Dram Shop

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a criminal offense in Arizona, and a driver who commits a DUI offense and causes an accident with another driver will face criminal charges and civil liability for the victim’s damages. However, other parties may also share fault depending on the specific details of the case.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a DUI accident and believe a restaurant, bar, nightclub, or a private social host enabled the at-fault driver to leave the establishment under the influence, you may have a dram shop claim as well as a civil claim against the at-fault driver. Contact AZ DUI Victim attorneys today for a case review and learn how our firm can help with a case like this.

Why Hire AZ DUI Victim Attorneys?

When you need an attorney for a DUI accident claim, you need one with the resources and experience to handle the legal obstacles between you and your financial recovery.

• AZ DUI Victim lawyers have more than 100 years of combined experience with DUI accidents on both sides of these cases in Arizona.
• Only four attorneys in Arizona have attained board-certified DUI attorney status, and two of them work for our firm.
• We offer white-glove legal counsel, meaning we handle all legal aspects of your claim so you can focus on your recovery.
• We have the experience to maximize your recovery from a DUI accident claim.

Your attorney can offer peace of mind and help you secure more compensation than you may have expected.

How Will an Attorney Help?

Any DUI accident case can become a complex legal battle depending on the specific factors in play, but dram shop cases are especially difficult. If you suffered injuries due to a drunk driver, it is essential to hold the responsible parties accountable. Your attorney can investigate whether a dram shop or social host supplied the driver with alcohol illegally or negligently and explore your recovery options through a lawsuit against the establishment or host.

How Do Dram Shop Cases Work?

In Arizona, it is illegal for a social host or any establishment that serves alcohol to serve to a visibly intoxicated person or to allow a visibly intoxicated person to get in his or her car and drive away. It is also illegal to supply alcohol to minors, even in social settings. Many situations occur in which a third party can bear liability for the damages in a DUI accident.

• John visits a bar with friends after work and drinks excessively for several hours. Even though he is slurring his speech and stumbling through the bar, the bartender continues serving alcohol until John eventually leaves several hours later. He gets in his car and causes an accident, injuring the other driver. The bar would face liability for the resulting damages under Arizona’s dram shop laws.
• Lisa is having a party at home, and she allows her 17-year-old daughter a few sips of wine thinking she is safe at home. The daughter drinks more without her mother’s knowledge and later leaves the party inebriated, crashing her car into another vehicle and injuring the driver. Lisa would be liable for the resulting damages since she supplied alcohol to a minor who then caused a DUI accident.

These are just two examples of how Arizona’s dram shop laws may apply in a DUI accident case. Ultimately, a thorough investigation into a DUI accident case can reveal all responsible parties and potentially increase the plaintiff’s recovery.

Secure Legal Counsel for Your DUI Victim Claim

A DUI accident has a higher chance of causing severe injuries and significant other damages than a typical car accident; an inebriated driver has slower reaction time and may drive at higher speeds than are acceptable for conditions. If you or a relative suffered injuries in a DUI accident and believe a liquor store, alcohol-serving establishment, or social host bears liability for your damages, contact AZ DUI Victim lawyers today to schedule a consultation and learn about your options for legal recourse.