There can be a variety of consequences stemming from a drunk driving accident. Victims of drunk driving incident and their families may suffer damages that are physically, financially and emotionally. Careless drivers who cause a drunk driving accident may face legal consequences including criminal consequences but may also face civil liability for the damages suffered by the victim or victim’s family as a result of the accident.
In addition, the employer of a driver engaged in their work at the time of the accident, depending on the circumstances and nature of the relationship, may also face liability to victims and their families. Finally, a proprietor who has served alcohol to the negligent driver may also be responsible to the victims depending on the circumstances. Dram shop laws are laws that may provide liability for those who serve too much alcohol to a negligent driver prior to an accident.
Dram shop laws vary significantly by state so it is important to be familiar with the laws in the victim’s state. A victim of a drunk driving accident may be able to recover damages for the harm suffered in a drunk driving accident. The damages victims may suffer in a drunk driving accident can be significant, including medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering damages.
Because of the serious nature of drunk driving accidents, it is important that victims are familiar with the range of resources available to them and the liability laws that may apply when they have been harmed. Victims of drunk driving accidents should always understand the ways the legal process protects them.
Source: DUI.findlaw.com, “Dram Shop Laws,” Accessed April 3, 2017
