Every driver in Texas should have a liability insurance policy on their vehicle. If someone causes a crash, their policy can reimburse the other people affected by the collision. Those who drive drunk put others at risk because they can cause serious collisions.
The injuries that result may have costs that are much higher than the mandatory insurance required in Texas can cover. In fact, there’s also a risk that someone irresponsible enough to drive while drunk may not have insurance at all. In those scenarios, individuals hurt by a drunk driver may need to determine whether anyone else had liability for the crash.
Businesses may be liable
People hurt in drunk driving crashes can potentially bring civil claims against a business that served the driver alcohol. Dram shop laws in Texas allow claims against businesses that serve their patrons alcohol if those patrons later cause collisions.
When they violate the rules of alcohol service, such as by serving an underage customer or providing another drink to someone visibly drunk already, they may have some liability for any collision that person later causes. You may be able to make a claim against their insurance or file a civil lawsuit in the Texas courts.
Other individuals can also be liable
Texas also has a social host law that applies only to those serving underage individuals alcohol. An adult who buys alcohol for minors or host a party at their property where young people drink could have financial responsibility for any car crashes that later occur.
Understanding your rights as a victim of a drunk driving crash can help you get the compensation you deserve.