When a drunk driver causes a car crash, most people immediately think about holding that driver responsible. However, in some cases, the bar, restaurant, or store that served the alcohol may also be liable.
These cases fall under Tennessee’s dram shop laws, allowing injured victims to pursue compensation from establishments that served alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated or underage. A Nashville dram shop lawyer at Ponce Law can help you understand your rights and seek justice for the harm you have suffered.
Tennessee’s dram shop law is found in Tennessee Code Annotated § 57-10-102. It allows victims of drunk driving accidents to hold alcohol vendors or servers legally accountable under specific circumstances.
To bring a successful claim, two conditions must be met:
These cases can be complex because you must prove that the business served the person despite clear signs of intoxication, or that they failed to check for age verification. A lawyer handling dram shop cases in Nashville can collect and analyze evidence, such as witness statements, security footage, and receipts, to build a strong case on your behalf.
Dram shop laws exist to promote accountability and prevent tragedies caused by irresponsible alcohol service. When a bar or restaurant continues serving someone who is clearly drunk, that business is putting everyone on the road in danger. Holding them responsible through a civil claim does more than seek financial compensation—it also helps deter future negligence and protects the Nashville community.
Proving liability in a dram shop case takes detailed investigation. The challenge lies in demonstrating that the alcohol provider acted recklessly or ignored clear signs of intoxication.
Your Nashville dram shop attorney may gather the following types of evidence:
Additionally, Tennessee’s comparative negligence rule may come into play. If the drunk driver claims you were partly at fault, your attorney can work to ensure that blame is properly allocated, and your compensation is not unfairly reduced.
At Ponce Law, we have deep roots in Middle Tennessee. We are proud to be the only personal injury law firm in the region to receive the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for ethical commerce and have been repeatedly voted Nashville’s Best Law Firm by The Tennessean’s Best of Music City Awards. We use our reputation and resources to fight for people who have been hurt by drunk drivers and negligent establishments.
If you were injured by a drunk driver who was overserved, a Nashville dram shop lawyer at Ponce Law can help you hold the responsible business accountable. We will investigate every detail of your case, identify all liable parties, and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
Our firm proudly serves the Nashville community, and we are committed to seeking justice for victims of negligent alcohol service. Contact Ponce Law today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you move forward.
