Drunk driving accidents often leave victims seriously injured and dealing with overwhelming financial burdens. This gets worse if you cannot work while recovering from your injuries.
Holding drunk drivers responsible is key. But sometimes, that might not be enough. Other parties may also share the blame, like bar owners and servers.
Under Texas dram shop laws, bar owners who continue serving alcohol to visibly intoxicated patrons can face responsibility, too. Proving this connection requires strong evidence that links the establishment’s actions to the driver’s impairment.
Bar receipts showing alcohol quantity
Payment records reveal important details about the amount and timing of alcohol purchases. A receipt showing several or more drinks purchased within a short period helps support claims that the bar or club over-served the driver.
Credit card statements and bar tabs also help establish a timeline of consumption. With the help of experts, these can be used to estimate the driver’s blood alcohol levels.
Security footage capturing visible intoxication
Video evidence from the bar or restaurant provides powerful documentation of how much alcohol the driver drank. More importantly, it can show their condition while at the bar and before leaving.
The security footage may show the driver stumbling or acting visibly drunk. This visual evidence works well as it can directly demonstrate that servers continued serving alcohol when they should have stopped service.
Witness testimony confirming obvious impairment
Aside from security videos, others at the bar may also provide valuable evidence. The people who saw the driver at the establishment can testify if the driver was obviously drunk.
Fellow patrons, servers, bartenders or security staff might have noticed the following:
- Slurred words
- Difficulty maintaining balance
- Loud, aggressive or inappropriate behavior
- Bloodshot eyes or a disheveled appearance
- Multiple drinks ordered
These firsthand accounts strengthen a dram shop case as they can confirm the establishment knew or should have known how drunk the customer was.
Expert testimony calculates blood alcohol levels
Medical experts can analyze blood alcohol test results to determine approximately how many drinks the person consumed. These specialists can work backward from the driver’s blood alcohol concentration at the time of the crash to estimate their level of impairment when leaving the bar.
Seeking justice beyond the drunk driver
Holding bars and restaurants accountable for over-serving patrons protects our communities. Additionally, it helps provide more financial support for injured victims.
When you pursue a dram shop claim, you gain access to additional insurance coverage beyond the driver’s policy. This compensation helps cover medical bills, lost wages and ongoing care while sending a clear message that establishments must serve alcohol responsibly.