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When drunk drivers cause wrecks, they often inflict maximum harm but only carry minimum insurance, leaving the injured victim to bear all of the expense associated with their injuries and damages. When this occurs, you should investigate the possibility of filing a “Dram Shop” claim against the person or business that served the alcoholic beverages to the drunk driver to begin with.

Traditionally, “Dram Shops” were bars, liquor stores or other business that sold liquor in small quantities—a dram, or a small amount of whiskey. Once automobiles became popular and widely used, States began to wrestle with the question of whether the Dram Shop that over served the drunk driver could also be held responsible for the resulting injuries. Now, virtually every state has some sort of Dram Shop law which, under certain circumstances, can be used to establish vicarious liability on the person or entity that over served the drunk driver.

Georgia law prohibits the service of alcohol to a person in a state of noticeable intoxication. O.C.G.A. § 3-3-22. Further, civil liability attaches upon service of alcohol to a noticeably intoxicated person when it is known that person will soon be driving. Under Georgia’s Dram Shop Act, “[I]f a provider in the exercise of reasonable care should have known both that the recipient of alcohol was noticeably intoxicated and that the recipient would be driving soon, the provider will be deemed to have knowledge of that fact.” Griffin Motel Co. v. Strickland, 223 Ga. App. 812, 814 (1996). See also O.C.G.A. § 51-1-40.

If the two required elements are present; namely, the server knew the customer was noticeably intoxicated and knew the customer would be driving soon, then that server can possibly be held liable if the drunk customer subsequently drives and causes injury to another. The attorneys at Burnside Law Firm have successfully pursued Dram Shop actions against bar owners in the past. If you or someone you know have been injured by a drunk driver and think that the business that over served the driver could be liable, contact our attorney for a free consultation.

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Augusta

2919 Professional Pkwy

Augusta, GA, 30907

Phone: (706) 432-8320

Athens

325 North Milledge Avenue

Athens, GA, 30601

Phone: (706) 227-4264

We have recovered millions for our clients

The attorneys at Burnside Law Firm LLP have over 30 years of collective experience handling personal injury claims. Over that time, we have helped hundreds of injured people recover the compensation they deserve and need in order to begin putting their lives back together. This list is just a sample of the recoveries we have obtained for some of our clients here and during our time at our former firm, Burnside Wall LLP. Obviously, success in obtaining significant judgments and settlements for other clients is no guarantee of success in your case. Each case must be evaluated and handled based on the individual merits of that particular case. To discuss the facts of your case and learn more about your legal rights, contact one of the personal injury attorneys at Burnside Law Firm LLP for a free initial consultation.

Medical Malpractice / Head Injury

$4,500,000 settlement

Pharmacy & Prescription Error

$1,800,000 settlement

Medical Malpractice / Anesthesia Injury

$1,600,000 settlement

Auto Accident / Multiple Fractures

$1,250,000 judgment

Auto Accident / Wrongful Death

$1,000,000 settlement

Dram Shop / Wrongful Death

$1,000,000 settlement

Read more

Meet The Team

Thomas R. Burnside III Personal Injury Attorney

Thomas R Burnside III

Thomas R. Burnside III is a personal injury lawyer who focuses his law practice on the representation of individuals who have suffered injury as a result of automobile collisions, trucking accidents, medical malpractice, work related accidents or other causes. With over 20 years of experience in personal injury law at both the trial and appellate court levels, Attorney Burnside has represented people with brain and head trauma...

Meet Thomas Burnside
Garon Muller Personal Injury Attorney

Garon Muller

Garon Muller is a trial lawyer who focuses his law practice on the representation of individuals who have been seriously injured or damaged through the negligence or recklessness of others, including automobile collisions, workplace injuries, premises injuries, or defective products. Before beginning his practice in the representation of injured individuals, Mr. Muller served the community as an Assistant District Attorney...

Meet Garon Muller
Robert MacGregor

Robert MacGregor

Robert MacGregor is an experienced trial attorney licensed to practice law in Georgia and South Carolina. At the Burnside Law Firm, Robert devotes his practice to protecting the rights of individuals who have been injured because of someone else’s carelessness, negligence, or recklessness and represents those who have been injured in automobile collisions or tractor-trailer accidents; because of a slip and fall; and in other general negligence actions.

Meet Robert MacGregor

Our Client Reviews

Burnside Law Firm

5.0 / 5.0

Based on 38 reviews

Erin Wren

After my car accident they helped me every step of the way! They were up front and answered any questions I had! They negotiated the insurance and got a higher settlement than was offered! I would definitely use them again!

Debbie Walker

In November 2017, I was in a car accident and I decided to seek out legal assistance. I chose to go with Burnside Law Firm, LLP because of their five star rating. My inital consultation was with attorney, Mr. Garon Muller. I knew immediately that I wanted Mr. Muller to take my case. His professionalism and expertise in personal injury made my decision easy. Mr. Muller maintained his professionalism throughout my case. He kept me updated on a regular basis via telephone or email. He was always available to me when I call. I did not have to wait 24 hours to get a call back from him. I would greatly recommend Mr. Muller and the Burnside Law Firm, LLP.

Rick Estep

Burnside Law Firm is who you want to represent you. Mr. Muller came to our house for a free consultation without hesitation. He guided us and overcame every obstacle we encountered. He secured the maximum insurance limits for us and we couldn't be more happy. If you are injured, DO NOT attempt to recoup compensation without the expertise of a trusted, skilled and able law firm to be your voice. THANK YOU MR. MULLER!!!

Alexander Hughes

Garon Muller with Burnside Law Firm makes client satisfaction his priority. Mr. Muller made sure that I had a lucid understanding during every discussion. He never made a decision without my input and made me feel like we were partners. Garon Muller was very professional and push for the maximum dollar amount from the insurance company. Me and my family considered ourselves blessed to have been represented by Garon Muller with Burnside Law Firm. We highly recommend Garon Muller and Burnside Law Firm! Burnside Law Firm staff are exceptional and exceeded our expectations.

Lynn Eldridge

I have known the Burnside family for many years. Recently Thomas was most helpful in getting my check following an auto collision. I highly recommend their firm.

Damien Williams

I definitely felt comfortable in there hands really good people.

Jacob Clements

Very very good law firm. Went above and beyond to make things right. Highly reccomend.

Barbara Huskinson

Burnside Law did what they said they would do. Garon Muller was great in communicating and looked out for my best interest in getting what was fair in my settlement. I would recommend Burnside to anyone.

Free case evaluation

    Augusta

    2919 Professional Pkwy

    Augusta, GA, 30907

    Phone: (706) 432-8320

    Athens

    325 North Milledge Avenue

    Athens, GA, 30601

    Phone: (706) 227-4264