We represent residents, visitors, part-time residents, and tourists who have been injured by drunk drivers and establishments that overserve alcohol in Boston, Atlanta, and the surrounding communities.

Driving under the influence is not only illegal but also incredibly dangerous. Cases involving those hurt or killed by drunk drivers are some of the most heartbreaking we encounter.

Unlike many other accidents, drunk drivers make a deliberate decision to engage in an extremely dangerous activity, putting not only themselves but all of us at risk. With offices  in Boston, Massachusetts, and Atlanta, Georgia, Lionhart Injury Law takes on drunk drivers insurance companies, and establishments that overserve intoxicated patrons to recover full compensation for injured clients.

Seeking Compensation from Drunk Drivers

Drunk drivers typically demonstrate reckless or distracted behaviors, such as speeding and weaving between lanes. If a drunk driver causes a crash, the victim or their family may pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the driver. Holding a defendant liable requires showing the driver failed to exercise the degree of care in operating their vehicle as a reasonable person would have done under similar circumstances. As a drunk driving injury attorney, firm founder Robert Hartigan is adept at building compelling cases for maximum compensation against at-fault drunk drivers.

Proving a Breach of the Duty of Care

The victim must show the other driver owed them a duty of care, and the defendant must have breached the duty of care. This breach must have caused the car accident in which the victim was hurt, and quantifiable damages must have resulted.

All drivers owe others on the road a duty to operate their vehicles reasonably, and to abide by any traffic rules and other laws that may apply. This duty of care clearly extends to driving sober, rather than operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. A victim of a drunk driving accident may demonstrate a breach of the duty of care by presenting evidence the defendant was intoxicated.

As an experienced drunk driving injury lawyer and liquor liability attorney, we can help establish this critical information. We understand the complexities involved in proving a breach of duty and have the expertise to gather the necessary evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and expert testimony, to show that the defendant was intoxicated at the time of the accident. Our thorough approach and dedication to each case ensures that the strongest possible argument is made on behalf of our clients, maximizing their chances of receiving full and fair compensation for their injuries and losses.

Establishing Liability in Drunk Driving Crash Cases

In a car crash lawsuit, it is important for the plaintiff to show that the defendant’s breach of the duty of care directly caused his or her injuries. Often, victims prove causation by showing that “but for” the defendant’s drunk driving, the accident and resulting injuries likely would not have occurred. Showing breach of care can be done through outrageous driving conduct, like running stop signs and stop lights, excessively speeding, and weaving between lanes with seemingly little or no control of a vehicle.

Plaintiffs who prevail in a negligence lawsuit may be able to recover damages for both economic and non-economic losses. Examples of economic compensation often include hospital and medical bills, lost wages from missed work, and property damage to a vehicle. Pain and suffering or loss of consortium may represent recoverable non-economic damages.

Can I Recover in a Drunk Driving Injury Accident If I Am Partially at Fault?

In some situations, the defendant may argue that the plaintiff was also at fault for causing an accident. Both Georgia and Massachusetts follow the doctrine of comparative fault. In Georgia, a plaintiff who is deemed partially responsible can still recover damages, provided they are less than 50% at fault. The recovery will be reduced by the plaintiff’s percentage of fault. In Massachusetts, a plaintiff who is partially responsible can recover damages as long as their fault is not greater than that of the defendant. Similarly, the recovery will be adjusted in proportion to the plaintiff’s degree of fault.

Drunk Driving Liability & Dram Shop Laws

In many drunk driving cases, a bar or restaurant that over-serves an intoxicated patron may also be liable for the damages caused by such person. Bars, restaurants, and other establishments that serve alcohol must take care not to serve (or continue to serve) alcohol to a patron after the person has become intoxicated.  Unfortunately, over-serving occurs frequently, often as a result of the establishment wanting to make more money through increased alcohol sales and through servers choosing to ignore the intoxication level of a patron.

