The term “dram shop” often refers to businesses that sell alcoholic beverages, such as taverns and liquor stores. In Georgia, the dram shop act is a critical law that holds these establishments accountable if they serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated or underaged individuals who then cause harm.
If you suffer an injury caused by a drunk driver, you may have a legal right to file a claim against the alcohol seller as well. Familiarizing yourself with the intricacies of this ruling is the initiating step in your healing and recovery.
Bringing your claim under this act
In Georgia, a bar owner or social host can also be responsible for injuries and fatalities after serving a drunk driver by meeting these specific circumstances:
- There was prior knowledge that the person was already intoxicated or a minor
- Alcohol was willfully sold, given or served to the individual despite their condition
- There were clear signs that the driver would be soon operating a vehicle
If the alcohol provider meets these criteria, they are generally liable for the resulting accident. Establishing this link is critical to holding them accountable for their role in the intoxication that led to your injury.
The evidence needed to build your defense
Proving that a store contributed to a car crash requires a clear paper trail. Essential documents often include:
- Receipts and bar tab records
- Surveillance videos
- Statements from witnesses and staff members
- Incident logs
- Police reports
- Toxicology timelines
Having this proof can help indicate that a server’s negligence contributed to the driver’s impairment. Working closely with a legal professional can help you gather the needed evidence while meeting Georgia’s strict two-year deadline.
Recovering after an alcohol-related accident
Pursuing compensation against the parties involved in causing your injury is not just about personally regaining your financial losses. It is about holding businesses accountable and encouraging them to serve alcohol responsibly. Moreover, your claim can help prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future.