For many, Labor Day signifies the conclusion of the summer season. However, for others, Labor Day Weekend is the perfect excuse to party with friends and family for three days. During holiday weekends such as Labor Day, the likelihood of a drunk driving accident significantly increases. While there is nothing wrong with having a few drinks, it becomes a serious issue when intoxicated individuals get behind the wheel. Alcohol interferes with driving as it impairs the driver’s mental and physical abilities which are needed to safely operate a motor vehicle. Those who engage in this reckless and criminal conduct should be held responsible for the wreckage they cause. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a drunk driving accident over Labor Day Weekend, it’s in your best interest to contact a trusted Manatee County Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer who can help fight for the justice you deserve.
What is a Dram Shop Law?
Following a drunk driving accident, you will likely wonder who you can hold liable for the injuries you have suffered. While you will almost certainly have a valid lawsuit against the drunk driver, in many cases, you can seek additional compensation in a third-party lawsuit, thanks to Florida’s dram shop law. These laws apply to establishments that serve alcohol, such as bars, restaurants, and liquor stores. Under Florida’s dram shop laws, vendors are prohibited from serving alcohol to minors or “habitually addicted” people. This means if a bar knowingly serves a minor, a person who is under the legal drinking age of 21 years old, and afterward that minor gets behind the wheel and crashes into your vehicle. In this case, you can hold both the business and the driver liable for your damages.
Can I Hold a Party Host Liable for a Drunk Driving Accident?
Generally, Florida doesn’t hold social hosts, meaning those who serve alcohol at a private social function, liable for injuries caused by their drinking guests. However, hosts can be held liable if they knowingly provide alcohol to a minor, or if they fail to ensure that underage guests don’t drink. If this is the case, the social hosts can face civil damages if their guest injures another person. Therefore, if you were injured by an underage drink from a gathering you can pursue legal action against the host and the underage driver.
If you have been harmed in an accident caused by a drunk driver in Florida, please don’t hesitate to contact a determined Manatee County drunk driving accident lawyer, who can help you fight for the compensation and justice you deserve. Connect with us today to learn more.
