Who can be held responsible for a drunk driving accident?

In California, both the driver and any other party who is found to be responsible for the accident can be held liable for a drunk driving accident. The driver may be held accountable for any damages caused, including property damage, medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, and even punitive damages. The other party who can be held liable for a drunk driving accident is anyone who provided alcohol to the driver prior to the accident. In California, it is illegal to provide underage drinkers with alcohol, and anyone found to be supplying alcohol to someone who is not of legal drinking age can be held civilly liable in the event of an accident. In cases where a business or establishment serves alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated, the business or establishment may be liable for injuries or damages resulting from the driver’s intoxication. Since the business should have been aware of the driver’s level of intoxication, the business may be held liable for any damages or injuries caused. In cases where the driver is a minor, their parent or legal guardian may be held liable for injuries or damages caused by the driver’s intoxication. Parents and guardians have a moral responsibility to keep minors from engaging in activities that may harm them or others, and may be held accountable if they are found to be negligent in fulfilling that responsibility. Ultimately, any party that is found to be responsible for a drunk driving accident may be held liable for damages caused by the driver’s intoxication. Whether the driver, underage drinkers, businesses, or guardians are found to be responsible, they may be held liable in a court of law.

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Who can be held responsible for a drunk driving accident?

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