Who Can You Hold Liable in a Drunk Driving Accident?

Every year, drunk drivers cause hundreds of accidents in Georgia that result in serious injuries and fatalities. If you suffer a serious injury or a loved one dies because of a drunk driver’s negligence, an accident attorney can protect your rights and help you seek compensation.

The drunk driver is the most obvious source of compensation in a lawsuit. Proving negligence on the part of the driver is generally not that difficult, especially when police arrive at the scene and arrest the driver for DUI (driving under the influence). Your attorney can sue the driver for damages, which typically involves negotiating a settlement with the driver’s insurance company. However, under Georgia law, there also can be another source of compensation in a drunk driving accident. Georgia statute § 51-1-40 - Liability for acts of intoxicated persons holds liable anyone who sells, furnishes or serves alcoholic beverages to minors or individuals who are visibly intoxicated. Liability attaches when injury, death or damages result from the intoxicated driver getting into their car and causing an accident. Parties most prone to this type of liability are bars, restaurants, liquor stores or convenience stores that serve or sell alcohol. Also, the person who serves or sells the alcohol must know that the intoxicated person is going to drive a motor vehicle and the individual's drunken state must be noticeable.

By consulting with an accident lawyer in Atlanta, you can find out about your options for legal recourse and protect your rights.

Kaine Law has the skills and experience to handle drunk driving accidents and other types of vehicle accidents that result in serious injury or death.