Drunk driving accidents can leave families facing painful injuries, emotional stress and unexpected financial burdens. In many cases, victims are left wondering how a clearly preventable situation was even allowed to happen in the first place.
While the impaired driver is often the primary person at fault, they may not always be the only party that shares responsibility. The law recognizes that businesses serving alcohol also have a duty to act responsibly when serving customers.
Sharing liability for drunk driving accidents
It all begins with dram shop laws. These are civil laws in place to hold bars, restaurants and other establishments financially responsible when they serve alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated or underage and that person later causes a drunk driving accident. These laws are designed to encourage responsible alcohol service and help protect the public from preventable harm.
For example, if a bartender continues serving drinks to a customer who is clearly impaired and that customer later causes a serious crash, the injured victim may have grounds to pursue a claim against both the driver and the establishment. Evidence such as surveillance footage, witness statements and police reports can play an important role in determining whether overserving may have occurred.
These cases can become complicated because proving liability often requires showing that the establishment knowingly served someone who was noticeably intoxicated. Insurance companies may also attempt to minimize responsibility or shift blame away from the business involved. A careful investigation is often necessary to uncover what happened before the accident and identify every possible source of compensation for injured victims and their families.
After a drunk driving accident, it is important to understand all available legal options and who may be responsible for the damages involved. Speaking with an experienced legal professional can help victims understand their rights and determine whether a bar, restaurant or other establishment may share liability for the crash.