Finding the Best Dram Shop Act Lawyer in West Houston
You may be wondering, what’s a dram shop attorney, and why should I find one for my car accident in West Houston? The term refers to a personal injury legal representative specializing in suing liquor establishments that over-served a client, resulting in someone getting injured or killed.
If you have been affected by a drunk driver in West Houston, Joe Stephens has years of experience as a dram shop lawyer and holding liquor establishments accountable. Get in touch with The Stephens Law Firm today for your free consultation.
If you’ve been injured by the negligence of another, you could hire any auto accident law firm in Katy, or you can hire a West Houston attorney that focuses on auto wreck lawsuits. Joe Stephens has been defending injury victims in Texas for over 3 decades from negligent individuals, companies, and greedy insurance companies. As a local accident attorney in Katy, TX, Joe handles all cases personally, and his staff is always available to answer questions.
Why You Need a Good West Houston Dram Shop Attorney
Most dram shop lawsuits or cases involve a drunken driving incident. The Texas dram shop act protects people in these instances. It lets personal injury victims and families who have lost loved ones open lawsuits against liquor establishments that may be liable, at least in part, for a drunken-driving crash.
But why should you get in touch with a dram shop lawyer as soon as you can following an alcohol-caused incident? Well, you can’t leave these cases up to chance; you need to guarantee the best outcome.
An Attorney Can Help Prove Clubs and Bars May be Liable
Typically, it is up to the complainant to prove that at the time of the accident the driver was so intoxicated that they were a danger to themselves and the public. The complainant must also prove that the driver was over-served alcohol by a club or bar they were previously attending.
Proving liability can be a complex process, which is why it’s crucial to engage an attorney who is familiar with Texas liquor liability law. A lawyer like Joe Stephens can help you to effectively gather evidence to build a solid case and protect your rights.
About Dram Shop Laws
Texas law covers instances when clubs or bars continue to serve a person alcohol even when it is clear they had enough to drink. A liquor establishment should stop serving someone who has reached this point, or even before. But if an establishment keeps serving alcohol to someone who is intoxicated to a point where they are a danger to themselves and to others, Texas law can be used to clamp down on this negligent practice.
Victims must prove a drunk driver was “visibly intoxicated” through the following ways:
• Loud and unpredictable behavior
• Belligerence
• Incoherent speech
• Compromised judgment
• Incapacity to walk normally or maintain balance
• Slow reactions
Dram Shop Lawsuit Examples
Situations that can lead to a lawsuit include:
- Car accidents caused by drunk drivers
- Physical harm caused by a drunk person, such as a fight by a club, domestic violence, etc
- Circumstances where adults serve minors with alcohol. The provider may be held liable for the minor causing damage
What Evidence to Gather
Necessary evidence to building a case may include:
- Cash and card receipts from an establishment
- Blood test evidence of excess alcohol in the bloodstream
- Eye-witness testimonies
- Security video footage
A personal injury lawyer specializing in dram shop law can help you investigate your case thoroughly and gather the necessary evidence.
If You or a Loved One Have Been Injured in a Drunk Driving Car Wreck In West Houston, Call Auto Accident Attorney Joe Stephens Now
Loss of life or mobility due to the actions of a drunk driver can be incredibly difficult to come to terms with. Dram shop law is designed to stop liquor establishments from engaging in negligent acts, and you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. However, dram shop liability is complex, and you will need professional assistance to get the most out of your settlement.
Let our team help you deal with your claim. Call auto accident attorney Joe Stephens if you or a loved one have been injured in a drunk driving car wreck in Texas.
The Stephens Law Firm, Car Accident Lawyers handles auto accident lawsuits across Texas, including these Houston cities.