Many people may hit the town tonight for a few cocktails after work to celebrate National Margarita Day. Happy hour can be fun for getting together with friends and for business development. There may be no harm in participating in National Margarita Day. However, drunk driving is no laughing matter.
Drunk driving increases on holidays and in particular, through the Thanksgiving to New Years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 728 people will be injured or killed each day between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day in drunk driving accidents. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is becoming the deadliest night of the year, with drunk driving accidents on the rise on what is now called “Black Out Wednesday.”
Civil Suits for Drunk Driving Injuries
A civil suit for drunk driving is separate from any criminal proceedings a drunk driver may face. Criminal proceedings are designed to punish the reckless driver and to act as a deterrent to future criminal conduct.
Those injured by a drunk driver may file a civil case to seek money damages. If you are injured by a drunk driver or if you have lost a loved one in a drunk driving accident, a civil suit may help you recover the costs of medical treatment, lost wages, damaged property or pain and suffering.
If you believe the other driver was intoxicated when they hit you, read Civil Suits Following Drunk Driving Accidents for tips on how to gather evidence and use this information in future negotiations.
Who to Sue in a Drunk Driving Accident
If you’ve been hit by a drunk driver, the driver may not be the only one responsible for the accident. Restaurants and bars that serve alcohol may be held liable for continuing to serve people who are visibly drunk. If these establishments ignore things like:
- Slurred speech;
- Inability to walk or falling out of chairs;
- Loud and obnoxious behavior;
- Bloodshot eyes, glassy eyes, or inability to keep eyes open; and/or
- Spilling drinks;
while continuing to serve drinks and allowing them to then drive, those establishments can be liable for the harm the driver causes on the road.
Chelsie King Garza Sues Drunk Drivers
If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver, Chelsie King Garza can help. Contact Ms. Garza today for a free consultation. She will investigate the incident to determine all of the responsible parties.
