Awareness campaigns regarding the dangers and illegality of drunk driving are widespread. Motorists typically understand that it is not safe or legal to get behind the wheel of a car after drinking. However, the inconvenience of arranging for a designated driver or leaving a vehicle behind after a night out with friends can sometimes overpower people’s better judgment.
Drunk drivers put themselves and everyone else at risk when they choose to drive despite knowing their intoxicated state. As such, they are usually liable for any crashes that they cause. Their car insurance can help cover costs, and the people injured in the wreck could file personal injury lawsuits.
Those affected by a drunk driving collision sometimes also have the option of initiating a dram shop lawsuit in accordance with state statutes. Under dram shop rules, it is sometimes possible to hold a business accountable for violating liquor service rules and contributing to a drunk driving wreck. The following are some of the reasons to pursue a dram shop claim in addition to any efforts to hold a drunk driver directly accountable.
Enhanced compensation options
Generally speaking, businesses have more resources and larger insurance policies than individuals. A lawsuit brought against a business that violated liquor laws could lead to more compensation than attempts to hold the driver directly accountable. Particularly when drunk driving collisions result in fatalities or cause permanent career setbacks, the insurance and resources of an individual could fall far short of the total economic impact on the injured party or survivors. Business insurance policies and assets can supplement what the drunk driver provides.
Penalties for unsafe business practices
A successful dram shop lawsuit results in a business paying for collision expenses either directly or through insurance coverage. In either case, the business may need to revise its practices, as it previously served alcohol either to a minor or to a visibly impaired adult. The consequences of a dram shop lawsuit can motivate a business to better adhere to liquor service rules in the future.
An important reminder for other businesses
For every company that faces fallout for the consequences of unsafe alcohol service, many others may break similar rules without getting caught. When there are successful dram shop lawsuits brought against businesses that violate liquor service rules, other players in the hospitality sector may recognize the risk of their own lax rule enforcement.
Dram shop litigation helps remind those operating or working at bars and restaurants that adherence to liquor law is important not just to retain a money-making license but also to avoid significant liability. Plaintiffs can help protect others from a similar situation by providing an important reminder about the rules by holding negligent parties accountable for harm.