When Bars Place Profits Above Safety
Studies consistently show that drunk driving continues to be a leading cause of car accidents. When a driver gets behind the wheel after drinking, innocent people can be seriously injured or killed. In some drunk driving accidents, the drunk driver isn't the only one at fault. Sometimes the bar, restaurant or tavern that served alcohol to the driver is also to blame.
Bars are required by law to stop serving alcohol to customers who have had too much too drink. The purpose of the law is to prevent alcohol-related traffic accidents and protect public safety. Bars that disregard the law and place profits above safety should be held accountable for injuries and deaths that result from their greed and irresponsibility.
If you were injured in an alcohol-related car accident accidents or a loved one was killed by a drunk driver, you should talk to an experienced lawyer as soon as possible to investigate the possibility of a dram shop and liquor liability claim.
Dedicated to Making a Difference in Your Life
Free Consultation ∙ 816-474-0202 ∙ E-Mail
At McCollum & Griggs, we have successfully represented many clients in claims for personal injury and wrongful death caused by drunk or careless drivers in the Kansas City area. We work hard to hold negligent bars and restaurants responsible for illegally selling liquor to underage or intoxicated customers.
In drunk driving accidents, it is critical to investigate a possible liquor liability claim as soon as possible. Under Missouri law, businesses that serve alcohol by the drink or glass are strictly liable for injuries or deaths that result from illegal alcohol sales to a minor. Under the dram shop laws, they are also responsible when they over-serve liquor to an intoxicated patron who then causes a car accident.
The personal injury attorneys at our firm work quickly to investigate dram shop claims against bars and restaurants. When handling a drunk driving accident case, it is critical to dig for information right away before evidence is lost, and while witnesses can still be located.
To prove dram shop liability, we work with private investigators and other professionals to:
- Interview bartenders and servers, patrons at the bar or restaurant, and other people who witnessed the drunk driver purchasing liquor
- Obtain all police and accident reports, including reports of the drunk driver's blood alcohol content
- Subpoena receipts, cash register records and other documents related to the sale of wine, beer or liquor to the driver who caused the accident
- Investigate whether the bar or restaurant trained its bartenders, wait staff and other employees to cut off service to intoxicated customers
Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation
To schedule a free consultation with an experienced and caring lawyer, contact us today. In most dram shop and liquor liability cases, we don't charge any legal fees or costs upfront. We don't get paid unless we recover a verdict or settlement on your behalf.
The Kansas City office of McCollum & Griggs is close to major highways and provides private, free parking. You are also welcome to make an appointment at our Liberty, Missouri, office. If you cannot meet us at our office, we will come to see you — anywhere, any time.
