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Bars Involved in Pub Crawls May Be Liable for Drunk Driving Damages
Drunk driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents, and more than 10,000 people die in drunk driving accidents every year in the United States. When you or a family member are injured in an accident involving a drunk driver, navigating the legal system as you seek compensation for your damages can be a daunting prospect. However, a recent case in the Chicago suburbs highlights how Illinois’ dram shop laws may allow you to recover damages from a bar or restaurant that was responsible for a driver’s intoxication.
Pub Crawls and Dram Shop Liability
In February 2017, Crystal Lake resident Lawrence Madigan was killed in a head-on collision with Tyler Stewart, who was driving home after a pub crawl that had taken place in multiple Chicago suburbs, with the participants traveling between bars using Metra. Stewart was also killed in the crash, and according to sheriff’s report, a blood test performed after the accident found that he had a blood alcohol level of .167, which is more than twice the legal limit.
In May 2017, Madigan’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Stewart’s family and the three bars which served alcohol to Stewart during the pub crawl. While the family is hoping to receive financial compensation for their damages, they are also hoping to send a message to organizers of pub crawls and the establishments involved that they should make sure everyone who participates in these events travels home safely.
In Illinois, dram shop liability laws allow victims of drunk driving accidents to hold a bar or restaurant liable for damages when they sold alcohol to the driver who caused the accident. In these cases, a victim must prove that the establishment sold alcohol to the driver, the alcohol caused the driver to become intoxicated, and the accident was a result of the driver’s intoxication.
As of 2017, the limits for dram shop liability claims are $67,356.23 for injuries to a person or property and $82,324.28 for loss of means of support or loss of society.
Contact a Lake County Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
If you or a family member have been injured in a drunk driving accident, you should be aware of all your available options for recovering damages. The experienced attorneys at Salvi & Maher, LLP are dedicated to helping our clients receive maximum compensation for their injuries, and we will work with you to investigate your case and determine your best options for seeking the compensation you deserve. Contact a Waukegan car accident lawyer at 847-662-3303 to schedule a free consultation today.
Sources:http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-metra-pub-crawl-lawsuit-met-20170629-story.html
http://www.nwherald.com/2017/06/27/family-of-crystal-lake-man-killed-in-february-suspected-dui-crash-sues-drivers-estate-bars/ahdsjqu/
https://illinoiscomptroller.gov/agencies/statutorily-required-reporting/dram-shop-liability-limits-2005-2017/
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