When drunk drivers injure others, bars, restaurants, and other establishments may bear liability if they served alcohol to a person who already was drunk. Establishments that serve alcohol also may bear legal liability when employees saw a drunk patron drive from their establishment and if the employees did not try to intervene to stop the drug person from driving.

In an investigation concerning a drunk driving accident, we will thoroughly examine what the driver did immediately prior to causing the accident. This includes determining whether the driver was drinking at a bar, restaurant, or other establishment. We will also investigate how much alcohol the driver consumed at these places and interview those who may have been with the drunk driver before the accident to understand how the intoxication occurred. Often, there is video showing a drunk person continuing to drink at a bar. Additionally, there usually will be receipts showing the amount of alcohol purchased. With this information, we can establish whether a dram shop case can be made against the establishment that overserved the driver, holding all responsible parties accountable for their negligence.

Call Today to Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Liquor Liability Attorney and Drunk Driving Injury Lawyer

If you have been injured in a crash caused by a drunk driver, you deserve full compensation for all the injuries you sustained. We are particularly mindful that drunk driving crashes are no accident – drunk drivers intentionally put their lives and the lives of others at risk when they choose to drive drunk. We pursue drunk drivers, the companies who provide them with insurance, and potentially others (including bars and restaurants) aggressively in seeking full compensation for my clients.

If you have been injured in a drunk driving crash, or if a family member has lost their life due to a drunk driver, please call Lionhart Injury Law to schedule a free consultation. We can listen to the facts of your case and explain the types of compensation to which you may be entitled, as well as how we can help.

With offices in Boston, Massachusetts, and Atlanta, Georgia, we represent injured individuals throughout these regions, including the surrounding communities. Contact us today at (855) 343-0997 or fill out our online form to get started. We look forward to helping you.

FAQs for Lionhart Injury Law: Drunk Driving Liability Cases

What is a dram shop law?

Dram shop laws hold bars, restaurants, and other establishments accountable for serving alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals who then cause harm, such as drunk driving accidents. Both Georgia and Massachusetts have dram shop laws that allow victims to seek compensation from these establishments.

How can a drunk driving liability attorney help my case?

As an experienced drunk driving liability attorney, we can investigate the events leading up to the accident, gather evidence, and determine if an establishment overserved the intoxicated driver. This can include interviewing witnesses and obtaining security footage to build a strong case for compensation.

Can I sue a bar or restaurant for serving a drunk driver in Georgia or Massachusetts?

Yes, both states allow victims to sue establishments that overserve alcohol to intoxicated individuals who then cause accidents. A drunk driving liability lawyer can help establish the liability of the establishment in contributing to the accident.

What compensation can I receive in a drunk driving or liquor liability case?

Victims may receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. In wrongful death cases, families may also seek compensation for funeral expenses and loss of consortium. Compensation for other damages may also be possible. As a tenacious drunk driving attorney, we will leave no stone unturned in seeking the maximum compensation you and your family rightfully deserve.

How do comparative fault laws affect my case in Georgia and Massachusetts?

In Georgia, if you are less than 50% at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your fault percentage. In Massachusetts, you can recover damages as long as your fault is not greater than the defendant’s, with compensation adjusted accordingly. As an experienced drunk driving attorney, we can help navigate these laws to ensure fair compensation.

How do I prove that an establishment overserved a drunk driver?

Proving overservice involves gathering evidence such as witness statements, receipts, and security footage. As a drunk driving liability attorney who is experienced in liquor liability cases, we can investigate the establishment’s actions and build a compelling case seeking to demonstrate their liability in overserving the intoxicated driver.

Why choose Lionhart Injury Law for my drunk driving liability lawsuit?

With nearly a decade of experience, Attorney Hartigan offers dedicated, thorough representation. Lionhart Injury Law will work tirelessly to gather evidence, prove liability, and seek to secure the maximum compensation for clients, ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable.

Call our office today to schedule a free consultation. We represent injury victims on a contingency fee basis and advance all litigation expenses while a case is ongoing.