Can You Sue a Bar for a Drunk Driving Accident in Connecticut?
Being hit by a drunk driver is a terrifying and possibly fatal experience. If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligent actions of a drunk driver, you are probably wondering if you can sue a bar for a drunk driving accident in Connecticut. In certain cases, the answer is yes.
At Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-At-Law, our Connecticut car accident lawyers can review your accident, whether it took place in downtown Hartford or along I-95, and determine how a drinking establishment might play a role.
Understanding Liability Under Connecticut’s Dram Shop Law
In 2023, Connecticut ranked fifth in the country when it comes to impaired driving fatalities, and 37 people are killed every day in the United States due to the actions of drunk drivers. When a drunk driver injures you, you likely have the ability to file a claim against them for compensation. However, in certain cases, you may also be able to hold the establishment that served them alcohol liable for your injuries and damages.
This type of liability falls under Connecticut’s dram shop laws, which are designed to place liability on bars, restaurants, and other such establishments that sell or serve alcohol when alcohol is served to individuals who are already clearly intoxicated or to minors. These laws work to get these establishments to prioritize public safety and people’s lives over profits.
In order to demonstrate liability under the state’s dram shop laws, however, you must be able to link the bar or restaurant’s actions to the injuries you have sustained. Evidence to support this claim might include security footage, eyewitness testimony, or receipts that show excessive alcohol consumption.
When Might a Bar Be Held Liable for a Drunk Driving Accident?
In an automobile accident caused by a drunk driver, there are several different situations where an alcohol-serving establishment might face legal consequences and liability under state dram shop laws. These situations include:
- Serving minors. In Connecticut, underage drinking is illegal, and when a business fails to ID patrons in a bar and serves them regardless, then they could be held liable for any actions the intoxicated minor takes following the consumption of alcohol.
- Ignoring safety warnings. If the staff of a bar or restaurant ignores any warnings from other patrons regarding an intoxicated individual and their condition, this negligence could strengthen a liability claim under the dram shop law.
- Serving an intoxicated individual. If an alcohol-serving establishment continues to serve drinks to an individual who is clearly intoxicated, such as through signs of slurred speech or aggressive behavior, they could be held liable for any harm or damages that the individual causes.
Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today
When the time comes to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer in Connecticut, look no further than the experienced team at Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-At-Law. Our firm is the largest in Eastern Connecticut, and we come with 80 years of experience. Contact our offices today, either online or by phone, to learn more and schedule your first consultation.
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