Drunk driving is a known traffic safety issue. Motorists and members of the general public are largely aware of how alcohol can affect traffic safety. They know that if they have too much to drink, they should find an alternative means of getting home. Despite that awareness, some people still drive after drinking.
A significant number of major motor vehicle collisions every year occur because drunk drivers make mistakes on the road. They may perform inappropriate maneuvers, become distracted or experience increased reaction times. Generally speaking, intoxicated motorists are directly responsible for their own choices. They typically provide insurance coverage that can compensate injured people. They may also be vulnerable to litigation.
In scenarios involving fatal collisions or catastrophic injuries, the drunk driver’s income or their insurance policy may not be enough to compensate the people affected by the crash. Sometimes, plaintiffs may be able to take action against a business instead.
When do people involved in drunk driving crashes have the option of holding a business accountable?
When a company served a minor alcohol
Businesses that serve alcohol have to comply with state regulations to retain their licenses. They typically need to check the state-issued identification card for anyone attempting to order alcoholic beverages. In scenarios where a business serves alcohol to a minor, the company may be liable if the minor goes on to cause a crash that injures other people. If the people injured by the drunk driving crash can show that the minor was visibly intoxicated while consuming alcohol at the business, that could strengthen their claim.
When a drunk driver was on the job
Companies often require that workers drive while on the clock. Some professionals hold positions that primarily involve driving, while others drive occasionally in certain circumstances. Liability rules can lead to employers having a degree of culpability in scenarios where workers who are on the job do something inappropriate or negligent that harms other people.
Those trying to recoup their losses after a drunk driving collision may need help understanding their potential options for compensation. Reviewing the circumstances surrounding a crash with a skilled legal team can be the first step toward holding the right party accountable.The post Could a business be liable for a drunk driving crash? first appeared on Martinez & Schill LLP.
↧
