Understanding the Criminal and Civil Justice Systems

is any person or entity whose actions may have contributed to the circumstances of the crash. In drunk driving cases, “dram shop” statutes and case law may provide potential liability for a restaurant, bar, or liquor store that negligently allowed an underage or intoxicated person to purchase or drink liquor who was subsequently involved in a crash resulting in death or injury. Both the business and individual that actually sold or served the alcohol may be liable. Other third parties may include those who knew the offender was impaired but allowed him or her to drive anyway; the person who purchased or provided the vehicle; or the social host who provided the alcohol to a minor or obviously intoxicated person. If the offender was driving a company vehicle or on company time at the time of the crash, his or her employer may also have some liability. Third party liability varies widely from state to state. An attorney can help you assess the probability of third party responsibility in your state. If a public entity such commission, omission, or negligence, financial recovery from them also may be possible. Traditionally, governments and governmental entities such as police departments have been immune from civil suits based on the theory of “sovereign immunity.” Appellate courts in a number of jurisdictions have now found them legally and financially responsible for such things Talk with an attorney to find out if there are third parties who may also be liable for the crash. as the city, county or state was in any way responsible through

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