Summer beach parties, fall fire pits, winter holiday parties, spring get-togethers, and other social occasions are part of what we do here in Rhode Island. Often, these gatherings occur at someone's house and involve not only food, laughter, and camaraderie but also alcohol.
Unfortunately, serious drunk driving accidents can occur when alcohol is involved. Drunk driving accidents can lead to complex legal situations where people other than the driver are also responsible for accident injuries. At Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum, our experienced drunk driving injury lawyers are here to guide you through the intricacies of social host liability if you've been hurt by a driver who was drinking at someone else's home.
What is Social Host Liability?
Social host liability is a legal concept that holds hosts responsible for injuries or damages caused by their guests in some circumstances. The person hosting the party or gathering was not driving the vehicle at the time of the crash, but in certain circumstances, the host may be liable for injuries that occur. When a host may be liable for drunk driving accident injuries differs from state to state. However, the purpose of the law is the same across all states with social host liability laws.
Social host liability laws are similar to dram shop laws, but not the same. Dram shop laws do not hold individuals responsible for what happens when they host people in their homes. Instead, dram shop laws apply to alcohol vendors or businesses that serve alcohol to customers.
Social Host Liability in Rhode Island
While social hosts may face criminal liability in Rhode Island, they are only liable in civil personal injury lawsuits if they share a special relationship with the person who was drinking at their home and then driving on a public road. The courts have recognized that a special relationship exists when a responsible adult provides alcohol to a driver under the age of 21 who causes a crash.How Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum Can Help
Navigating the complexities of social host liability cases requires legal expertise and experience. At Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum, our drunk driving personal injury lawyers are dedicated to helping our clients secure the compensation they deserve from all available sources. We understand the emotional and financial toll drunk driving accidents can have on victims, and we are committed to holding negligent hosts accountable, if appropriate, according to Rhode Island Law.
We treat each client like family. We want to help you get the recovery you deserve after a drunk driving accident. To do that, we will take specific steps.
Conduct a Thorough Investigation
We meticulously investigate the circumstances surrounding your case to find all relevant defendants, including a social host, if appropriate.
Work With Expert Witnesses
Drunk driving accidents are different than other types of motor vehicle crashes. We work with experts who can provide professional opinions on issues such as alcohol impairment and liability.
Negotiate and Litigate Your Drunk Driving Injury Case
We are prepared to negotiate on your behalf with the responsible parties and, if necessary, take your case to court to fight for your rights. Our goal is to help you recover compensation for past and future:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
You deserve to make a full recovery after a drunk driving accident. Our experienced legal team is here to support you in seeking the compensation you deserve, holding negligent hosts accountable, and promoting a safer community for all. Your well-being is our priority.
