What can happen if a bar serves an intoxicated patron who then gets into an accident?

The situation often falls under the "dram shop laws" that are in place in many jurisdictions, which hold establishments responsible for serving alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals. If a bar continues to serve a patron who is already intoxicated, and that patron later causes an accident, the bar can indeed be held liable for any resulting damages or injuries. This liability exists because the bar has a duty of care to monitor and manage the consumption of alcohol among its patrons.

Establishing liability in such cases hinges on the bar's failure to act responsibly in preventing harm. It recognizes that over-serving alcohol can lead to dangerous situations not only for the intoxicated individuals but also for the general public. Even if the patron contributes to the incident, the bar's actions in providing continued service while knowing the patron was intoxicated can make them legally accountable.

Other potential options in the question do not address the legal implications or the responsibilities of the establishment properly, which is why they do not accurately represent the situation's legal landscape.