Dram Shop Liability
Drunk Drivers Aren’t the Only Ones Responsible
Drunk driving can cause irreparable harm. Even in non-fatal accidents, personal injury and property damage can be huge. It’s hard to overstate the size of this problem. Every day, 28 people die due to car accidents that involve an alcohol-impaired driver, according to the Center for Disease Control. In 2015, over 1 million people were arrested for drunk driving in the United States.
You may already be aware that drunk driving is a crime. But in some cases, the driver him- or herself may not be the only liable party. Many states have what are called “dram shop” laws. A “dram shop” refers to an alcohol retailer, like a bar. Dram shop laws prohibit the sale of alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person. If an alcohol vendor allows a visibly drunk person to buy more alcohol, and then that person is involved in a drunk driving incident, that vendor may be liable for the person’s actions.
Your Options
If you suffered an injury as a result of a drunk driver, you may be entitled to financial compensation. This compensation may cover physical damages associated with the incident, such as property damage or medical bills, or it may reflect the emotional damages you suffered.
Dram shop laws and other liquor liability laws vary from state to state, but an experienced attorney can help you navigate your state’s legal system and identify what course of action is best for you.
Contact O’Connor, Parsons, Lane & Noble Today
We believe that drunk driving is a very serious crime. It can cause injury, property damage, and worst of all, fatalities. Law enforcement officers work to hold drunk drivers accountable for their actions, but sometimes others may share their responsibility. We believe in holding liquor vendors accountable for selling alcohol to intoxicated people. We will listen to your story and help you choose the best option for you.
Contact the attorneys of O’Connor, Parsons, Lane & Noble today to discuss dram shop liability and potential negotiations. It is important to contact an attorney early to ensure the best possible outcome. Contact us online or call at (908) 928-9200 or 1-800-586-5817.
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