When drunk driving causes injury or death to another party, the person behind the wheel should be held accountable. In some cases, other people can also be responsible for what occurred.
Those who sell and excessively serve liquor to those who are noticeably intoxicated can be held liable if someone leaves their establishment and subsequently cause property damage, injury, or death. This also includes selling and serving liquor to minors.
This is allowed under laws that North Carolina and twenty-nine other states established through Dram Shop Acts. What is the meaning of dram shop?
Dram shop laws can be traced back to the 18th century during the temperance movement. The term comes from how the British measure three-fourths of a teaspoon of alcohol, also known as “dram.” Dram shops represented the bars and other establishments that served these drams.
Options for victims
Third-party victims suffering the ramifications of intoxicated actions can file civil lawsuits for damages against not only the establishment and liquor store but also a server or store clerk. Verdicts determining liability consider negligence statutes, reckless behavior, and intentional misconduct.
Another component of Dram shop laws is social host liability. Private party hosts who provide alcohol to a clearly intoxicated person while on their property can also be held accountable if they get behind the wheel of a car and injure someone.
Dram shop laws make it easier for victims to hold negligent servers and homeowners accountable. In the end, proof of awareness of a drunk person who will likely drive away from an establishment or home is enough to take legal action.
Drunk drivers continue to be a clear and present danger to those sharing the road. When bar staff and homeowners play a role in the negligence, pursuing justice in the form of a personal injury lawsuit could be the next step.