Holding Liquor Establishments Accountable for Drunk Driving Accidents
There are multiple sides to a drunk driving accident case. While you will be able to bring a personal injury claim against the drunk driver, you may also be able to sue the liquor establishment that served him or her alcohol. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a drunk driving accident and there is not enough auto insurance to compensate you for your injuries, the Chicago, Illinois, dram shop law attorneys at Salvi & Maher, L.L.C., can help you make a claim against the restaurant or bar that served alcohol to the driver.
Since 1985, clients have trusted our law firm to provide skilled and compassionate personal injury representation. We are committed to helping individuals recover fair compensation for their injuries and hold others responsible for their terrible decisions. This becomes even more important in drunk driving cases, where the errors were not simply "accidents," but intentional actions. Contact us today to discuss your options.
When Is a Bar or Restaurant Liable?
It can be difficult to prove that a bar or restaurant is responsible for a drunk driving accident. There are certain elements that a plaintiff must meet to recover compensation under Illinois' dram shop liability laws:
- Proof of sale: Did the drunk driver buy alcohol at the liquor establishment?
- The alcohol sale caused the driver's intoxication: Is there a link between the bar or restaurant's sale of liquor and the driver's intoxication?
- The driver was drunk when the accident occurred: Did the driver have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over the legal limit?
- The driver's intoxication caused the accident and your injuries: Were your injuries pre-existing or caused by the car accident? Was intoxication a factor in the accident?
Our Chicago liquor liability lawyers will investigate your case to determine whether you have a strong claim against the bar or restaurant that the drunk driver visited before your accident. Dram shop liability claims are generally successful when injured individuals can show that the liquor establishment knew or should have known that the drunk driver was intoxicated when it served him or her alcohol.
Contact an Experienced Chicago Liquor Liability Attorney
We have the tools, knowledge, resources and experience to look at and pursue your drunk driving personal injury case from all angles. Set up a free initial consultation at one of our three convenient Chicago locations in Waukegan, Wheaton and Richmond by contacting us online or by calling at 847-662-3303.
At Salvi & Maher, we only collect our fees when you collect compensation for your injuries.
