Drunk driving is a leading cause of serious crashes, including deadly collisions. Drivers who are under the influence have increased reaction times and diminished decision-making capabilities. They could easily make mistakes that lead to preventable crashes.
Between mandatory training and public awareness campaigns, everyone with a driver’s license is more or less aware of the illegality of drunk driving. People who get behind the wheel after drinking are responsible for their own choices and for any harm that they cause others. However, they may lack the insurance coverage, personal assets or income to properly compensate the people they injure.
In some situations, those hurt by drunk drivers may have the option of filing a personal injury lawsuit against a business instead of the drunk driver who caused their crash. When is that option potentially available?
After violations of alcohol service laws
Kentucky liquor laws impose strict limitations on businesses serving alcohol to the public. Workers must validate the age of all patrons by checking state-issued identification, and servers also need to cut people off after they become obviously intoxicated.
Serving inebriated customers or providing alcohol to minors could make a business liable under Kentucky’s dram shop law. State statutes allow those hurt by drunk drivers to pursue compensation from the business that inappropriately served alcohol to the driver before the crash.
When the drunk driver was working
Functional alcoholics can often hide their abuse of alcohol from the people closest to them, including their employers. Quite a few different careers may require that people drive at least occasionally, and driving is a key job responsibility for transportation professionals.
If a driver is on the clock and performing job functions at the time that they cause a drunk driving crash, their employers may be liable for the harm caused by their workers. The people affected by the collision may be able to file a lawsuit against the business instead of or in addition to any legal action taken against the drunk driver.
Exploring every option for compensation can help those affected by drunk driving collisions effectively cover their collision expenses. A successful lawsuit can provide compensation for lost wages, lost future earning potential, medical expenses and other costs generated by a drunk driving crash.