Fault for a drunk driving crash is typically pretty obvious. The person who decided to get behind the wheel after drinking is responsible for their own decisions. Those affected by an impaired driver’s irresponsible choices usually have the option of filing an insurance claim or possibly a lawsuit against a person who drove while drunk and caused them harm as a result.
However, sometimes drunk drivers go to prison after their arrest and do not have the income or resources to fully reimburse the parties affected. Other times, they may have died in the crash that they caused and left very few resources. Those wondering how they could ever recover the costs created in a drunk driving crash can sometimes use Connecticut’s dram shop laws to pursue compensation from a bar or restaurant that served a drunk driver immediately prior to a wreck. A Connecticut business could potentially incur liability for a drunk driving crash under specific circumstances, including the following.
After serving a minor
One of the most basic and crucial rules for the safe service of alcohol is the rule that limits access to alcoholic beverages to only legal adults. Those who have not yet reached the age of 21 cannot legally purchase or consume alcohol at a bar or restaurant. If the wait staff or bartender at a business chooses to serve someone who is not 21 years old yet, the company could be liable if that impaired young driver goes on to cause a crash.
After serving someone who is already under the influence
The rules for alcohol service do not just prevent businesses from serving beverages to those who aren’t yet old enough to legally buy a beer. The law also prohibits the service of alcohol to those already displaying signs of chemical impairment. Someone who is already under the influence could be a threat to themselves than others and could even consume enough to suffer an alcohol overdose. To protect the public and individual consumers, the law prohibits continued service to those who show signs of intoxication. If someone received far more drinks than they should have given their chemical state and then left and caused a crash, the business that served them too much alcohol could be liable for the consequences generated by the wreck.
Those who understand the options they have for taking legal action after a drunk driving crash may find it to be easier to pursue justice and appropriate compensation from the parties that contributed to the incident. Seeking legal guidance is a good way to gain this clarity.