
When is a bar responsible for a drunk driver?
Can I Sue a Bar In Texas If a Drunk Driver Caused My Accident?
Key Takeaway:
You may be able to sue a Texas bar for a drunk driving accident, but only if you can prove the bar negligently overserved the driver while they were visibly intoxicated.
When someone chooses to drive drunk, they’re responsible for the damage they cause—but under Texas law, they might not be the only one.
According to Texas Dram Shop Law, bars and other alcohol-serving establishments can also be held liable if they served alcohol to a patron who was already clearly intoxicated and that person later caused a crash.
When Can You Sue a Bar for a Drunk Driving Accident?
In Texas, a business that sells alcohol may be liable if:
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They served alcohol to a person who was clearly intoxicated, and
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That person’s intoxication was a direct cause of the accident and injuries that followed.
Just having a BAC over the legal limit isn’t enough to prove the bar was negligent. You must show that the bartender or establishment ignored visible signs of intoxication, such as:
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Slurred speech
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Stumbling or difficulty walking
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Belligerent or erratic behavior
If the bar continued to serve alcohol after these signs were evident, and that person then caused a crash, the bar could be legally responsible for your injuries.
How Do You Prove a Bar Was Negligent?
Holding a bar accountable is difficult without strong evidence. Here’s what can help prove dram shop liability:
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Witness statements – From others who saw the patron being overserved despite clear signs of intoxication.
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Security footage – Showing the intoxicated person’s behavior inside the bar.
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Receipts or tabs – Indicating how much alcohol was served over a short time.
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Police report – Including BAC test results and officer observations after the crash.
Because bars typically don’t hand over this evidence willingly, working with a lawyer is the best way to build your case.
Injured by a Drunk Driver in Texas? Call Shaw.
If you were hit by a drunk driver, a bar or restaurant may share the blame.
Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation with an experienced Texas personal injury attorney. You may be eligible to recover compensation for:
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Medical Bills
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Missed Work
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Pain and Suffering
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And More
No pressure. No upfront fees. Just the expert legal advice you need to protect your rights.
We look forward to serving you.