We represent residents, visitors, part-time residents, and tourists who have been injured by drunk drivers and establishments that overserve alcohol in Boston and the surrounding communities.
Driving under the influence is not only illegal but also incredibly dangerous. Cases involving those hurt or killed by drunk drivers are some of the most heartbreaking we encounter.
Unlike many other accidents, drunk drivers make a deliberate decision to engage in an extremely dangerous activity, putting not only themselves but all of us at risk. With our office in Boston, Massachusetts, True Path Injury Law takes on drunk drivers, insurance companies, and establishments that overserve intoxicated patrons to recover full compensation for injured clients.
Seeking Compensation from Drunk Drivers
Drunk drivers typically demonstrate reckless or distracted behaviors, such as speeding and weaving between lanes. If a drunk driver causes an accident, the victim or their family may pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the driver. Holding a defendant liable requires showing the driver failed to exercise the degree of care in operating their vehicle as a reasonable person would have done under similar circumstances. As an experienced drunk driving injury firm, True Path Injury Law is adept at building compelling cases for maximum compensation against at-fault drunk drivers.
Proving a Breach of the Duty of Care
The victim must show the other driver owed them a duty of care, and the defendant must have breached that duty. This breach must have caused the car accident in which the victim was hurt, and quantifiable damages must have resulted.
All drivers owe others on the road a duty to operate their vehicles reasonably and to abide by traffic rules and laws. This duty of care clearly extends to driving sober rather than operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. A victim of a drunk driving accident may demonstrate a breach of the duty of care by presenting evidence the defendant was intoxicated.
As an experienced drunk driving injury law firm, True Path Injury Law can help establish this critical information. We understand the complexities involved in proving a breach of duty and have the expertise to gather the necessary evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and expert testimony, to show that the defendant was intoxicated at the time of the accident. Our thorough approach ensures the strongest possible argument is made on behalf of our clients, maximizing their chances of receiving full and fair compensation for their injuries and losses.
Establishing Liability in Drunk Driving Accident Cases
In a car accident lawsuit, it is important for the plaintiff to show that the defendant’s breach of the duty of care directly caused his or her injuries. Often, victims prove causation by showing that “but for” the defendant’s drunk driving, the accident and resulting injuries likely would not have occurred. Showing breach of care can be done through outrageous driving conduct, like running stop signs and stop lights, excessively speeding, and weaving between lanes with little or no control of a vehicle.
Plaintiffs who prevail in a negligence lawsuit may be able to recover damages for both economic and non-economic losses. Examples of economic compensation include hospital and medical bills, lost wages from missed work, and property damage. Pain and suffering or loss of consortium may represent recoverable non-economic damages.
Can I Recover in a Drunk Driving Injury Accident If I Am Partially at Fault?
In some situations, the defendant may argue that the plaintiff was also at fault for causing an accident. Massachusetts follows the doctrine of comparative fault:
A plaintiff who is partially responsible can recover damages as long as their fault is not greater than that of the defendant, with compensation adjusted proportionally.
An experienced drunk driving attorney can help navigate these laws to maximize recovery.
Drunk Driving Liability & Dram Shop Laws
In many drunk driving cases, a bar or restaurant that over-serves an intoxicated patron may also be liable for damages. Establishments must take care not to serve alcohol to patrons after they have become intoxicated. Unfortunately, over-serving occurs frequently as a result of profit motives or inattentive staff.
When drunk drivers injure others, bars, restaurants, and other establishments may bear liability if they served alcohol to a person who was already drunk. Establishments may also be liable if employees observed the drunk patron drive away and did not intervene.
True Path Injury Law thoroughly investigates what the driver did immediately prior to the accident, including:
- Determining whether the driver was drinking at a bar, restaurant, or other establishment
- Investigating the amount of alcohol consumed
- Interviewing witnesses to understand the intoxication
Video footage, receipts, and other evidence may support a dram shop claim against the establishment, holding all responsible parties accountable.
Call Today to Schedule a Free Consultation
If you have been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you deserve full compensation for your injuries. Drunk driving crashes are never accidents – drunk drivers intentionally put lives at risk. True Path Injury Law pursues drunk drivers, their insurance companies, and potentially other responsible parties, including bars and restaurants, to secure maximum compensation.
If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident, or if a family member has lost their life due to a drunk driver, please call True Path Injury Law to schedule a free consultation. We can review the facts of your case, explain your potential compensation, and discuss how we can help.
We represent injured individuals throughout Boston and surrounding communities. Contact us today at (617) 202-6770 or fill out our online form to get started.
FAQs About Drunk Driving Liability Cases
What is a dram shop law?
Dram shop laws hold bars, restaurants, and other establishments accountable for serving alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals who then cause harm, such as drunk driving accidents. Massachusetts allows victims to seek compensation from these establishments.
How can a drunk driving liability attorney help my case?
An experienced attorney can investigate the events leading up to the accident, gather evidence, and determine if an establishment overserved the intoxicated driver, including interviewing witnesses and obtaining security footage.
Can I sue a bar or restaurant for serving a drunk driver in Massachusetts?
Yes. Massachusetts allows victims to sue establishments that overserve alcohol to intoxicated individuals who then cause accidents.
What compensation can I receive in a drunk driving or liquor liability case?
Victims may recover:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
In wrongful death cases, families may also seek compensation for funeral expenses and loss of consortium. Other damages may also apply.
How do comparative fault laws affect my case in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, you can recover damages if your fault is not greater than the defendant’s, with compensation adjusted proportionally.
How do I prove that an establishment overserved a drunk driver?
Evidence may include witness statements, receipts, and security footage. A skilled drunk driving liability attorney can investigate and build a compelling case to demonstrate the establishment’s liability.
Why choose True Path Injury Law for my drunk driving liability lawsuit?
With nearly a decade of experience, the attorneys at True Path Injury Law provide dedicated, thorough representation. We work tirelessly to gather evidence, prove liability, and secure maximum compensation, holding all responsible parties accountable.
Call our office today to schedule a free consultation. We represent injury victims on a contingency fee basis and advance all litigation expenses while a case is ongoing.