Seattle Dram Shop Lawyer
Under Washington laws, a person who suffers injuries from an intoxicated party may be able to seek compensation against that party. They may also seek compensation against those who allowed the person to get behind the wheel of a car. This falls under dram shop laws in the state.
At Elk and Elk, our Seattle dram shop lawyer can help you find out if someone else is responsible for your losses. Contact our Seattle car accident lawyer now to learn more about your rights if you suspect this type of responsibility applies to your situation.
What Are Dram Shop Laws in Washington?
As a dram shop attorney in Seattle, we know that many victims face serious injury and losses fully preventable if the person serving alcohol stops. Under Washington laws, it is strictly forbidden for a bar, restaurant, or other establishment to sell alcohol to a person who is intoxicated if there is reason to believe that party could cause harm to another person while driving a car. The law states that if the person is apparently under the influence, the business cannot serve them.
That is critical. It means that if you are in a car accident with a drunk driver who was over-served at a local bar, that bar could be responsible for the losses you suffered as well.
Signs a Person Is Intoxicated
All establishments selling alcohol to patrons must understand how to determine if a person is intoxicated. What you see on TV is not the only way drunkenness occurs and is evident. Any signs like the following could indicate a person is a risk to others:
- Slurred speech
- Loss of fine motor skills
- Speaking without making sense
- Slowed speech and thought processes
- Lack of judgment
- Inability to stand or walk straight
- Heightened emotional response
- Red and watery eyes
If you believe the person who struck you was intoxicated and you can prove that an establishment put them in that position or knew they were at risk, you may be able to file a claim against that establishment.
Types of Negligence in Dram Shop Cases in Washington
Under dram shop laws, you can seek legal action against an establishment like this in two ways. The first is the result of a first-party case, which applies to situations in which a location serves alcohol to a minor. If a person is sold or served alcohol as a minor, the adult doing so could be held accountable for the losses incurred.
A third-party case occurs when the dram shop could have or should have known the driver was a risk, gave them alcohol, and knew that person was getting into a vehicle. Overserving a person who is clearly intoxicated is the most common way this occurs. If a driver in this situation hurts you, the facility could be held accountable for the losses caused.
How Our Seattle Dram Shop Attorney Works to Protect You
At Elk & Elk, our Seattle dram shop lawyer, we work closely with victims to determine what happened. If a drunk driver hurts you, reach out to us. Let us find out who is to blame and then build a strong case for you.
Turn to our legal team now for the answers you need. We offer free consultations. You do not pay fees unless you win your case.