“What Happens If A Guest Gets in a Drunk Driving Accident After a Private Party or Leaving a Friend’s House?”: Social Host Liability for Drunk Guests in NC
A Raleigh, NC Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Explains Social Host Liability:
Nearly all drunk driving accidents are avoidable, especially since ridesharing (like Uber and Lyft) is so available and accessible across North Carolina, whether you’re in a big city like Charlotte or a town like Kinston. Unfortunately, drunk driving accidents still occur far too often. Some drunk driving accidents cause only property damage, which is physical damage to a car, fence, mailbox, etc. Other times, the consequences are far more dangerous. Tragically, drunk driving accidents are often fatal.
When most people think of drunk driving, they think about someone stumbling out of a bar at 3 am. They don’t think about a long day of drinking at a backyard BBQ, or a Super Bowl party, or a day on the boat, or just a “few beers” at a friend’s house that maybe went a little harder than expected. Drunk drivers leaving these social events still cause catastrophic injuries and accidents, but who is to blame? The following comprehensive guide provides an overview of social host liability for drunk guests in NC, which apply to party guests and hosts across the state.
What Is Social Host Liability in North Carolina?
While drunk drivers are clearly liable for the injuries and damages they cause, it is also possible to hold the person or business liable who served or provided alcohol to the drunk driver. When that’s a bar or restaurant, it is called ”dram shop” liability. When it is a private individual, it is called “social host” liability. In both instances, North Carolina laws (and we agree) that the person who provides alcohol to an intoxicated person should be liable for the damages they cause. That can be true if the provider of alcohol is intoxicated themselves.
For “social host” liability, if the party goers or guests in attendance leave the party and drive drunk, the host can be found liable for a drunk driving accident.
Click here to learn more about North Carolina Drunk Driving and Dram Shop Laws.
Wait, Party and Event Hosts Can Be Liable for Drunk Driving Guests in North Carolina?
Believe it or not, yes. To recover compensation under social host shop liability, a victim must show that the host knowingly served the alcohol, knew the guest was intoxicated, and knew that the guest would be driving home. But these cases can be difficult to prove, so if you are a victim of a drunk driving accident, it’s important to have an experienced team like Osborn Injury Lawyers investigate and advocate on your behalf.
What Kinds of Private Events or Parties Can Cause Social Host Liability in North Carolina?
Social host shop liability laws apply to hosts for all kinds of private parties or events, as long as the person or business that’s furnishing the alcohol does not have a license. That includes events like:
- Parents serving underage (younger than 21) children
- Work or office parties
- Local organizations
- Fundraisers
- Weddings
- BBQs
- Beach days
- 4th of July parties
- Bridal showers
- Golf outings
- New Year’s Eve parties
- And other non-licensed alcohol sellers.
Contact Our Raleigh Social Host Liability Lawyers for a Free Consultation After a Drunk Driving Accident
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a drunk driver, our experienced Raleigh drunk driving lawyers are here to help. Social host liability (and dram shop liability) is frequently overlooked by injury lawyers who are only interested in quick and easy settlements. Social host liability typically requires a deeper level of investigation and willingness to litigate, which our injury team is prepared to do. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation to learn about your legal rights.