As the leaves change across the Inland Northwest, Spokane comes alive with fall traditions. Whether you are spending a crisp autumn afternoon at Green Bluff sampling fresh hard ciders, visiting local breweries hosting lively Oktoberfest celebrations, or heading to a sports bar to catch the game during the height of local sports seasons, fall is a prime time for neighborhood leisure.

Unfortunately, these lively autumn celebrations can take a dangerous turn if an overserved driver gets behind the wheel. If you are injured as a passenger in a drunk driving crash, your path to recovery might involve more than just the driver’s insurance policy. Under Washington State’s dram shop laws (RCW 66.44.200), commercial establishments can be held legally accountable for injuries caused by a driver they overserved.

To establish a successful dram shop claim against a local bar, restaurant, or taproom, Washington courts require proof that the establishment served alcohol to someone who was “apparently intoxicated.” This is a high evidentiary bar. In passenger injury cases, defense attorneys frequently try to shift the blame, arguing that the passenger knew the driver was drunk and shouldn’t have gotten into the vehicle.

Overcoming this defense requires a highly strategic investigation. Building a strong dram shop case relies heavily on gathering specific local evidence, including:

If you are a passenger recovering from a collision after a night out or a fall festival, navigating these complexities requires seasoned legal guidance. The experienced team at Cooney Law Offices, P.S. knows how to secure this critical evidence before it disappears, ensuring all negligent parties are held accountable.

Don’t deal with the insurance companies alone. Protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact Cooney Law Offices, P.S. today to schedule your consultation.