When an individual goes to a social event and consumes alcohol, of course, the hope is that they have a safe way to get home. Whether the intoxicated person has found a designated driver, a ride-sharing service like Uber, or plans to get home another way, it is essential that they do not drink and drive. However, the unfortunate reality is that people still do drink and drive, even when there are so many other options available to them.
If an individual leaves a house party, for example, and makes the decision to drive under the influence, they are putting the lives of others at risk. If the drunk driver then goes on to cause an accident related to their intoxication and causes injury to another party, the injured party can seek damages from several others. First, the injured party can seek damages from the individual who was intoxicated and actually caused the accident that resulted in the injuries.
In addition, if the host of the party provided alcohol to the driver that caused the accident and the driver was visibly intoxicated in the presence of the host, the injured party may be able to bring a lawsuit against the host as well. This is known as the social host statute of New Jersey’s Dram Shop laws.
The law firm of Mattleman, Weinroth & Miller, P.C., is composed of experienced attorneys throughout the states of New Jersey and Delaware. Please contact the office to schedule a free initial consultation and get any questions answered regarding your specific case.