Many people do not know that bars, taverns, and restaurants can be held responsible for injuries stemming from a drunk driving accident if the establishment over-served the customer. Arizona law specifically allows this type of lawsuit (called “Dram Shop”) because it is critically important to protect our community from bars that put alcohol profits over safety.
When a bar, restaurant, hotel, or night club continues to serve liquor to a patron who they know (or should know) is intoxicated or is becoming intoxicated, the business may be held liable for any injuries later sustained in a drunk driving accident.
Dram shop litigation can be complex, but it can provide the compensation needed for catastrophic injuries or wrongful Death. Most importantly, it is one way we can help protect our Phoenix community from bars that put profits over safety.
The personal injury attorneys at the Phoenix law firm of Snyder & Wenner, P.C. know how important it is to hold accountable those who are responsible for catastrophic injuries. With serious injuries, there is an on-going need for medical care and financial help. In wrongful death cases, families need compensation for financial loss as well as loss of companionship. Unfortunately, drunk driving accidents often result in catastrophic injury or death.
Bar and Restaurant Liability Cases Require Thorough Investigation
We have the experience and knowledge necessary to litigate cases involving injuries resulting from drunk driving accidents. Our investigators will locate and interview any eyewitnesses who saw the drunk driver at a bar prior to the crash. Was the driver obviously drunk? Did the business continue to serve the driver?
Our law firm uses expert witnesses to prepare scientific evidence in liquor liability cases. What was the alcohol level at the time of the crash? A toxicologist can then scientifically determine the alcohol level the driver had at the bar or restaurant.
Our trial lawyers have more than 30 years of experience handling complex cases such as dram shop liability lawsuits. In every case, we have a detailed knowledge of the facts and applicable law and carefully prepare an effective presentation for trial. Contact us for a free consultation.
Because of tougher enforcement, drunk driving accidents have decreased in recent years, but that does not make individual tragedies any less devastating. In 2007, it is estimated that almost 13,000 people died in accidents that involved a drunk driver—this is almost a third of the traffic fatalities for that year. A far greater number of people suffered catastrophic injuries.
A drunk driving accident is caused by someone choosing to drink and drive. Because of that, punitive damages are awarded to the victim. Another cause of a drunk driving accident is when someone knowingly furnishes the drunk driver with excessive amounts of alcohol. If a loved one has suffered serious injuries or was killed in a drunk driving accident, talk to a personal injury attorney at the law firm of Snyder & Wenner, P.C. in Phoenix, Arizona.
Our Attorneys Investigate and Litigate Drunk Driving Accidents
Because the injuries are often serious, we thoroughly investigate drunk driving accidents to be sure we have all the facts and can present the most effective possible case for our clients. Our trial lawyers also consult with medical experts and economists to determine the need and cost of future medical treatment and economic losses. What if the drunk driver does not have sufficient insurance?
If a drunk driver does not have sufficient insurance to pay for damages, our lawyers look at the uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist coverage of the driver who was hit by the drunk driver. We also investigate what happened before the accident. Did a hotel or bar over-serve an obviously drunk customer?
At Snyder & Wenner, P.C., we take cases involving serious injuries and wrongful death. With more than 25 years of experience, we know how to investigate and prepare an effective case. Review our verdicts and settlements. For a free consultation about your DUI accident injuries or a loved one’s death in a drunk driving accident, contact us.
With over offices in Phoenix, Avondale & Scottsdale, our team of personal injury attorneys can help you with your serious injury or wrongful death case.