A night out at a bar can quickly turn tragic when a drunk person gets behind the wheel after the party ends.
In Washington state, bars that serve alcohol to visibly drunk patrons who later cause accidents can face liability under dram shop laws. These laws offer victims a way to seek justice not just from the drunk driver, but from the business that kept serving them drinks.
How dram shop laws protect accident victims
Establishments that serve alcohol have a duty to stop serving drinks to anyone who appears obviously intoxicated. Under Washington’s dram shop laws (RCW 66.44.200), injury victims can seek compensation from bars and restaurants that over-serve customers.
To win a dram shop case, you need evidence that:
- The bar served alcohol to someone who was visibly drunk
- The server should have noticed the person’s level of intoxication
- Overserving and over-intoxication caused the crash and your injuries
These types of cases require careful investigation and witnesses to connect the bar’s actions to your injuries.
Evidence you need to hold a bar accountable
The legal standard “apparently under the influence” means the person showed obvious signs of drunkenness that servers should have noticed. These include red flags like glassy eyes, stumbling, and slurring words.
Evidence that may help show the bar’s negligence and the customer’ intoxication include:
- Security camera footage showing the person’s drunk behavior
- Receipts showing multiple drinks purchased in a short time
- Police reports documenting high blood alcohol levels
- Witness statements from other customers who saw the person’s condition
- Testimony from other bar staff about the person’s condition
Remember, strong evidence makes all the difference in dram shop cases.
Taking action after a drunk driving accident
When both bars and customers make responsible alcohol-related decisions, the roads become safer for everyone. But things don’t always play out that way.
If you got into an accident because of someone who was over-served at a bar, you have legal options. Washington’s dram shop laws provide important protections, but these cases need special legal knowledge and quick action to gather evidence before it disappears.