After a drunk driving accident, it's not only the impaired driver who might face civil liability. Many states have passed some version of a "dram shop" or "social host liability" law, which can be used to hold a drinking establishment or party-thrower liable when a drunk customer or guest causes an accident after being over-served.
Let's say Dale is drunk and he rear-ends Patty's car at a red light. Patty obviously has a personal injury case against Dale. But what if Dale was falling-down drunk at the Third Party Bar, and the bartender kept serving him anyway? In states that have "dram shop" laws, Patty may be able to file a lawsuit against the Third Party Bar. And if Dale was over-served at Homer's house party, in some states Homer could face a lawsuit from Patty too (as long as certain elements are established).
Choose a link from the list below to get the details on "dram shop" and "social host liability" rules in your state.
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Connecticut
Colorado
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming