A Brief Summary of the Following Page
- Dram Shop Liability Laws: In California, dram shop laws limit the liability of establishments like bars for accidents caused by drunk patrons, except when alcohol is served to visibly intoxicated minors.
- Legal Steps: Victims of alcohol-related accidents should prioritize their recovery but also take steps like contacting emergency services, collecting evidence, and seeking medical care to support their claims.
- Victim Rights: Those injured by over-served individuals can pursue compensation claims against the responsible parties, focusing on their recovery while legal experts handle the complexities of their case.
- Law Firm Expertise: At Callahan & Blaine, our firm has 29 experienced personal injury lawyers with experience in handling dram shop liability cases in Orange County.
- Call our office at 714-241-4444 or fill out our contact form to get started.
If you have suffered injuries as a result of the actions of another person who was over-served alcohol, you have the legal right to pursue justice by filing a claim that will allow you to recover the compensation you may be owed for the harm you have suffered. Places that serve alcohol, like restaurants and bars, have a responsibility to the public to ensure no one is put in a dangerous situation due to alcohol consumption. However, it is important you understand California’s dram shop liability laws and when you can actually hold these establishments liable for an accident caused by a person who was over-served. To get help understanding your options when it comes to dram shop liability, contact one of our trusted Orange County dram shop liability lawyers today.
At Callahan & Blaine, our skilled legal team consists of 29 experienced personal injury lawyers who all have at least eight years of experience. Our California firm has a proven track record of success, including unprecedented verdicts. This includes the largest bad faith insurance judgment in Orange County history worth $58 million, contributing to our 40-year legacy of helping our clients. We are prepared to take on claims involving dram shop liability with an aggressive and comprehensive approach that allows you to focus on your recovery.
Understanding California’s Dram Shop Liability Laws
In the state of California, the law limits the liability that can be held by dram shops, or establishments that serve alcohol like bars or restaurants, in the event of an accident caused by a drunk individual. California Civil Code section 1714 states that the act of providing one with alcohol does not necessarily make the establishment liable for an accident caused by the person’s drunkness. However, there is an exception in which a dram shop may be held liable for an accident that left a person injured. This exception includes the following:
THE DRAM SHOP SERVED ALCOHOL TO AN UNDERAGE INDIVIDUAL WHO WAS OBVIOUSLY INTOXICATED
If a dram shop like a bar or restaurant knowingly furnishes alcohol to individuals under the legal drinking age of 21 who are obviously intoxicated, they may be found liable in a dram shop liability case. In this case, the dram shop’s liability would extend to the following scenarios:
- injuries and other damages suffered by the underage drinker
- injuries and other damages the underage drinker inflicts on others
If you were injured in an accident caused by an underage drinker, our team of California dram shop liability lawyers may be able to help you file your Orange County dram shop liability case.
What Steps Should You Take After an Alcohol-Related Accident in Orange County?
Being involved in an accident caused by a drunk individual, you may be unsure of what your next steps should be and what your legal options are. While your recovery should be one of your main priorities, it is also crucial you take all crucial steps necessary to ensure you are able to get the justice you are owed.
The following steps are imperative to your overall health and well-being in the aftermath of an alcohol-related accident:
- Contact Emergency Services: This is important to ensure your safety, as well as to make sure there is an official report made of the accident. This accident report will be a crucial piece of evidence in your case.
- Collect Evidence: You should collect any evidence like photos of the accident scene, video that may have captured the incident, or any statements from eye witnesses.
- Seek Medical Care: Even if you do not feel injured immediately following the accident, it is important that you still seek medical care. This is because the adrenaline and shock of the accident may prevent victims from immediately feeling symptoms of their injuries. Aside from ensuring your overall health, seeking medical care is also important to help support your claim that the actions of the liable party led to your injury.
- Seek the Counsel of a Trusted Lawyer: After an alcohol-related accident, your main priority should be your recovery. With the help of a trusted Orange County dram shop liability lawyer, they will ensure you are able to focus on healing while our legal team handles the legal aspects of your case.
When you work with our trusted dram shop liability lawyers, we will ensure you are able to recover the fair compensation you are owed for your Orange County dram shop liability claim.
Contact an Orange County Dram Shop Liability Lawyer Today
If you are facing the aftermath of an alcohol-related accident, it is crucial to have experienced legal guidance from the Orange County dram shop liability lawyers at Callahan & Blaine. Our California legal team is composed of 29 trusted attorneys, giving us the confidence to advocate for your rights throughout the dram shop liability claims process.
To schedule a consultation about your Orange County dram shop liability case, call us at 714-241-4444 or fill out our contact form.
