What You Need to Know About Dram Shop Liability Laws in Georgia

Car accidents involving drunk drivers are often devastating, resulting in serious injuries, emotional trauma, and financial hardships for victims. While it is clear that the impaired driver is at fault, Georgia law also holds alcohol-serving establishments accountable under certain circumstances. These laws, known as dram shop liability laws, allow victims to seek compensation from bars, restaurants, or other establishments that overserve alcohol to individuals who then cause accidents. At Moriarty Injury Lawyer in Atlanta, GA, we are committed to helping victims understand and pursue their rights under dram shop liability laws.

What Are Dram Shop Liability Laws?

Dram shop liability laws make alcohol-serving establishments legally responsible if they overserve individuals who later cause harm to others. In Georgia, these laws specifically apply when:

• Alcohol is served or sold to a visibly intoxicated person or a minor: The establishment must have knowingly continued to serve alcohol to someone who was visibly drunk or underage.
• The intoxicated individual causes injury or damage: There must be a clear connection between the service of alcohol and the subsequent harm caused by the individual.

For example, if a bar serves an obviously intoxicated person, and that individual gets behind the wheel and causes a car accident, the bar may be held liable for the injuries and damages sustained by the victims.

How Dram Shop Liability Can Impact Your Case

In drunk driving accidents, dram shop liability laws can provide an additional avenue for victims to seek compensation. This is especially important if the drunk driver does not have sufficient insurance coverage or assets to fully compensate for the damages.

Compensation in dram shop liability cases may include:

• Medical expenses: Current and future medical costs related to the injuries sustained in the accident.
• Lost wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to the injuries or recovery period.
• Pain and suffering: Damages for the physical and emotional trauma endured.

Challenges in Proving Dram Shop Liability

Dram shop liability cases can be complex and require detailed evidence to establish fault. To succeed in a claim, you must prove that:

• The establishment served or sold alcohol to the intoxicated individual while they were visibly drunk or to a minor.
• This service directly contributed to the individual’s actions that caused the accident.
• Evidence such as surveillance footage, witness testimony, receipts, and police reports are critical in building a strong case.

Why Choose Moriarty Injury Lawyer

At Moriarty Injury Lawyer in Atlanta, GA, we have extensive experience handling dram shop liability cases and fighting for the rights of victims injured by drunk drivers. Our team understands the nuances of Georgia’s dram shop laws and works tirelessly to hold negligent establishments accountable.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you deserve justice and fair compensation. The team at Moriarty Injury Lawyer will thoroughly investigate your case, gather the necessary evidence, and pursue every possible source of recovery, including dram shop liability claims.

Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your rights and legal options. Let us help you navigate this challenging time and fight for the compensation you deserve.