It’s a frightening scenario that plays out far too often: A bartender or a convenience store clerk sells alcohol to someone who is underage and/or already visibly intoxicated. That person then gets behind the wheel of a car, drives away and crashes into another vehicle, causing serious injury or even death.
Who is responsible for the damages owed to the people who were hurt? Obviously, the drunk driver is responsible. But under Maine law, the individual or business that wrongfully served the driver alcohol can also be held responsible.
In cases involving injury or death caused by a drunk driver or an intoxicated person who causes injury by some other means (for example assault) after wrongfully being served, it’s important that victims are able to pursue all possible avenues for compensation. Unfortunately, many families fail to recover for their losses because they aren’t represented by liquor liability lawyers with the experience, expertise, and proactive approach needed to win their case.