Dram Shop/Drunk Driving

Every year, thousands of lives are lost due to alcohol-impaired driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2022 alone, over 13,500 people died in traffic crashes involving drunk drivers. That is one life lost every 39 minutes. These tragedies are preventable. Not only are intoxicated drivers held accountable, but so are the establishments that recklessly over-serve them.

To legally sell or serve alcohol, a business must be licensed and is expected to follow strict regulations designed to protect the public. These rules include refusing service to minors and to patrons who are clearly intoxicated. When these responsibilities are ignored, the consequences can be deadly.

At Bryan K. Harris PC, our attorneys represent individuals and families who have suffered harm due to drunk drivers and the bars, restaurants, and event venues that negligently contributed to their intoxication. These cases fall under what is commonly known as dram shop liability.

Driving under the influence is among the leading causes of traffic deaths in the United States. A driver is considered alcohol-impaired when their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. Alcohol severely affects decision-making, slows reaction time, and diminishes motor control, making driving both reckless and illegal.

Our firm holds drunk drivers accountable for the injuries, deaths, and destruction they cause. In many cases, victims suffer not only physical harm, but long-term emotional and financial hardship as well. Whether you or your loved one was injured in a collision, hit as a pedestrian, or killed in an alcohol-related crash, we can help you pursue justice and compensation.

Dram shop laws allow victims of alcohol-related injuries to bring claims not only against the intoxicated person, but also against the bar, restaurant, club, or venue that over-served them. These laws exist to protect the public from foreseeable harm caused by businesses that profit from alcohol sales while ignoring safety.

A dram shop case generally hinges on whether the establishment served alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated. This legal standard often depends on witness testimony, video evidence, time-stamped receipts, and expert analysis. These cases require careful investigation and experience in proving causation, especially when time has passed between the last drink and the incident.

Dram shop cases are complex. The burden is on the injured party to prove the establishment should have refused service and that continued service contributed to the crash or injury. We

build strong, evidence-driven cases through thorough investigation, expert consultation, and aggressive advocacy in court.

Our attorneys understand the nuances of dram shop law and how to challenge the defenses commonly used by negligent establishments. We approach every case with compassion for the victim and relentless commitment to securing maximum compensation.

Alcohol-related accidents are preventable. When laws designed to prevent over-service are ignored, it is not just the intoxicated person who should be held responsible. Bars, restaurants, and event hosts must be held to account when their negligence contributes to tragedy.

If you or someone you love has been harmed by a drunk driver or due to irresponsible alcohol service, contact Bryan K. Harris, P.C. Our attorneys handle dram shop cases across the country and are committed to pursuing justice for victims and their families.

Call 1-888-587-9910 today or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.

Call 1-888-587-9910 today or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.

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