Driver’s education standards generally require that students learn about the risks of drunk driving. Additionally, public awareness campaigns across various forms of media serve to consistently remind people about the dangers of drinking and then driving.
Despite widespread awareness of how dangerous drunk driving actually is, many motorists still choose to get behind the wheel after consuming large quantities of alcohol. When they cause crashes, the other people involved can sustain major losses.
In cases where drunk drivers lack the insurance coverage, income or personal assets necessary to compensate the people they hurt, affected parties may look into alternate options for compensation. Some people may try to take legal action against licensed bars and restaurants for drunk driving collisions. Those establishments may need help responding to avoid major economic setbacks due to a crash caused by an outside party.
Dram shop lawsuits require specific circumstances
Most states, including Texas, have enacted dram shop liability statutes. Under dram shop liability laws, businesses that violate alcohol service rules may be responsible if customers cause crashes after leaving the establishment.
Dram shop liability claims often require proof that a drunk driver was underage and was able to purchase alcohol at a licensed establishment. Other times, plaintiffs must show that the drunk driver was visibly intoxicated at the establishment and continued to receive drinks.
Generally speaking, licensed facilities cannot continue providing alcohol to patrons who are already inebriated. They also cannot serve alcohol to those under the age of 21. When there is clear proof of liquor law violations immediately preceding a customer causing a drunk driving crash, the bar or restaurant that served the motorist could be vulnerable.
Every dram shop liability case is different, but businesses can defend against allegations that the conduct of employees directly contributed to a drunk driving collision. A successful dram shop lawsuit defense can help a company avoid court orders to provide compensation and higher future business insurance costs. The company can also avoid the secondary penalties that could follow liquor license violations.
Responding assertively to dram shop lawsuits and other litigation based on catastrophic injuries can help businesses avoid devastating financial setbacks. With the right assistance, business leaders can work to avoid unfavorable lawsuit outcomes.