Can I Sue a Texas Bar if a Drunk Driver Caused My Accident?

 Posted on September 10, 2025 in Car Accident

Drunk driving accidents can cause terrible injuries and lasting harm. However, these crashes are not always the fault of the driver alone. Under Texas law, bars, restaurants, and other businesses that allow people to get too drunk may also be held responsible. This type of claim falls under what is known as the Texas Dram Shop Law.

As of September 2025, this law still allows injury victims to pursue claims against a bar if it was clear the customer was obviously intoxicated and they were still served more alcohol. If that customer then caused a crash, the business may share liability for the injuries, medical costs, and property damage. A Plano, TX personal injury lawyer can review your case and explain your options for pursuing compensation.

What Does Texas Law Say When Bars Let People Get Too Drunk?

The Dram Shop Law does not replace the responsibility of the drunk driver. Instead, it adds accountability for businesses that serve people who pose a danger to others. To bring a case against a bar, you need to show two things: One, that the bar served someone who was clearly intoxicated or served a minor. Two, that the person’s intoxication was a cause of the accident that injured you.

You cannot sue a bar simply because you think a customer seemed drunk. You need solid proof. Useful information may include witness statements, receipts showing how much alcohol they bought, video footage from security cameras, or police reports noting where the driver was drinking before the crash. An attorney can also subpoena business records or interview staff members to learn more about what happened.

Recovering Compensation if a Bar Shares Liability for a Drunk Driving Crash

If your dram shop claim succeeds, you may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. In cases involving catastrophic injury or wrongful death, damages may also cover long-term care, loss of earning capacity, and funeral costs. These claims aim to hold both the drunk driver and the business accountable for the harm caused.

Your first step is always to get medical care for your injuries. Once you are safe, try to collect information about the accident. Request the police report, keep copies of medical bills, and save any evidence that shows where the driver was drinking before the crash. If you suspect a bar or restaurant overserved the driver, it is important to act quickly so valuable evidence does not disappear.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Dram Shop Liability Case? 

Having an experienced lawyer on your side can make a major difference in a dram shop case. Attorneys know how to move quickly to preserve evidence before it is lost. They can also subpoena business records, question staff members, and work with experts to prove that the establishment should have stopped serving the driver.

A lawyer will talk to insurance companies and make sure your claim includes all possible damages. By building a strong case, a lawyer improves your chances of holding both the drunk driver and the bar accountable.

Contact an Allen, TX Dram Shop Liability Lawyer

If you were injured in a drunk driving accident and believe a bar or restaurant played a role, you may be able to bring a dram shop claim. A Plano, TX personal injury attorney at Burress Injury Law can review your case and advise you on how to move forward. Call 214-726-0016 today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help.