A drunk driving accident can be one of the most traumatic experiences you endure. In the aftermath, you have to go through the steps to file a claim against the responsible party. However, do you know who you can hold responsible for the damages you sustain?
Of course, the drunk driver holds a large majority of the liability in causing your pain. In these types of crashes, though, Ohio’s dram shop laws come into play, allowing you to pursue compensation from a third party who contributes to your injuries.
Holding an Alcohol Vendor Accountable
In an Ohio drunk driving accident, you may file an additional lawsuit against an alcohol vendor—such as a bar or restaurant—if you can prove one of the following:
- The alcohol vendor was negligent, and the injury you sustained occurred on the vendor’s property. This situation doesn’t typically involve a car accident. For example, a person is visibly intoxicated, and the bar continues to serve him or her; the intoxicated person trips and falls on you, causing you harm, the vendor holds some liability.
- The alcohol vendor recognized the person was visibly intoxicated and knowingly continued to serve him or her alcohol. For example, a person is visibly intoxicated, and the bar continues to serve him or her before he or she goes to drive away. The drunk driver collides into your vehicle and causes you to sustain an injury. You can hold the vendor accountable.
Dram shop laws exist to encourage alcohol vendors to stop serving individuals when they are visibly intoxicated and can cause other people harm. You can pursue compensation from the vendor for their contribution to your harm.
At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber, we’ll work with you to help you understand your rights options throughout the process. You should know which parties you can hold accountable, and we’ll work with you to build the case you need to pursue compensation.
Call our Cleveland car accident attorneys today to discuss your accident claim 216-696-3232.
