According to a recent study, South Carolina currently ranks second in the nation for the most drunk-driving-related deaths. This startling statistic has inspired law enforcement and local courts to crack down on those who are responsible for causing these deadly accidents.
If your loved one was killed by an intoxicated driver, you might be entitled to compensation from the negligent party. However, many people may not know that the drunk driver involved in a DUI accident may not be the only legally negligent party.
In South Carolina, you may be able to hold a bar or restaurant responsible for overserving its patrons, which led an intoxicated person to cause an accident. This is despite the fact that, technically speaking, there is no specific statute stating that such establishments may be held liable for a DUI accident.
When a person decides to take legal action against an establishment that serves alcohol, it is known as a dram shop case. A person may file a dram shop case against any establishment that holds a liquor license, including bars, restaurants, clubs, and in some cases liquor stores.
In fact, if an establishment wishes to keep its liquor license, South Carolina law now requires these places of business to have at least a $1 million insurance coverage policy. This could potentially lead to higher compensation when an injured individual decides to follow through on a dram shop case.
How a DUI Accident Lawyer Might Help Your Dram Shop Case
It is essential to mention that dram shop law is a complex issue that often necessitates the skill and knowledge of a skilled DUI accident attorney. To receive fair compensation, an injured individual must prove that the bar or restaurant in question was acting recklessly when it served the intoxicated driver. This means that the claimant must prove that the establishment knowingly served an already drunk customer and consciously decided to ignore the dangerous risks of doing so.
This type of evidence could be challenging to obtain without the help of a seasoned attorney because bartenders or servers may deny knowing that their customer was already inebriated when they served the individual. Furthermore, a lawyer could help you file your case more efficiently and possibly negotiate punitive damages if the case allows for it.
Contact Christmas Injury Lawyers Today
The legal process surrounding dram shop cases can be difficult to navigate without a seasoned DUI car accident lawyer by your side. Contact Christmas Injury Lawyers for a confidential consultation on your potential dram shop case.