San Antonio Dram Shop Lawyer
When a bar, restaurant, or other alcohol-serving establishment continues to serve drinks to someone who is visibly intoxicated, and that person then injures others in a crash, the establishment can be held legally responsible alongside the driver. If you were injured by an overserved patron in a collision, a car crash lawyer can help you identify all responsible parties and fight for the full amount you are owed.
These cases are more complex than a standard car crash claim because they involve investigating both the driver and the business that served them. A San Antonio dram shop lawyer can review what happened, explain your legal options, and fight on your behalf so you can focus on your recovery.
What Does the Dram Shop Law Cover?
Under Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 2.02, a provider of alcoholic beverages can be held liable for damages caused by an intoxicated person if the provider served alcohol to someone who was obviously intoxicated to the extent that they presented a clear danger to themselves and others. This liability can apply to a wide range of establishments, including:
- Bars and nightclubs
- Restaurants and brewpubs with liquor licenses
- Sports bars and live music venues
- Convenience stores and grocery stores that sell packaged alcohol
- Private clubs and banquet facilities
A lawyer bringing a dram shop claim in San Antonio must show that the establishment knew or should have known the customer was dangerously intoxicated before continuing to serve them. Surveillance footage, alcohol purchase records, server training logs, and witness statements from staff and other patrons can all help establish what the business knew at the time.
Steps To Take After a Dram Shop Accident
The actions an injured person takes in the hours after a crash can significantly affect the strength of their dram shop claim. Injuries from these crashes are not always immediately obvious, so seeking medical attention right away protects both the injured person’s health and the strength of their claim.
In addition, several steps can help protect a dram shop claim from the start:
- Having law enforcement respond so they can note any visible signs of intoxication
- Identifying and recording the establishment where the at-fault driver was served
- Using a phone to photograph the scene, the damage, and any injuries
- Asking witnesses for their names and contact details before leaving the scene
- Avoiding any recorded conversation with insurance adjusters before speaking with a lawyer
Because bars and restaurants often overwrite security footage quickly, contacting an injury lawyer in San Antonio right away after a dram shop accident can be the difference between securing critical evidence and losing it.
Reaching out to an attorney as soon as possible gives the best chance of recovering the footage and other evidence before they are lost.
Pursuing Compensation After a Dram Shop Claim
An attorney representing injured persons pursuing a dram shop claim in San Antonio can seek compensation from both the intoxicated driver and the establishment that overserved them. Businesses typically carry commercial liability policies with higher limits than individual drivers, which can mean a significantly larger recovery.
Compensation in these cases can include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Future care costs
- Pain and suffering
- Other losses resulting from the crash
Felix Gonzalez Law has secured substantial settlements for clients injured by negligent drivers, including cases where multiple parties shared responsibility for the harm they caused.
Speak With a San Antonio Dram Shop Attorney About Your Claim Today
Dram shop cases involve layers of liability that require thorough investigation and legal knowledge to navigate effectively. If you or a loved one was hurt by an overserved driver, contact Felix Gonzalez Law today to schedule a free consultation with a San Antonio dram shop lawyer and take the first step toward the compensation you deserve.
