If you have been injured in a crash with an intoxicated motorist in Connecticut, you may seek compensation for your associated medical bills, lost income, and physical pain and suffering, from the at-fault driver or his or her insurance company. However, you may also be entitled to damages from the establishment that served the other motorist. At Weber & Carrier LLP we understand how the state’s Dram Shop Act helps hold bars and restaurants responsible for over-serving that results in serious or fatal auto accidents.
Under state law, the liquor seller who served the at-fault driver prior to the crash may be held responsible for injuries suffered due to drunk driving collisions. This is only the case, however, if the driver was already intoxicated when he or she was served. For example, a man goes to a bar and is drinking with friends. While there, he becomes increasingly intoxicated and is noticeably slurring his words and stumbling, but the bartender continues to serve him drinks. Upon leaving the bar, the man gets behind the wheel and causes a wreck that results in you suffering serious injuries. You may be entitled to compensation from the establishment where the man was drinking.
In a dram shop liability lawsuit, you cannot rely solely on the liquor seller’s negligence to recover damages. To succeed, you must demonstrate that the intoxicated driver was served alcohol intentionally or recklessly. Only then can the court award you compensation for the damages caused by a drunk driving accident.
It’s important to note that the law caps the amount of damages a liquor seller may be required to pay at $250,000. However, this cap doesn’t guarantee that you’ll receive the full amount. The court will determine the final award based on the seller’s actual level of responsibility for the incident.
Over-serving alcohol doesn’t just endanger the individual consuming it—it also puts others at risk, especially those they encounter while intoxicated. Fortunately, under the state’s dram shop liability law, you can hold liquor sellers accountable and pursue the compensation you deserve for Personal Injury claims.
