A significant number of auto accidents involve alcohol. In cases where the actions of a bar, tavern or restaurant contribute significantly to the inebriated state of a driver they, as well as the drunken driver, can be held liable for damages. Referred to as “dram shop laws,” liquor establishments are required to serve alcohol responsibly. In the state of Washington, a restaurant or bar cannot sell alcohol to a minor, to someone who is obviously intoxicated, after hours, or without a valid liquor license (other laws apply to liquor stores and grocers). If a bar sells alcohol illegally, it can be liable for any death or serious injury caused by the illegal sale.

While each case is different, liability under dram shop laws can range from serving liquor without a license to inadequately training employees who serve or sell alcohol. For instance, a restaurant may serve alcohol to a driver who is underage. If wait staff failed to card the driver or if restaurant management never instituted a carding policy for their wait staff, they may be liable under Washington state dram shop laws. Likewise, if a bar patron is clearly inebriated but a bartender continues to serve them, the bartender may be liable as well for any car accidents caused by the drunk patron.