Restaurant & Bar Liability In Phoenix & Scottsdale AZ

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

Restaurant Liability Attorney Phoenix AZ 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “Dram Shop” (bar and restaurant liability)?

Dram shop laws are what make a bar or restaurant responsible for damages caused by a drunk driver who was served alcohol at those locations. The term “dram shop” comes from 18th Century England, when bars and restaurants sold gin by the spoonful. This was called a “dram.” The “dram shop” was the place that sold the gin to customers. Dram shop laws are extremely important, as they help protect the public from restaurants and bars over-serving customers (or from serving customers who are already intoxicated).

Why Are Bars and Restaurants In Arizona Responsible For Injuries Caused by Drunk Drivers?

In Arizona, it is against the law for bars and restaurants to serve a customer to the point of intoxication. It is also against the law to serve alcohol to a person who is already drunk. These laws are in place because the restaurant or bar is in the best position (and has the necessary training) to determine when a customer is drunk. The establishment obviously makes money when the customer continues to buy alcohol, so lawmakers wanted to ensure the bar/restaurant does not have an incentive to over-serve people. They are therefore able to serve alcohol to customers, but they must also take responsibility for ensuring the safety of the general public by cutting off intoxicated people and preventing them from driving home.

Is The Drunk Driver Also Responsible For Causing a Crash/Injuries?

Under the law, the drunk driver may also be responsible for injuries he or she causes while drunk. The problem, though, is that most people only have minimum insurance coverage (only $25,000), and drunk driving crashes typically cause severe injuries or even death. While the drunk driver is the one who crashed the car, the law recognizes how difficult it is for people to understand they are drunk and to make appropriate decisions while drunk. That is why the bar/restaurant is responsible for the drunk driver’s conduct if the person either exhibited signs of intoxication or the bar should have known the person was intoxicated.

What Are Bars And Restaurants Supposed To Do If A Customer Is Drunk?

First, the establishment must stop serving the person alcohol. Second, if the bar/restaurant knows or has reason to know the person may drive home, the establishment has a responsibility to intervene to stop the person from driving. They must call a cab/Uber/Lyft to safely take the person home. This is the bar/restaurant’s responsibility because they are the ones who served the person and profited from the sales.

How Do You Prove Negligence Against A Bar Or Restaurant For Over-Serving Someone?

The first step is to find out where the person was drinking at that night. There could be several such places. The police report may have the information, but if it doesn’t, interviews need to happen. This often includes interviewing the driver (many times in jail). Next, the lawyer collects all the evidence needed to prove how many drinks were served to the customer. Surveillance video, credit card receipts, eyewitness accounts, and cash register receipts typically reveal what happened. Even this, however, may not tell the whole story, as the customer may have had drinks purchased for him/her by friends. Finally, we hire an expert to objectively review all the evidence to determine if the bar/restaurant knew or should have known the customer was intoxicated at the time.

If I Was Hit By A Drunk Driver, Do I Need A Dram Shop Lawyer?

Dram shop cases can be very difficult and complex. You need a lawyer who has significant experience litigating these cases because the bars/restaurants often try to hide the critical evidence. This is why if you or your family member were hit by a drunk driver and sustained injuries, you need a dram shop lawyer to represent you. Otherwise, going after the bar/restaurant may be too difficult of a task.

Bar and Restaurant Liability Cases Require Thorough Investigation

Our Attorneys Investigate and Litigate Drunk Driving Accidents

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Us

Reference Materials

Snyder & Wenner, P.C.

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Restaurant & Bar Liability Lawyer (Dram Shop Liability) in Phoenix, AZ

Bar and Restaurant Liability Cases Require Thorough Investigation

Our Attorneys Investigate and Litigate Drunk Driving Accidents

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Us

Reference Materials

Snyder & Wenner, P.C.

Map