The dangers of drunk driving are common knowledge. Public awareness campaigns and mandatory driver’s education courses help ensure that everyone understands how alcohol consumption before driving is dangerous.
When drunk driving crashes occur, the impaired driver is typically at fault for the incident. Their fault makes them liable for the losses of the other people involved in the wreck. Occasionally, they may have insufficient resources and insurance coverage to compensate the people they harm. The affected parties may want to consider alternative options for seeking compensation. In a few scenarios, businesses might be liable for drunk driving crashes.
When is a business potentially at fault for a drunk driving crash?
When they serve the driver
State laws limit the sale of alcohol. Bars, restaurants and other establishments that serve alcohol need state-issued licenses and must adhere to all regulations. If the professionals at a business violate state statutes by serving a minor or someone who is clearly under the influence, the company may be liable for any crash that patron later causes. Dram shop laws permit those affected by drunk drivers to hold businesses that serve those drivers accountable in some cases.
When they employ the driver
Businesses generally have vicarious liability related to their employees. If a professional drives drunk while on the clock, their employer may be at least partially liable for the harm that they cause others.
Looking into every option for financial relief can be beneficial for those affected by drunk driving crashes. If the motorist at fault cannot provide sufficient compensation, there may be businesses that have a degree of liability for the incident as well.