Who can be held responsible for a drunk driving accident?

In New York, a drunk driving accident can result in both criminal and civil charges for the intoxicated driver. However, in some cases, other parties may be held responsible as well. Under New York law, a drunk driver may be held liable for damages through a third-party civil action. The injured victim can sue the drunk driver and other parties such as the server who provided the alcohol (known as dram shop liability). Additionally, the injured victim may sue other people who were involved in the incident, such as a vehicle owner who loaned the vehicle to the intoxicated driver, or an employer who knowingly allowed the intoxicated driver to operate a company vehicle. Furthermore, if a driver under the age of 21 has consumed any amount of alcohol before the accident, their parents or guardians may be held liable. Additionally, those who were in control of the scene of the accident, such as the landlords or owners of the premises where the alcohol was consumed or the place where the accident occurred, may also be held liable. This is based on New York’s “Dram Shop Liability” laws, which hold people responsible for the unlawful sale, furnishing, or serving of alcohol to someone who causes an accident as a result of their intoxication. Finally, the injured victim may bring a lawsuit against their own automobile insurance carrier for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if the at-fault driver does not have sufficient insurance to cover the victim’s damages. It is important to consult an experienced attorney to determine who can be held responsible for a drunk driving accident in New York.

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Who can be held responsible for a drunk driving accident?

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