If a person has been drinking at an establishment and they are then involved in a drunk driving accident that causes injury or death to someone else, then that establishment could also be held liable for damages sustained in the accident. It does have to be shown that the bar sold the drunk driver alcohol while he or she was obviously intoxicated.
If you have been injured or a loved one was killed in a drunk driving accident, then you may have a personal injury claim against all parties that contributed to the accident. Your Southern Minnesota personal injury attorney will be able to review every aspect of your case and make a determination as to who is liable, the exact damages that you have been dealt, and how much those damages are worth.
Holding Dram Shops Liable
The law states that establishments that sell alcohol can be held responsible for the actions of an intoxicated person when they have sold alcohol to that person illegally. Bars and liquor stores can be held liable. In other words, social clubs, restaurants, and individuals serving alcohol at private events can be named in a lawsuit where a person is injured or killed by a drunk driver.
The illegal sale of alcohol can include:
- Selling alcohol without a liquor license
- Selling alcohol to a minor
- Selling alcohol after hours
- Serving alcohol to someone when they have obviously had too much
Our attorneys can assist you in determining whether or not a dram shop contributed to the accident.
Protecting Your Rights
When you are facing damages caused by a drunk driver, it is very important that you have a Mankato personal injury attorney by your side every step of the way, helping you through your case. There is a statute of limitations that applies to the dram shop portion of an injury or wrongful death claim. If the claim is not made within that period of time, you could lose the right to move forward with that portion of the claim. Your attorney will ensure that you are within your limits and file your claim in a timely manner so that you get everything that you are entitled to. This compensation will pay for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other expenses that are related to the accident. That way you don’t have to worry about finances while you are trying to recover from the injuries or the loss of a loved one.
Contact A Southern Minnesota Personal Injury Lawyer
In drunk driving accidents, more than one party can be held responsible. The drunk driver can be held liable for the financial damages done to the victim and so can the establishment that served the drunk driver if they continued to serve them when they shouldn’t have, frequently referred to as the “dram shop.” If you were the victim in a drunk driving accident, you may have a personal injury claim. To learn more about your rights and options, call 507-625-2525 for a free consultation.
