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Should Iowa Auto Insurance Companies Be Required to Disclose Limits?...
Posted on 4/17/2012
Rollover Accident in Cedar Rapids Sends 3 to Hospital...
Posted on 1/24/2012
2 Children Suffer Head Injuries in Cedar Rapids Car Crash...
Posted on 1/23/2012
Driver Dies After Suffering a Brain Injury in an Eastern Iowa Crash...
Posted on 1/9/2012
Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Lands Three in Jail After Eastern Iowa Crashes...
Posted on 12/26/2011
72-Year-Old Woman Hospitalized After Linn County Crash...
Posted on 12/21/2011
Truck Driver Killed in a Fiery Iowa Truck Crash...
Posted on 12/4/2011
Cedar Rapids Motorcycle Crash Sends Rider to Hospital with Head Injuries...
Posted on 11/20/2011
Wrong-Way Crash in Cedar Rapids Flips Jeep on Its Roof...
Posted on 11/19/2011
Cedar Rapids Rollover Crash Sends 2 to the Hospital and 1 to Jail...
Posted on 11/8/2011
Library
Car, Truck & Motorcycle Accidents
- New Study Finds Antilock Brakes on Motorcycles Save Lives
- Heads Up: Traumatic Brain Injury May Follow a Cedar Rapids Auto Accident
- 5 Reasons For Winter Weather Truck Accidents in Eastern Iowa
- Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter Driving Could Help You Avoid an Iowa Car Crash
- What Happens When Truck Brakes Fail in Eastern Iowa?
Dram Shop Establishments May Be to Blame for an Iowa Drunk Driving Accident
It is sad to think that Cedar Rapids car accidents caused by drunk drivers could have been avoided. Not only are innocent motorists injured, but oftentimes these drunk drivers are uninsured or underinsured – leaving injured victims without adequate compensation to get the help that they need for their injuries.Sometimes there are several parties that could be liable for supplying the drunk driver with the liquor. Bars and other establishments that serve alcohol have to exercise care and look for signs of intoxication or near intoxication. If they recognize that someone has had too much to drink, they are not supposed to serve them.
If an establishment does continue to serve an obviously drunk person, it is important to have a skilled Iowa personal injury lawyer on your side who is familiar with “dram shop” laws and will pursue not only the driver and their insurance company, but also other possible avenues, such as the restaurant or bar that served alcohol to the drunk driver.
What is a Dram Shop?
A “dram shop” got its name from 18th-century establishments that sold gin by the spoonful, which was called a dram. Now there are dram shop laws in place to hold establishments responsible for any harm caused to innocent motorists by a drunk driver who was served alcohol at their place of business.If there is an alcohol-related accident that causes injuries or death to an innocent motorist, that dram shop could be held liable and considered negligent for the injuries and damages that resulted. These dram shop laws were established so that restaurants and bars do not serve alcohol to a person who is already drunk or nearly intoxicated, in order to protect other motorists and pedestrians from harm.
File a Dram Shop Claim
If you are involved in an Iowa car crash with a drunk driver, you may have a dram shop claim. An experienced Cedar Rapids accident attorney will be able to investigate and let you know if you can pursue compensation from a bar or other negligent establishment that served the intoxicated individual.There are specific laws surrounding dram shop claims, which is why it is important to talk with a lawyer as soon as possible. In Iowa, your attorney will have to notify the establishment that you intend to file a dram shop claim against them. This has to be done within six months of your injury, which is why it is critical to talk to an attorney immediately after your accident or injuries.
The statute of limitations in Iowa dram shop cases is short. Do not lose your rights to monetary damages, property damages and loss of family support. It is critical that you call Brady & O’Shea today to talk with a qualified Cedar Rapids personal injury lawyer regarding your possible dram shop case. Call today for a free legal consultation at (319) 866-9277.
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Brady & O'Shea, PC
2735 1st Avenue SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Phone: 319-866-9277
Fax: 319-866-9280
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Car, Truck & Motorcycle Accidents
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