The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that in 2013, there were 290,000 people hurt in drunk driving collisions and 10,076 drunk driver death – one every 52 minutes. The drunk driver may be held accountable for the harm caused by their negligence. Additionally, the party who provided them the alcohol may also be liable. Holding the party who over served the drunk driver is called dram shop liability.
At The Nigam Law Firm, the liquor liability attorney handles cases against drunk drivers as well as establishments that irresponsibly serve the alcohol to these individuals. Every bar, restaurant, or vendor who provides alcohol should do so safely, following policies and procedures in place to protect the public.
Drunk Driving Accidents
In order to win a drunk driving case, you must demonstrate that that driver was operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content above the legal limit, and their resulting negligence caused you harm. Drunk driving accidents can cause serious harm to those involved including:
- Death
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
Under the guidelines of the U.S. Department of Transportation, any person having a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 grams per deciliter or higher is alcohol-impaired. The average person metabolizes alcohol at a rate of about one drink per hour. The passage of time helps lesson the effects of alcohol; neither coffee nor water can help lessen the effects of alcohol.
According to a survey performed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the rate of drunk driving is highest among 21 to 25-year-olds. The NHTSA reports that in 2011, only15 percent of drunk driving fatalities occurred on week days, compared to 31 percent on weekends.
Dram Shop Liability Cases
Bars, restaurants, or other establishments that serve alcohol, including beer, liquor, and wine, have the responsibility to refuse service if their customers are obviously intoxicated. Signs of intoxication include:
- Slurred speech
- Unsteady when walking, standing, or sitting
- Loud and obnoxious behavior
- Spilling drinks
- Glassy or droopy eyes
There are a number of other indicators that someone has had too much to drink. These indicators cannot be ignored, just as the resulting damage should be addressed. Any establishment that continues to serve a visibly drunk patron should be held accountable if they allow the individual to get behind the wheel and wreak havoc on the road.
Taking Legal Action
Intoxication impairs an individual’s motor skills and judgment making it difficult and irresponsible to drive. Continuing to serve alcohol to a drunk patron is equally irresponsible. Those responsible should be held accountable for the harm that results from a drunk driving accident.
The Nigam Law Firm have extensive experience, knowledge and skill in bringing dram shop liability cases before the court on behalf of those who have been injured or died as a result of alcohol-impaired driving accidents. Contact The Nigam Law Firm today for a free case evaluation with a dram shop liability lawyer.
