Dram Shop Laws & How They May Affect Cases for Auto Accident Lawyers in Tampa, Florida

Dram shop laws are legal statues that can hold bars, liquor stores, and similar establishments responsible for the negligent actions of people who are served alcohol there. Dram shop laws are frightening for any person or establishment that serves alcohol because no one wants to be held responsible for injuries or deaths caused by an intoxicated patron.

In Florida, dram shop laws are quite limited in scope. Under Florida Statute 768.125, bar owners are not responsible for injuries caused by their intoxicated patrons, unless the person who was served alcohol is under the legal drinking age of 21. In addition, bar owners may be liable if they knowingly serve alcohol to a person who appears to be a binge or habitual drinker.

Whether you are a nightclub owner in Tampa, Florida or you like to host parties at your St. Petersburg residence, it makes sense to ensure that only people of legal drinking age are allowed to have alcohol on your property. Additionally, it is advised that you monitor and limit alcoholic intake for anyone showing the signs (or having the reputation) of alcoholism, binge drinking, and other substance abuse problems.

Finally, dram shop laws are narrow in Florida, so you can't depend on these laws to protect your right to compensation if you are hit by a drunk driver. You also cannot depend on a person with drinking issues to carry adequate liability insurance. You can, however, take responsibility yourself by purchasing enough uninsured or underinsured auto insurance coverage to pay for injuries you might sustain in an accident with an intoxicated driver.

If you would like more information about dram shop laws and accident liability from experienced, knowledgeable auto accident lawyers in Tampa, Florida, please contact the law offices of Dale Appell, P.A. today.