The Georgia Supreme Court recently held a local convenience store liable for a fatal car accident that took place after a man purchased a twelve-pack of beer that was on sale at the store.
According to the court, the man was already noticeably intoxicated when the purchase was made. Four hours later, the driver’s vehicle crossed the highway centerline and collided head-on into a van going the opposite direction. The driver and five other people were killed.
The families of the deceased proceeded to sue the store under the dram shop act, which asserts that any person who knowingly sells or serves alcoholic beverages to a noticeably intoxicated person, knowing that the person will soon be driving, can be held liable for damages. The Supreme Court determined that the convenience store employee who sold the twelve-pack to the driver had the opportunity to observe how the customer arrived, whether or not they appeared to be intoxicated, and how soon they would be driving a vehicle.
If you have been injured, or if one of your loved ones has been killed in a car accident in Georgia because of a drunk driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Please contact the experienced car accident attorneys at Wagner & Wagner today for a free initial consultation.
