Suing After a Drunk Driving Accident

Being hit by a drunk driver is terrifying, particularly if you’re driving safely and there’s no way to avoid the crash.

New York law states that drunk drivers can be ordered to pay their car accident victims compensatory and punitive damages if the case goes to trial, but there’s another law that you need to know about: the Dram Shop Act.

New York State’s Dram Shop Act

As New Yorkers, we’re fortunate that our legislators have passed harsh regulations against bars, private clubs and other establishments that over-serve people alcohol.

We call it the Dram Shop Act, which allows people who are injured by drunk drivers to hold the establishment at least partially responsible for their medical bills, lost wages, and suffering.

Under the Dram Shop Act, establishments are prohibited from serving alcohol to people who are visibly intoxicated.

This means that the person serving the drunk driver who hit you, could also be held liable by law.

In this case, we would look to make the establishment owner a part of the lawsuit as well.