What is Social Host Liability — Understanding Alabama Dram Shop Laws

Every 30 minutes someone dies in an alcohol-related traffic accident in the United States. When an Alabama drunk driver makes the decision to drive while under the influence, they not only place themselves in harm’s way, they risk the lives of other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Not only is the intoxicated driver liable for the injuries and damages they cause, but the establishment that sold or provided the intoxicated driver with the alcohol may also be liable.

Our Alabama personal injury attorneys have years of experience representing clients who have been injured due to someone else’s irresponsibility. If you or a loved one has questions about an alcohol-related Alabama car accident, call Belt, Bruner & Barnett, P.C., P.C. today at (205) 933-1500.

Impaired Driving in Alabama

Although there are preventative measures in place, drunk driving is still a serious problem in Alabama. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims that 3,190 people were killed in drunk driving accidents from 2003 to 2012. Thousands more sustained serious injuries, or wounds that required immediate medical attention. These are serious statistics that the Alabama drunk driving lawyers at Belt, Bruner & Barnett do not take lightly.

Traffic fatalities involving drunk drivers affect certain groups more than others. Of the people who were killed, men outnumbered women by almost three to one. Those between the ages of 21 and 34 were also disproportionately affected.

In every demographic observed by the CDC, fatality rates in Alabama were significantly higher than the nationwide averages; over double for those between zero and 20 years old.

Common Injuries in Alabama Drunk Driving Accidents

When it comes to DUI car accidents, severe injuries are common. However, because of body positioning, speed, and other factors, some are more common than others. Areas of the body that tend to sustain the most damage in a car accident include, but are not limited to:

• Neck – When a car is stopped suddenly, either by another vehicle or an obstacle, the head is thrown back and forth rapidly. This can create tears in muscles, tendons, and ligaments and can result in injuries such as whiplash. The soft, internal portion of the discs that sit between your vertebrae can also rupture, or herniate. This can cause nerve pain, immobility, and weakness.
• Spinal Cord – The spinal cord houses the wiring that is used to control every part of your body. If it sustains any damage, you could end up suffering from full or partial paralysis.
• Legs – Operating a car requires assuming a very specific position. As a result, your legs are one of the few body parts that are not secured. When there is a massive impact, they can be thrown in every direction. This can lead to severe lacerations, sprains, and broken bones.
• Chest – Although your torso is secured when you fasten your seatbelt, it is not immune from injury. The force of colliding with your safety harness may cause your ribs to break or severe soft tissue injuries.

Alabama Dram Shop Laws

Alabama and many other states have business laws that regulate the distribution and sale of alcohol. These laws, known as Dram Shop Laws, hold alcohol servers / bars responsible for harm that intoxicated or underage patrons cause to other people or, in some cases themselves, after they drink and drive and cause accidents.

Dram Shop laws hold these establishments responsible for the dangerous actions of an intoxicated person when they have illegally sold alcohol to that person. In addition to bars and liquor stores, these establishments can include restaurants, grocery stores, convenience stores, social clubs, and even private events where alcohol is sold.

For example, if you were injured by a drunk driver to whom a restaurant sold alcohol when they were visibly intoxicated, your dram shop claim would be against that restaurant. Contact Belt, Bruner & Barnett PC. to learn more about how you can hold responsible parties accountable.

How You Can Seek Justice after an Alabama Drunk Driving Accident

If you wish to seek funds for the injuries you sustained in an accident, you must file a personal injury lawsuit. With this type of legal action, you can pursue what are known as legal damages, or financial awards that compensate you for the costs associated with your injuries.

While it is common to seek funds for car repairs and medical costs, you can also gain additional security. You may choose to seek compensation for disfigurement, or for wages that you have lost by missing time at work. Additional damages include pain and suffering, mental distress, future medical expenses, and household costs.

How an Alabama Dram Shop Attorney Can Help

When a bar, restaurant or liquor store seeks to earn large profits without regard to the personal safety of the drinker and others, our Alabama dram shop attorneys are ready to demand they take responsibility for their actions.

For your free consultation with a dram shop attorney in Alabama fill out our contact form or call us at (205) 933-1500. We represent clients all throughout the state of Alabama with lawyers located at any of our four, office locations.

To find out more about how we can best represent you, learn how our alcohol injury lawyers in Birmingham can help you. With additional offices in Mobile, Huntsville, and Montgomery, our Alabama dram shop lawyers will quickly travel to investigate the details of your case and may be able to help you obtain compensation for your damages.