Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of serious car crashes. People who are under the influence make mistakes that put everyone else at risk. The collisions they cause may produce substantial property damage expenses and can also leave other people seriously injured.
Those affected by drunk driving collisions may have the right to request compensation through either an insurance claim or a lawsuit. Who pays for the cost of an impaired driving collision?
The drunk driver
People who break the law are usually liable for the consequences of their decisions. Impaired drivers may need to provide insurance coverage to those affected by a wreck. If they lack enough insurance, then the people affected by the crash could file a lawsuit against them.
The drunk driver’s employer
Many people drive for work, at least occasionally. Functional alcoholics and those who might have opportunities to drink during the day could be on the clock while driving drunk.
Employers are typically liable for the negligence or misconduct of workers performing job tasks that cause harm to others. If a drunk professional causes a crash while working, their employer might be partially liable.
Maryland laws largely limit the liability of businesses and social hosts in scenarios involving drunk driving collisions. Most of the time, the drunk driver is the party liable for all collision expenses, unless they were working when the wreck occurred.
Reviewing the circumstances of a drunk driving collision with a skilled legal team can help people explore different options for covering their costs. Litigation and business insurance claims can potentially help those with significant losses that a drunk driver’s insurance may not cover.