When someone is injured in a drunk driving accident in Florida, he or she likely has the ability to sue for certain physical and financial damages.
However, sometimes the drunk driver isn’t the only person responsible for the accident. Bars, clubs and even the hosts of social events can potentially be held partially liable under Florida law.
Florida’s Dram Shop Laws
The state of Florida has “dram shop laws,” which apply to situations in which individuals become intoxicated at a vendor’s establishment (i.e. a bar or club) and cause an accident after leaving. Dram shop laws in Florida have been put into place to protect those establishments from liability if one of their patrons causes an accident.
Social Host Laws
Social host laws also serve to protect people from liability – in this case the hosts of a social gathering. For example, if a guest gets intoxicated and then falls and injures himself, he does not have the right to sue the host for any damages.
Exceptions
There are a few exceptions to the dram shop and social host laws. If a bar or club is selling alcohol to minors or if they knowingly sell alcohol to someone with a history of abuse, the establishment may be held partially responsible.
In the case of social host laws, suing is not possible if alcohol is the only cause of injury; however, if some other factor influenced the accident such as uneven flooring or dangerous conditions in the home, the injured may be able to file a premises liability claim against the host.
If you or someone you know has been injured due to another’s alcohol consumption, auto accident attorneys at Lorenzo & Lorenzo are here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
