Can a Bar be Held Liable for Drunk Driving Accidents?

Drunk driving is a major cause for concern on the road.

According to the Center for Disease Control, over 10,000 people die each year in the United States due to alcohol related accidents like drunk driving. A lot of cases involve patrons leaving bars after a night of heavy drinking. 

In California, bars are generally not liable if one of their patrons leaves drunk and injures someone in a car accident. Many states have Dram Shop Laws, where the state may hold the bar responsible for serving alcohol. However, the Dram Shop Laws are different in California, and the bar may only be held liable if serving alcohol to someone under 21.

Serving alcohol to a minor is illegal. The adult serving the alcohol can be held responsible if a minor drinks alcohol served to them at a bar, restaurant, or even in the privacy of one’s home.

For example:

30 year-old Bill staggers into a bar. He cannot stand up straight without falling, and continuously slurs his words. The bartender still serves him drinks.  On his way home, Bill crashes into another car. The victim of the accident cannot sue the bar that served him additional drinks.

However, if Bill was only 19, the bar could be held liable for serving alcohol to a minor under the age of 21.

The pain suffered after being hit by a drunk driver can be physically tolling and mentally exhausting. If you or a loved one were injured in a drunk driving accident, contact our accident lawyers at C&B Law Group today about a free consultation. 

Our honest and experienced Los Angeles injury lawyers are here to help you. We have a professional staff, complete with administrators and legal assistants that will fight vigorously to provide exceptional service. They aim to ensure that any and all questions or issues are followed up on and resolved.

Contact a Los Angeles drunk driving accident lawyer today!