Did a Bar or Host Serve the Driver? Indiana Victim Questions
Prepared by Poynter & Bucheri, LLC · Reviewed by Donald Poynter, Indiana attorney · Last reviewed November 9, 2026
People hurt by a suspected drunk driver in Indiana sometimes ask whether a bar, restaurant or person who served the driver might be part of an injury claim. This page lists questions and records to bring to a lawyer. It does not say a business or host is, or is not, responsible.
When can a bar or party host be responsible for a drunk driver crash in Indiana?
Under Indiana’s dram shop law, a person who furnishes alcohol is not civilly liable for harm caused by the drinker’s intoxication unless (1) they had actual knowledge the drinker was visibly intoxicated when the alcohol was furnished, and (2) the intoxication was a proximate cause of the death, injury or damage (IC 7.1-5-10-15.5). The law covers any person who furnishes alcohol, including bartering, delivering, selling, exchanging, providing or giving it away.
Questions to bring to a lawyer
- Where were drinks served, and about when?
- Who can describe what they saw?
- Is there a receipt, a tab, or a message from that night?
- What would a lawyer need to review before anyone asserts a claim?
This page does not determine whether a bar, restaurant or host is liable. A lawyer can review that question with your facts.
Talk with the firm
You can call Poynter & Bucheri at (317) 780-8000 for a free case review. Ask about the terms of any work before you agree to it.
The 25%* fee on motor vehicle accident cases also applies when we pursue a bar, restaurant or host that served the driver as part of the case.
Poynter & Bucheri represents people injured in motor vehicle crashes in Indiana.
Our fee is only 25%* on motor vehicle accident cases.
No fee and no costs unless we recover for you. Calls answered 24/7 (office staff Mon–Fri 9–5; answering service after hours).
Free case review Call (317) 780-8000
*The 25% fee is 25% of the total recovery in motor-vehicle cases (car, truck, motorcycle, scooter, bicycle or pedestrian struck by a vehicle), including bar or host claims arising from them, settled prior to trial. If there is no recovery, the client owes no fee. Case costs and expenses paid by the firm are reimbursed from any settlement or recovery. This 25% fee is valid for 15 days after the date last advertised.
Poynter & Bucheri resource · 4202 Madison Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46227. This is a private law-firm resource, not a government, police or nonprofit site. General information only; not advice about your case. For a correction, use our contact form or call (317) 780-8000.