Dram Shop Liability Lawyer Roebuck

If you’ve been injured due to the actions of an intoxicated individual, the Langley Law Firm is here to help. As dram shop liability lawyers in Duncan, we hold alcohol-serving establishments accountable for their role in serving individuals who later cause harm. Whether you’ve been involved in an accident or suffered other injuries due to an over-served patron, our team is dedicated to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation at (864) 667-6144, and let us help you navigate this complex legal matter with care.

Can You Sue a Bar for Injuries Caused by a Drunk Driver in Roebuck?

Being involved in a car accident with a drunk driver can be a traumatic experience. It’s not just the physical injuries that make these incidents difficult to cope with—there’s also the emotional distress and financial strain that often follow. If the drunk driver got their alcohol from a local bar or restaurant, you might be wondering if the bar can be held accountable for your injuries. In South Carolina, it is possible to sue a bar or other alcohol-serving establishment under certain circumstances. This concept falls under dram shop liability, which is a legal term used when an establishment is held responsible for injuries caused by an intoxicated or underage patron.

What Is Dram Shop Liability?

Dram shop liability refers to a law that holds alcohol-serving establishments, such as bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, responsible for injuries caused by their patrons who were served alcohol when they were already intoxicated. In South Carolina, bars can be held liable if they serve alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person or an underage individual who later causes harm or injury.

However, the legal framework for dram shop liability can be complex. It’s not simply a matter of proving that someone was drinking at a bar and later caused an accident. You’ll need to show that the establishment’s actions directly contributed to the drunk driving accident and your injuries.

Understanding South Carolina’s Dram Shop Laws

South Carolina’s dram shop laws are designed to protect the public from harm caused by intoxicated individuals. The law specifically states that a bar or other alcohol-serving establishment can be held liable if:

• They serve alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated.

• They serve alcohol to a minor (under 21 years old).

In the context of a drunk driving accident, the person who caused the crash must have been served alcohol by the bar before the accident took place. Additionally, you must prove that the bar’s actions contributed to the intoxicated person’s state and their subsequent decision to drive.

Proving the Bar’s Responsibility

To successfully sue a bar for a drunk driving injury, it is essential to establish that the bar’s actions directly led to the driver’s intoxication and the resulting accident. There are a few key points you’ll need to consider:

1. Establishing the Drunk Driver’s Intoxication: You must first establish that the driver was indeed intoxicated at the time of the crash. This can be done through police reports, breathalyzer tests, blood alcohol concentration (BAC) results, or witness testimony.

2. Showing the Bar Served Alcohol to the Intoxicated Driver: Proving that the driver was served alcohol at the bar while visibly intoxicated is critical. This can be difficult to prove without direct evidence or witness statements from the bar staff, fellow patrons, or even surveillance footage.

3. Demonstrating the Causation Link: You must show that the driver’s intoxication directly led to the crash. This means proving that if the bar had not served the driver alcohol, the accident might have been avoided. In some cases, expert testimony or accident reconstruction specialists can help establish this connection.

4. Establishing the Bar’s Knowledge of the Driver’s Intoxication: If the driver was visibly intoxicated when served, the bar or its employees must have known or reasonably should have known that the person was intoxicated. This can be demonstrated through witness statements, the driver’s behavior at the bar, or other relevant facts.

Gathering Evidence to Support Your Claim

Building a solid case against a bar for a drunk driving injury can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. To strengthen your claim, it’s important to gather all available evidence, including:

• Police Reports: These documents will include key information about the accident, including the driver’s BAC level and any statements from law enforcement officers. They are also vital for proving the driver’s intoxication at the time of the crash.

• Witness Testimony: Witnesses, whether they were at the bar or at the scene of the accident, can provide crucial information about the intoxication level of the driver. If you can find people who saw the driver consuming alcohol or noticed signs of intoxication, this can support your case.

• Surveillance Footage: Many bars have security cameras, especially around the bar area. If footage is available, it can show when and how much alcohol the driver was served.

• Bar Staff Statements: In some cases, the staff at the bar may provide testimony about their observations of the driver’s behavior. This can be crucial in showing that the driver was visibly intoxicated when served.

• Accident Reconstruction Experts: In some situations, experts may be needed to establish the link between the driver’s intoxication and the accident. These professionals can analyze the scene, vehicle damage, and other factors to strengthen your claim.

What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident

If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident and believe that the bar may be responsible, there are a few critical steps you should take:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Always get medical help as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor. Documentation of your injuries is crucial for both your health and your potential claim.

2. Gather Evidence: As mentioned earlier, collecting evidence early can significantly improve your chances of a successful case. Take pictures of the accident scene, get witness contact information, and ask for copies of police reports.

3. Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer: Suing a bar for a drunk driving injury is a complex process, and it’s important to have an experienced attorney on your side. A lawyer will know how to gather evidence, file claims, and negotiate with insurance companies or bars.

4. Don’t Settle Too Quickly: Insurance companies may offer a quick settlement, but it may not cover all your expenses. Work with your lawyer to determine the full extent of your injuries and damages before accepting any offers.

Seeking Justice Through Dram Shop Liability in Roebuck

If you or a loved one has been hurt by an intoxicated individual, the Langley Law Firm is here to help you seek justice through dram shop liability. We understand how challenging it can be to pursue a claim against an alcohol-serving establishment, but our team is committed to guiding you every step of the way. You don’t have to navigate this complex legal process alone—call (864) 667-6144 today for a free consultation and take the first step toward securing the compensation you deserve. Let work for you in your time of need.