Dram Shop Liability Lawyer Decatur
Have you been hit by a drunk driver? Then you may have two cases for Decatur, Georgia dram shop liability lawyer Andrew Lynch to help you with. One of course against the driver who hit you, but in the State of Georgia you may also have a case against the restaurant or bar that sold them the drinks.
According to Georgia Law, if a restaurant or bar sells a drink to a person under the legal drinking age who they suspect may be driving in the near future, then that restaurant or bar may be liable for any damage that this underage person may cause. Similarly, if a restaurant or bar sells drinks to a person who is “in a state of noticeable intoxication” and who may soon be behind the wheel of a car then the restaurant or bar is also liable for any damage that this person may cause. This is known as Dram Shop Liability.
More simply put, places that serve alcohol have a duty to those on the roads to make sure those who drive away from their store are able to do so safely. If they are negligent in this duty and as a result you are injured or worse, then they owe you for the damage that this negligence may have caused.
Of course, proving Dram Shop Liability is no simple task. In order to prove that the bar or restaurant that sold the drinks is responsible for the damage caused by the drunk driver, you must be able to prove at least one of the following:
- That the bar or restaurant was aware that a drunk person was going to drive away from their store.
- That the bar or restaurant did nothing to deter this drunk person from driving away from their store.
- That the bar or restaurant served a person who was clearly drunk.
- That bar or restaurant knowingly served a person who was under the legal drinking age.
There are many factors that can lead to a successful dram shop liability case, and many factors that can lead to a failed one. If you have been hit by a drunk driver, then get the representation you deserve and call Decatur, Dekalb County, Georgia dram shop liability lawyer Andrew Lynch immediately for a free consultation to determine if you have a dram shop liability case.
Reasons to Hire an Attorney Following a Drunk Driving Accident
Falling victim to an accident at the hands of a drunk driver can be incredibly frustrating. Not only is it unfortunate, it can cause feelings of anger and resentment to rise to the surface when victims learn that the injuries they suffered could have been prevented. Drunk driving can greatly increase the risk of an accident occurring. When someone who is intoxicated gets behind the wheel of a vehicle, they may be feeling overly confident in their ability to drive. However, this is far from true as driving drunk can seriously impair a person’s abilities to safely operate a motor vehicle. When someone can be held responsible for their negligible behaviour, victims of a drunk driving accident may want to turn to an accident attorney for their assistance.
Here are some top reasons to contact a dram shop liability lawyer in Decatur Georgia who specializes in this area of practice following a drunk driving accident:
Reason #1 To Help Protect Your Rights
Any Decatur GA dram shop liability lawyer will review your case and help to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process. Because they have experience in representing cases similar to your own, an attorney is well versed in the law. A dram shop liability lawyer can help by reviewing your case, negotiating with insurance companies and attorneys, and advocating for your needs following an accident.
Reason #2 Build a Case Where the Key Elements to a Car Accident Case are Present
In order to prove your claim following an accident, your dram shop liability lawyer in Decatur GA will work to build a case that links the four key components that must be present in your car accident case. Your attorney will work with you to prove the following:
- The driver had a duty of care
- The driver breached the duty of care
- Their negligence caused the accident (causation)
- You suffered damages or losses as a result of the accident
Reason #3 Ensure That You Have The Necessary Evidence
Part of building a successful case following a drunk driving accident is gathering the proper evidence to support your case. Here is some evidence that may help:
- Medical records
- Photographs
- Police reports
- Your account of the accident
Reason #4 Properly Value Your Case
Assigning value to your suffering can be difficult, especially for someone who does not have experience with personal injury cases. For a victim, facing a claim without an attorney, can be a lot to manage. When negotiating their own settlements, victims are far more likely to undervalue their cases. A dram shop liability lawyer in Decatur GA will play a key role in evaluating your case and the losses you have suffered so that they may assign value to your case. The last thing a victim wants is to shortchange themselves for what they may be entitled to.
If you or a loved one has suffered at the hands of a drunk driver, you may need an experienced dram shop liability lawyer Decatur GA clients recommend by your side. Take advantage of the experience an attorney can bring to victims facing a drunk driver following an accident. Chances are, you are looking for the person responsible to pay for the pain they have caused you, accessing an attorney’s help can provide you with the proper course of action. Call The Law Office of The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch today.
How a Dram Shop Lawyer Can Help Strengthen Your Case
A Decatur, GA dram shop liability lawyer specializes in cases involving the liability of establishments that serve alcohol, such as bars, restaurants, and taverns, for injuries or damages caused by intoxicated patrons. These legal professionals are well-versed in the complex laws and regulations surrounding alcohol sales and consumption, making them invaluable assets for individuals seeking compensation for injuries or losses caused by an intoxicated person. When you were injured by a drunk driver, it is time to contact the professionals at The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch.
Knowledge of Dram Shop Laws
Dram shop laws vary from state to state, and understanding the specific regulations in your jurisdiction is crucial to building a solid case. A competent dram shop lawyer possesses in-depth knowledge of these laws, enabling them to identify potential avenues of liability for the establishment involved. They can leverage this expertise to demonstrate how the establishment breached their duty of care, serving alcohol to an already intoxicated person or a minor, resulting in the injury or damages suffered.
Investigation and Gathering Evidence
To strengthen your case, thorough investigation and gathering of evidence are imperative. A lawyer has the experience and resources to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the establishment’s practices leading up to the incident. This may include examining surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, obtaining the establishment’s sales records, and scrutinizing the bartender’s conduct.
Proving Causation
In cases involving intoxicated individuals, proving causation can be challenging. A Decatur dram shop liability lawyer understands the complexities of these cases and can establish a direct connection between the negligent service of alcohol and the resulting injuries or damages. By demonstrating that the establishment’s actions were a significant factor in the harm caused, they can hold the establishment accountable for its role in the incident.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Many establishments have liability insurance to protect themselves from legal claims. Negotiating with insurance companies can be intimidating and complex, but a skilled dram shop lawyer is well-versed in dealing with them. They can advocate on your behalf and pursue a fair settlement that compensates you adequately for your injuries or losses, saving you from the stress and frustration of dealing with insurance adjusters.
Courtroom Representation
If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, a dram shop lawyer is fully prepared to represent you in court. With their expertise in presenting compelling arguments, cross-examining witnesses, and handling complex legal procedures, they can increase your chances of success in the courtroom.
Minimizing Comparative Fault
In some jurisdictions, comparative fault laws may apply, reducing the damages an injured party can recover if they were partially responsible for their injuries. A skilled dram shop lawyer can work to minimize any claims of comparative fault against you, ensuring you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.
Find Legal Help For Your Case
When facing the aftermath of an accident caused by an intoxicated individual, enlisting the services of a competent lawyer can significantly impact the strength of your case. Their knowledge of dram shop laws, ability to gather evidence, and negotiating skills can make a crucial difference in obtaining fair compensation for your injuries or damages. When you need help with your case, reach out to a trusted Decatur dram shop liability lawyer from The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch for assistance.
