laws May Hold an Establishment Liable

One party that may be liable for damages caused to victims is a bar or restaurant that knowingly served alcohol to an “obviously intoxicated” person. These are known as “dram shop” laws. When a bar or restaurant violates these laws, it can be held financially liable if the same person whom they knowingly served while obviously intoxicated goes on to injure or kill someone while driving drunk. In Texas, there is also a “social host” law, which says that if a homeowner knowingly serves a minor alcohol and that minor causes an accident, they can be held liable.  

Dram shop cases are civil cases; they are personal injury claims. With the financial loss that these establishments may face if found guilty, it stands to reason that they will often deny liability. That’s why consulting with a qualified personal injury attorney is so important. He or she can look at the facts and evidence surrounding the drunk driving event and help to prove that the bar or restaurant knowingly over-served the drunk driver. 

The Attorneys at Ceja Law Firm Help Those in Houston Who Have Suffered an Injury Caused by a Drunk Driver

If you have suffered an injury caused by a drunk driver, it’s vital that you understand to what you are entitled under the law. With this information under your belt, you can make the important decisions regarding how you want to move forward. That’s why it’s in your best interest to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced Texas personal injury attorney.

At Ceja Law Firm PLLC, we understand the impact that drunk driving can have on those affected and will work to get you the compensation that you deserve in order to move forward with your life. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!