Understanding Civil Cases and Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving accidents are preventable by doing just one straightforward task – don’t drink and drive. Sadly, too many people ignore drunk driving laws and get behind the wheel anyway — putting themselves and other motorists at risk. When a drunk driver causes harm, not only can they face criminal charges for their actions, but they can also be held liable through a civil lawsuit. Here’s what you need to know.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Drunk Driving Accident?

While it’s clear that a drunk driver who causes a crash is the responsible party, under Texas Dram Shop and Social Host Liability laws,third parties can also be held liable. A dram shop is a bar, tavern, restaurant, or other establishment that sells alcoholic beverages. Alcohol providers can be held responsible for damages caused by an intoxicated customer if:

• The customer displayed enough intoxication to present a clear danger to themselves or others.
• The customer’s intoxication was a direct cause of the damages suffered.

Social Host Liability

In Texas, the social host liability provision applies to vendors and social hosts who are at least 21 years old and provide alcohol to a minor. The provider can be held liable for intoxicated minors causing damages if:

• The minor is less than 18 years of age.
• The person providing the alcohol was not the minor’s parent or custodian.
• The provider knowingly served the minor that contributed to the minor’s intoxication.
• The provider allowed the minor to be served alcohol that contributed to the minor’s intoxication on the provider’s property.

What Types of Damages Can You Recover in a Drunk Driving Accident?

Some of the most common types of damages a victim in a drunk driving accident can recover are:

• Medical costs
• Current and future lost wages
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death

Hurt by a Drunk Driver? Contact Us Today for Help.

Drunk driving accidents are preventable, and when a careless driver causes you to suffer severe injuries, we are here to help you seek justice and hold the negligent parties accountable for their actions. Our team of attorneys is ready to protect your rights. When you need to pursue financial compensation for your injuries and medical costs, speak to one of our experienced lawyers today.