If you live in Houston, Texas Long enough, you will get tired of seeing one unfortunately common story in the news: Drunk driving accidents. Most recently a Houston Drunk Driver made National headlines when he slammed into two Taylor Swift concert goers on their way home from NRG. Killing a teenage boy. Stories like this are all too common, often involving someone who has been overserved at a local Houston bar and restaurant establishment. These establishments set themselves up in locations right off commonly trafficked highways, luring customers in with their big signs and Happy Hour drink specials. These bar and restaurant establishments often have a huge role to play in drunk driving accidents and can be held liable for that role under the Dram Shop laws in Texas.
Persons and entities that are licensed to serve alcohol in Texas are required by law to ensure they do not serve or sell alcohol to any individual that is obviously intoxicated. Obvious intoxication can be proved many ways, and in some cases the sheer number of drinks served to a patron can be used to prove obvious intoxication. This is true only if the number of drinks served to the patron is in excess of the guidelines set by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (“TABC”).
Dram Shop Laws impose civil liability for the overservice of alcohol on bar and restaurant establishments. These laws vary from state to state. In the state of Texas, Dram Shop laws hold bars and restaurants who serve alcohol liable if there was service of alcohol to a patron who is obviously intoxicated to the extent that they present clear danger to themselves or others.
When a bar or restaurant serves alcohol to an obviously intoxicated patron, they can be held civilly liable for the actions of the patron after they leave the establishment. The patron can also be held civilly and criminally liable for their actions.
For over 70 years, Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner has successfully represented injured people and families who fall victim to catastrophes like drunk driving accidents. Our attorneys have the knowledge, experience, and resources necessary to obtain just compensation for our clients. If you or someone you know has been injured or killed in an accident involving a drunk driver, it is important to understand your right to recover. Call us today at 713-222-7211 or 1-800-870-9584 for your free consultation.