Were you hit by a drunk driver on Highway 81 in Loganville or Walnut Grove, Georgia?
There is one major thing you should always investigate-where the driver came from.
Why? Because if a driver was over served by a business, the business could also be liable for your injuries. This area of law is called dram shop law.
WHAT IS DRAM SHOP LAW?
Dram shop law governs the liability of businesses that serve alcoholic beverages. This liability arises out of the sale of alcohol to visibly intoxicated persons or minors who subsequently cause death or injuries to third parties because of alcohol-related accidents.
WHAT DO GEORGIA’S DRAM SHOP LAWS SAY?
In Georgia, a person or business that willfully, knowingly, and unlawfully sells or serves alcoholic beverages to an underage person may be liable for injuries to a third person if the person or business knew that the underage person would soon be driving a motor vehicle after the sale of the alcohol.
For example, if a gas station attendant knows a customer is underage, but sells him a six pack of beer anyways, the gas station can be liable for injuries to a third person if it can also be proven that the gas station attendant knew the underage customer would soon be driving a motor vehicle.
Georgia law also states that a person or business that knowingly sells or serves alcoholic beverages to a person who is in a state of noticeable intoxication may be liable for injuries to third parties if the person or business knew that the intoxicated person would soon be driving a motor vehicle.
For example, if a bartender knows a patron is intoxicated, but still serves him despite the fact the patron will soon be driving home, the bar can be liable for injuries to third persons if the patron leaves and causes a car accident.
NEED HELP WITH YOUR DRAM SHOP CASE? CONTACT BARTLETT BENTON.
If you have been hit by a drunk driver on Highway 81 in Loganville or Walnut Grove, Georgia, please call Bartlett at 770-365-6414 for a free case evaluation.