Setareh Law
March 17, 2025
When a drunk driver causes an accident that results in bodily injury or death, the victim or the victim’s family may be able to pursue compensation through a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Not only can the plaintiffs sue the drunk driver, but they also may be able to hold the bar or establishment liable for the damages caused by the driver. This is possible because of a legal concept called dram shop liability, which allows bars, restaurants, or other establishments that knowingly over-served the drunk driver to be held liable for damages caused by that drunk driver.
If you were involved in a drunk driving accident, you may be able to recover compensation from the establishment responsible for over-serving the driver if they were under 21 years old. An experienced personal injury lawyer who understands the nuances of dram shop liability laws can help you build a strong case. At Setareh Law, our skilled personal injury lawyers are prepared to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Is Dram Shop Liability?
Dram shop liability incentivizes restaurants, bars, and other establishments to be responsible when serving alcohol to patrons. Typically, if such establishments knowingly over-serve a visibly drunk person, they can be held liable for any injuries or damage that the intoxicated person causes once they leave the establishment. The purpose of dram shop liability is to reduce drunk driving by punishing establishments for overserving drunk people. If establishments know they can be held liable, they will make a better effort to cut off drunk patrons and discourage such patrons from driving.
However, California is quite strict when it comes to dram shop liability, making it difficult to hold such establishments liable for over-serving alcohol to patrons. A California bar, restaurant, or other establishment will be subject to dram shop liability only if they knowingly over-served a visibly intoxicated minor and the minor went on to cause injuries or damage. If the drunk driver who hit you was a minor, then you may be able to invoke California’s strict dram shop liability laws. You will need the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer to pursue the compensation you deserve from all liable parties.
How a Lawyer Can Help You Hold a Bar or Establishment Liable for a Drunk Driving Accident
If you were hit by a drunk driver who was a minor, you should consult with a skilled lawyer who has experience navigating California’s dram shop liability laws. To hold the establishment liable, you must prove the establishment knowingly over-served a visibly drunk minor. Proving such facts is extremely difficult, which is why you need strong legal representation on your side. Your lawyer should carefully investigate the facts of your case and gather relevant evidence. If you can prove the necessary facts, you may be able to recover damages from the responsible bar or establishment for lost wages, medical bills, property damages, and more.
Having a skilled lawyer on your side is crucial in the aftermath of a drunk driving accident. You need to focus on your own recovery after such a serious event. Your personal injury lawyer will ensure you follow all the applicable rules and procedures, alleviating any stress you may have surrounding your case. Your lawyer should also leave no stone unturned when it comes to proving liability and trying to recover the maximum amount of damages possible. Although compensation cannot right the wrong or bring a loved one back, it can help compensate for costly medical bills or lost wages.
Contact Setareh Law’s Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers to Discuss Your Drunk Driving Accident Today
Drunk driving is a serious and life-threatening offense that affects too many people each year. When a bar or establishment knowingly over-serves a visibly drunk minor, you may be able to invoke California’s extremely narrow dram shop liability laws. You should not hesitate to contact one of our skilled and experienced personal injury lawyers to discuss your case.
At Setareh Law, we care about helping clients recover their deserved compensation and aim to hold all parties liable for drunk driving. To schedule a consultation in English or Spanish, call (310) 659-1826 or fill out our contact form today.
