State-approved driver’s education courses all talk about the dangers of impaired driving. There are also public awareness campaigns. Despite those efforts to raise awareness, some people still get behind the wheel after having too much to drink.
Some drivers simply don’t recognize that they have had too much to drink. Others mistakenly believe that their years of practice driving after drinking make it safe for them to do so. In either scenario, an impaired motorist could potentially cause a crash that puts other people in the hospital or causes the premature death of another person. The costs associated with such crashes can be astronomical.
How can the people affected negatively by drunk drivers hold them financially accountable?
With an insurance claim
A surprising number of people mistakenly believe that insurance doesn’t cover incidents involving criminal activity. Thankfully, liability insurance coverage can help pay for the cost of a drunk driving crash. Unfortunately, people who are irresponsible enough to drive while drunk may also let their policies lapse or may carry the lowest amount of coverage they legally can. Their insurance may not be enough to compensate the people affected by the collision.
With a civil lawsuit
Those hurt in a drunk driving crash can file a personal injury lawsuit based on the wrongful actions of the drunk motorist. Those who have lost a loved one in a drunk driving crash may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Such lawsuits can result in an award compensating people for the totality of their medical expenses, lost wages and other economic consequences of the drunk driving crash. The impaired motorist may not have enough property or income to compensate the people they hurt. It is sometimes appropriate to look into a third-party lawsuit.
For example, if the drunk driver left a bar before causing the crash, the bartender’s decision to serve a visibly drunk person could make the business liable for the crash. Similarly, establishments that serve alcohol to minors could be liable after a crash occurs.
Employers may have vicarious liability in scenarios where their employees cause harm to others through negligence or misconduct while on the clock. Even if the drunk driver was in their own vehicle, if they were on the job when the crash occurred, their employer might have a degree of liability.
Reviewing the circumstances of a motor vehicle collision with a skilled legal team can help people evaluate their options. Taking legal action can potentially be a smart move for those dealing with major losses after someone else drove drunk and caused harm as a result.
