Langsam Law LLP

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When Season Cheer Is Not Always Cheerful

Posted December 16, 2015

We all know driving and drinking alcohol doesn’t mix and may result in tragedy if a drunk driver causes injuries and death to others. What many of us may not realize is that the drunk driver may not be the only one responsible for these injuries.

As the party season heats up, many people don’t realize that restaurants, bars, and even private hosts under some circumstances, have a legal responsibility to stop serving alcoholic beverages to people who are inebriated. They too may be held jointly responsible with the drunk driver for causing injuries to others.

 

Case Study 1

A 42-year-old mother of two young children was killed in a head-on collision by a drunk driver. The driver was held both criminally and civilly responsible. Video obtained from a nearby bar showed that an employee continued to serve alcohol to the defendant even though he was visibly inebriated. This person then left the bar, entered his vehicle, and caused the tragic accident that left two children motherless. I was successful in obtaining a sizable settlement not only from the drunk driver but from the bar as well for their negligence in serving a patron who was visibly intoxicated.

 

Case Study 2

A private home was the setting for another tragedy. The homeowner hosted a party for her son’s friends, who were all under 21. She knew there was alcohol at the party and that the 18-year-old defendant consumed alcohol in her home. Driving home from the party, he seriously injured the plaintiff, who was able to hold not only the intoxicated teen driver responsible but the homeowner as well.

If you are involved in an automobile accident with a drunk driver, don’t assume that the drunk driver is the exclusive person liable for your injuries. Always consult with a personal injury attorney to determine if the events that led up to your injuries include more than one person’s culpability. For more information about the responsibilities of bars, restaurants, and party hosts, contact Langsam Law.

Note: Prior results do not guarantee similar results.

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