Denham Springs Dram Shop Lawyer

In Louisiana, as in many states, motorists are prohibited from drinking and driving, even when they do not feel intoxicated. This is because alcohol, depending on the quantity consumed, can lead to severe driver impairment. However, when a drunk individual gets behind the wheel and causes an accident, multiple parties could be held responsible, including the bar or liquor supplier, if very specific facts are present.

If you are considering suing the liquor establishment that supplied the drunk driver who crashed into you with alcohol, a Denham Springs dram shop lawyer from Parker Layrisson Injury Attorneys could walk you through your options and provide comprehensive legal guidance. Contact us today to discuss your case with a seasoned car accident attorney.

Understanding State Dram Shop Laws

Louisiana Revised Statute Title § 2800.1 limits the extent of liability that a bar owner or liquor supplier can assume in the event of a customer getting into a drunk driving incident after leaving their establishment. According to the law, as long as the driver is aged 21 and above, the bar cannot be held responsible for the driver’s actions. It does not matter if the driver was served alcohol, even when they were clearly intoxicated and caused the traffic wreck due to their inebriated state. DUI liability solely lies with the driver, their insurer, or other involved entities.

However, the statute has exceptions, specifically regarding customers under 21. A bar can be liable if:

• An underage customer gets in an accident because they were driving while drunk from the alcohol they purchased at said bar, even if they used a fake ID
• The bar forces someone to drink or misleads them about the alcohol content in a drink

Denham Springs claimants seeking compensation for any DUI-related property damage, injuries, or losses should consult an experienced dram shop attorney to understand their legal options.

What are the Conditions for Filing a Dram Shop Liability Claim?

The basis of all dram shop claims is negligence. You and your attorney must prove that the liquor store, restaurant, or bar that served alcohol to the drunk driver is just as, if not equally, liable for the injuries or losses you have sustained. To do so, it is essential to collect and review evidence such as camera footage, witness statements, including those from the establishment’s employees, the bar’s policies on serving customers, and/or proof of forced or underage drinking. An experienced dram shop lawyer in Denham Springs could assist in gathering documentation proving a bar’s liability for your injuries.

Contact a Denham Springs Dram Shop Attorney Today

If you have been injured by a drunk driver and feel that a bar or liquor supplier could be liable, it is important to contact legal counsel as soon as possible. Our experienced Denham Springs dram shop lawyer could review available evidence in your case, establish faults where possible, and review available legal options. The legal team at Parker Layrisson Injury Attorneys is dedicated to helping injured individuals pursue the compensation they need. Contact us today to discuss your case.