St. Patrick’s Day Drunk Driving Accidents and Dram Shop Liability

St. Patrick’s Day is a pretty big deal in Rhode Island. With major parades in Providence, Newport, and Pawtucket (as well as the world’s shortest parade in Little Compton), celebrations can be found throughout the state. Tragically, amidst all the celebration, St. Patrick’s Day also sees an uptick in drunk driving accidents, many of which prove serious or fatal to their victims.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Drunk Driving Accident in Rhode Island?

Obviously, when a drunk driver crashes into you, they bear a portion of the blame. It was, after all, their decision to get behind the wheel and endanger everyone on the road. But in Rhode Island, other parties, including the establishment where they were served, may share liability for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. 

At Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell, our drunk driving injury lawyers understand how an accident caused by an intoxicated driver can not only end your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, but also upend your entire life. If you have been hurt by a drunk driver, we are here to help you identify all responsible parties and hold each accountable for the damage they have caused.

Talk to a Drunk Driving Injury Lawyer for Free

To schedule your free and confidential consultation with one of the experienced attorneys at Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell, call (401) 273-8330 today. Based in Providence, our drunk driving injury lawyers help victims of intoxicated drivers seek justice throughout Rhode Island.

What Is Dram Shop Liability?

Dram shop liability allows victims of drunk driving accidents to hold a licensed alcohol server or seller accountable when their service of alcohol contributes to a crash. Under the Rhode Island Liquor Liability Act, a bar, restaurant, or other establishment can be liable for negligently serving liquor:

• To a minor
• To a visibly intoxicated individual

The Liquor Liability Act also allows liability to fall to an establishment when a server encourages heavy drinking or provides continuous service that creates a substantial risk of death from alcohol poisoning.

These cases usually hinge on what the server knew (or should have known) and what the person looked and acted like at the time of service. This can result in a he-said-she-said examination of a server’s better judgment, which can make it difficult to determine if dram shop liability comes into play. To determine if an establishment played a role in your accident, our drunk driving injury lawyers may consider evidence such as:

• Tabs, receipts, and timestamps
• Surveillance video
• Witness statements
• Credit card records
• Police observations
• Toxicology results
• Social media posts

St. Patrick’s Day can offer up the perfect storm of overservice: packed bars, loud rooms, and a holiday vibe that can make “cutting someone off” feel like a personal insult. However, when a patron is overserved, regardless of the atmosphere in which it occurs, the establishment pouring the drinks might also be partially responsible for serious car accidents that follow.

For nearly 50 years, the drunk driving accident attorneys at Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell have been holding negligent bars, restaurants, and other establishments accountable for overserving patrons who go on to cause accidents. No matter what day you are injured, if the overservice of the other driver played a role, we are here to help you seek the justice and accountability you are entitled to.

What if Overserving Happens at a Private Party?

Social host liability deals with alcohol provided in a non-commercial setting, like house parties, parties at rented spaces, and other private gatherings. Generally speaking, private hosts are not liable for overserving adult guests, even if that guest goes on to cause a crash. However, social hosts can be held liable for:

• Knowingly serving alcohol to someone under the age of 21, or
• Permitting the consumption of alcohol by underaged persons in their residence or on their property

There can be several factors that contribute to a car crash. At Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell, we work to identify them all. During the investigative process of your claim, we carefully consider all possible factors, work with experts in fields including crash reconstruction, and take every step necessary to make sure those who contributed to your injury are held liable.

Why Choose Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell for Your Drunk Driving Injury Claim?

After a drunk driving crash, you need more than sympathy. You need a law firm that can take control of the situation, protect you from insurance companies trying to secure a quick settlement, and build a case designed to hold all negligent parties to full account for their actions. Founded nearly five decades ago with the sole intention of helping victims of serious injury get justice, Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell is that firm.

Our award-winning personal injury lawyers only represent victims of injury. We do not and will never represent defendants, corporations, insurers, or those whose actions cause harm. We have obtained significant settlements and verdicts for victims of dram shop negligence, including the serving of minors, and have the background, resources, and strength to help those harmed by drunk drivers pursue and secure the fair and full compensation they deserve. 

Our drunk driving injury lawyers offer:

• A client-first approach. When you call, we answer the phone. When you have questions, we provide straightforward answers. When you need support, we listen, advise, and truly help.
• A team dedicated to your case. We intentionally minimize our case load so our partners can stay actively involved in the cases we take. We have access to experts and specialists in a variety of fields who we can work with to strengthen your claim and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
• A readiness to pursue every responsible party. When dram shop or social host issues are present, we investigate them thoroughly. We are familiar with Rhode Island liquor liability laws and ready to hold all negligent parties accountable.
• A willingness to take claims to court. While most drunk driving injury cases settle before a trial is necessary, our proven trial attorneys prepare all claims as if they were going to court. This ensures we can provide the representation you deserve, no matter what’s required.

When a drunk driver changes your life, you shouldn’t be left carrying the consequences alone. We are here to stand by your side, stand up for your rights, and help you seek the compensation you need to make the fullest recovery possible.

Schedule a No-Cost, No-Obligation Consultation Today

If you were injured in a St. Patrick’s Day drunk driving crash in Providence or anywhere in Rhode Island, use our online contact form or call our office to schedule your free consultation today. Our drunk driving injury lawyers are here to listen to your story, explain your options under Rhode Island law, and help you take the next step toward justice.