Clearwater Dram Shop Liability
In the state of Florida, there are dram shop liability laws that may hold establishments that serve alcohol accountable when their customers cause accidents. In these cases, the intoxicated individual as well as his or her victims may be entitled to financial compensation for their injuries.
Drunk driving is never acceptable, but sometimes bars and restaurants encourage or enable such behavior. If you or someone you love suffered an injury in an accident with a drunk driver, contact the Clearwater premises liability lawyers of Tragos, Sartes & Tragos, PLLC at (727) 441-9030.
The Laws in Florida
In the state of Florida, there are only two scenarios for which an establishment that serves alcohol may be held accountable for the damages that their intoxicated patrons cause under dram shop liability laws. Predictably, one of those scenarios is when the intoxicated individual is a minor. This includes any individual under the age of 21 who is served alcohol, which is illegal in every state.
The second scenario is much more difficult to prove. If an individual is an alcoholic and the establishment has knowledge of this, then they may be held accountable for the damages the intoxicated individual causes if he or she is later involved in an accident.
In many cases, proving the second scenario may require testimony from other patrons at the establishment the day the accident occurred.
Contact Us
If you were injured in a drunk driving accident and you believe that an establishment is responsible for the condition of the driver who injured you, the attorneys of Tragos, Sartes & Tragos, PLLC will fight for you. Contact us today at (727) 441-9030 to learn more.