Serious legal problems require immediate intervention from a personal injury attorney who knows how to protect your rights. Don't delay. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation with an attorney about filing a personal injury claim against a drunk driver.
For Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents
The lawyers of Reybroek Barristers in Toronto represent victims of drunk driving accidents. If you have suffered a serious, permanent injury because of the negligence of another, we will pursue financial compensation on your behalf. To learn more about drunk driving accidents, please review the general information below. To arrange a free initial consultation about your case, please contact our office in Toronto, Ontario.
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If a drunk driver hit and injured you, our personal injury lawyers will help you obtain all the accident benefits and financial compensation you deserve. We understand what you are going through and are here to help. Please contact us to discuss your case. There is no risk and no charge to learn if we can assist you.
Whether you were a driver, a passenger, a pedestrian or a bicyclist, if you were injured in an accident with a drunk driver, you should speak to the experienced personal injury lawyers at Reybroek Barristers. We care about our injury victims. Contact us to arrange a free consultation.
Dram Shop Acts
If you were injured by a drunk driver after he or she left a bar, restaurant or other place serving alcohol, you may have a claim against that establishment under a dram shop act. Contact Reybroek Barristers in Toronto, 3200 Dufferin Street, Suite 210, to schedule a consultation with an attorney knowledgeable in personal injury actions involving dram shop liability.
Alcohol Vendor Liability
Dram shop acts impose liability on commercial vendors who provide alcoholic beverages to visibly intoxicated patrons who then injure innocent parties. Those who sell alcohol for a profit owe a duty to those traveling on public roadways to protect them from foreseeable dangers. Given the number of accidents and fatalities caused by drunk drivers each year, it is foreseeable that an intoxicated person leaving a bar could injure someone in a motor vehicle accident.
To maintain an action under a dram shop act, the plaintiff must typically prove:
- The vendor furnished alcoholic beverages to someone he or she knew or should have known was noticeably intoxicated.
- The vendor knew or should have known this noticeably intoxicated person was going to drive a motor vehicle after consuming alcoholic beverages.
The plaintiff must be able to prove that the vendor knew or should have known the person was intoxicated. This knowledge can be inferred from circumstantial evidence. The plaintiff does not have to prove the vendor actually witnessed the drunken behavior. Rather, the intoxicated person's conduct must have been "visible, evident and easily observed." This can include slurred speech, erratic body movements and the smell of alcohol on the breath. The patron must be impaired to the point of incapacity. Merely consuming a couple of drinks may not rise to the level of intoxication under the statute.
Additionally, some state laws provide that the beverage must have been an "intoxicating liquor." The definition of intoxicating liquor may require the drink to have included hard alcohol or a certain percentage of alcohol before it will qualify under the act, which may exclude beer.
Eligible Parties
Dram shop acts provide relief for persons who suffered injury to themselves, their property or to their means of support — if the breadwinner is no longer able to work, for example. Parties who may bring dram shop suits include innocent parties who were injured, their estate and their families. The families of the intoxicated driver also can bring dram shop claims.
The intoxicated person or his or her estate cannot sue the vendor for damages under dram shop acts.
Contact a Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
Contact Reybroek Barristers in Toronto to schedule a consultation with a lawyer familiar with 3200 Dufferin Street, Suite 210 personal injury actions involving dram shop liability.
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