If you plan to host holiday parties or events over the next two weeks, make sure you have designated drivers and/or alternative forms of transportation available for guests. 
Remember, if someone is injured or killed because of an accident involving a party guest, you could potentially be held liable. Most states have social host or premises liability laws that allow victims to hold people liable if they are injured by an act of negligence.
With this in mind, one of the biggest issues during the holiday season is drunk driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol-related accidents and deaths rise during holiday periods.
With this in mind, Mothers Against Drunk Driving has released safety tips for people hosting holiday parties:
- Plan activities like party games or door prize drawings that do not involve alcohol and engage people, resulting in a lower consumption of alcohol.
- Provide plenty of food to keep your guests from drinking on an empty stomach.
- Avoid too many salty snacks, which tend to make people thirsty and drink more.
- Offer non-alcoholic beverages for non-drinking designated drivers and others who prefer not to drink alcohol.
- Never serve alcohol to someone under 21 and never ask anyone under 21 to serve alcohol at parties.
- Have the number of a taxi service or a rideshare app on hand or offer your sofa to guests who need to stay put.
In addition to these tips that discourage drunk driving, make sure that your property is free of any fire hazards or areas that could result in a slip-and-fall accident.
Should I Talk to an Attorney If a Drunk Driver Injures Me?
There are no excuses for driving while under the influence of alcohol. You can be held both criminally and civilly liable for any accident you cause while under the influence.
Through a personal injury lawsuit, a victim, or his or her family, can obtain money for pain and suffering, lost wages as well as medical treatment. Fill out the form on our website to schedule a consultation if a drunk driver has harmed you.
Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C. – Injury Lawyers
KGG’s Corner: December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month.