The Super Bowl is a perfect time to enjoy food, drinks and fun with family and friends. However, it is important to be responsible – especially if you are hosting a party at your home.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 40 percent of road fatalities on Super Bowl Sunday involve drunk driving. If you have guests over to watch the game and they subsequently cause a car accident, then you may be liable for the damages.
If you have been named in a car accident claim, or if you were injured due to a drunk driver in Florida, then contact a Tampa car accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Needle & Ellenberg, PA. Call 305-290-1736 to schedule a consultation.
Read on to learn more about car accident liability:
Am I Liable for Another Driver?
According to Florida Statutes, private party hosts and drinking establishments are not responsible for the actions of their guests after leaving the premises. It is not the host or establishment’s fault if a patron decides to drink and drive unless the host was negligent or reckless in its sale or distribution of alcohol.
In other words, victims cannot claim compensation from an individual or company just because they were in a collision after leaving the premises. However, there are two exceptions to this:
Selling or Giving Alcohol to Minors
It is illegal for any person or establishment serving alcohol to sell it to minors. If a minor leaves your premises intoxicated and then causes an accident, then you may be liable for damages.
There is no knowledge requirement in the statute. Serving alcohol at parties comes with legal responsibilities, one of which is to ensure that only people who are old enough have access to alcohol.
Over-Serving Habitual Offenders
If hosts continue to serve alcohol to people who are already drunk, and the latter causes an intoxicated driving accident, then the host may be liable for damages. This is particularly true if the host knew that the person had an alcohol addiction or previous DUI convictions.
If you are hosting a Super Bowl party this year, then be sure to provide your guests with alternative means of transportation. Have taxi numbers ready, or allow them to stay at your home. You could also designate a sober driver to help guests get home safely.
Nothing can ruin Super Bowl weekend like a serious car accident – especially if you are liable for damages. The victims can bring a claim against you for health-care bills, lost wages and other damages.
If you are named in a car accident claim, or if you suffer an injury due to a reckless or negligent driver, then contact the Law Offices of Needle & Ellenberg, PA to speak with a Tampa car accident attorney. Our lawyers have more than 50 combined years of legal experience. Call 305-290-1736 to schedule a consultation.