Phoenix Dram Shop Liability Lawyer
Drunk driving accidents can have a devastating impact on the victim’s life and cause them to suffer life-threatening injuries. While there is no denying that a drunk driver’s criminally reckless behavior is the chief cause of an accident, other parties may also bear liability for the accident and the victim’s subsequent injuries. If a dram shop such as a bar or restaurant over-served a patron who later caused an accident, they may be held liable for their victim’s injuries and other losses.
If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident in Phoenix, an experienced Phoenix dram shop liability lawyer can help you fight to hold each negligent party fully accountable for your damages. At Feller & Wendt, our talented attorneys have an established history of successfully proving dram shop liability and helping their clients recover the maximum amount of compensation possible for the harm they have suffered. When we take your case, you can trust us to work tirelessly in your stead so you can focus your energy on your healing and recovery.
How to Establish Dram Shop Liability After a Drunk Driving Accident in Phoenix, Arizona
A dram shop is an old-fashioned term for any business that legally sells and serves alcohol to patrons, like bars and restaurants. Arizona has dram shop liability laws in place to help ensure drunk driving accident victims have the opportunity to hold every party involved in their accident fully accountable for the harm they have caused. Sometimes, the dram shop may bear some fault for the accident if they continued serving the drunk driver after they were clearly intoxicated. Some factors your lawyer may investigate to help establish dram shop’s liability include the following:
- Whether the bartender failed to check the driver’s ID and ended up serving alcohol to a minor
- Whether the driver was exhibiting obvious signs of intoxication, such as slurred speech or impaired coordination
- Whether the patron continued to be served after the establishment was closed
Even if one or more of these examples of negligence apply to your case, it can be extremely challenging to prove that the dram shop’s actions directly caused your accident. Your Phoenix dram shop liability lawyer will work diligently to collect witness testimonies, video footage, and other evidence to determine if the dram shop played a role in your accident and build a case that may hold them accountable for the harm they have caused.
Damages You May Be Able to Recover Through a Dram Shop Liability Claim
Drunk driving accidents can impact nearly every area of a victim’s life. Through a drunk driving accident claim, an attorney may be able to help you recover monetary compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial losses. Some damages your Phoenix dram shop liability attorney may be able to pursue from a negligent dram shop owner include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning potential
- Significant disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment in life
- Emotional trauma
- Pain and suffering
Your attorney will work with you to understand your injuries’ effects on your life and advise you on which damages you may be eligible to collect. At Feller & Wendt, our dedicated attorneys are committed to leaving no stone unturned as they craft the strongest claim possible on your behalf.
Statute of Limitations for Dram Shop Liability Claims in Arizona
If you intend to pursue compensation from a negligent dram shop owner in Arizona, you must comply with the state’s filing deadline, known as the statute of limitations. Drunk driving accident victims who intend to sue a dram shop for damages have two years from the date of their accident to pursue a claim.
While this may seem like more than enough time to achieve justice for your injuries and other losses, acting sooner rather than later is essential. Critical evidence may be lost, damaged, or destroyed, and witnesses’ memories may be distorted or lost over time. After receiving medical attention for your injuries, your next step should be to contact an experienced Phoenix dram shop liability lawyer. At Feller & Wendt, our attorneys can work quickly to collect and preserve essential evidence to support your claim and help you meet all filing deadlines.
Discuss Your Case With a Dedicated Phoenix Dram Shop Liability Attorney
The seasoned attorneys at Feller & Wendt understand the destruction a drunk driving accident can wreak on your life. We are committed to guiding you through every step of Arizona’s complex claims process as we fight for justice on your behalf. Our passionate attorneys have many years of experience helping drunk driving accident victims recover damages for the full extent of their losses.
To schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you, (480) 702-2277 or complete our contact form today.
