Legal Insight from Rideout Law Group – Scottsdale & Lake Havasu DUI Victim Representation Attorneys
When a drunk driving accident occurs in Arizona, the intoxicated driver is often the first person held accountable. But in many cases, the bar, restaurant, or business that over-served the driver may also share legal responsibility. This is where Arizona’s Dram Shop Laws come into play—especially when complex legal defenses like superseding cause are raised.
Understanding the interaction between these two legal doctrines is key to building a strong civil case and securing compensation for victims.
What Are Dram Shop Laws in Arizona?
Arizona’s Dram Shop Laws allow victims injured by intoxicated individuals to file claims against the business that served alcohol. Under ARS § 4-311, a licensed alcohol vendor may be held legally liable if:
- They knowingly served alcohol to someone who was obviously intoxicated or underage, and
- The intoxication was a proximate cause of injury, death, or property damage.
Example: If a Scottsdale bar continues serving alcohol to a patron who is slurring speech, stumbling, or behaving erratically—and that patron later causes a DUI crash—the establishment may be held liable under Arizona’s dram shop statute.
What Is a Superseding Cause?
A superseding cause in Arizona civil law is an intervening event that breaks the legal chain of causation. If the event is so unexpected and independent that it overrides the original negligent act, it can relieve the original party from liability.
In dram shop cases, bars often argue that the driver’s decision to drive while intoxicated was a superseding cause that shifts liability away from the business.
However, Arizona courts often reject this defense if the driver’s conduct was foreseeable—especially when the business served someone who was clearly impaired. If the bar’s actions set the harmful chain in motion, they may still be found liable.
Dram Shop Liability vs. Superseding Cause: What Courts Consider
The outcome of dram shop cases often hinges on whether the intoxicated person’s actions were reasonably foreseeable:
- ✅ Foreseeable Conduct (e.g., an intoxicated patron driving home): Bar or restaurant may remain liable.
- ❌ Unforeseeable Conduct (e.g., a third party committing a random, unrelated crime): May constitute a superseding cause that breaks the chain of liability.
Ultimately, it’s up to the court to decide if the original negligence (over-serving alcohol) remains the legal cause—or if an independent event shifts the blame.
Why Legal Representation Is Crucial in Dram Shop Cases
Dram shop lawsuits are highly technical and often require:
- 📷 Video surveillance or POS records to prove visible intoxication,
- 🧑⚖️ Expert testimony on alcohol impairment,
- 📄 Insurance coverage analysis for both individuals and establishments.
At Rideout Law Group, our personal injury attorneys have the experience to handle these complex cases and fight back against defenses like superseding cause.
Serving Victims of Alcohol-Related Crashes Across Arizona
From Scottsdale to Lake Havasu City, Rideout Law Group helps victims of drunk driving crashes and alcohol-related injuries recover damages from both negligent drivers and irresponsible businesses.
If you or someone you love was harmed by a drunk driver, our team is here to:
- Investigate every responsible party
- Challenge insurance company tactics
- Pursue full compensation for your injuries and losses
Don’t face a dram shop case alone. Contact Rideout Law Group today to schedule your free case review with an experienced Arizona personal injury lawyer.
Contact Us for a Free Case Review
- Scottsdale Office: (480) 584-3328
- Lake Havasu Office: (928) 854-8181
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal guidance specific to your situation, please contact a licensed attorney at Rideout Law Group.