If you plan to host a party this week in celebration of the New Year, make sure you are responsible and have designated drivers on hand. 
As we reported last week, if you plan to host a party, make sure that everyone there has a safe and sober ride home. Remember, there are social host and premises liability laws, meaning you could be held liable for any accidents involving drinking that may occur.
Also, monitor your children if they have friends over, and talk to them about the dangers of drunk driving. National Public Radio had an interesting story recently about underage drinking and how in many cases, parents are aware that their teens are participating.
Remember, not only is it illegal to supply a minor with alcohol, you can also be held civilly liable if any teen drinking on your property is involved in a vehicle accident.
Amazingly, according to NPR, a recent poll of 1,100 teenagers living in Northern California found that while most said they did not attend parties where alcohol was present, of those who did, 70 percent said their parents knew kids at the party were drinking.
Researchers conducting the poll interviewed parents who said that they were scared of alienating their children and worried about imposing rules on them.
It is a sad state of affairs when you let your teenagers drink, because you are scared that they may act out. Remember, if your child or his or her friends make a poor decision and end up in an accident and they were drinking on your premises or you provided them with alcohol, you could be held accountable via a lawsuit.
There are no excuses for drunk driving or providing minors with alcohol.
Should I Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney If a Drunk Driver Injures Me?
If you are injured in a drunk driving accident, you should hold the driver liable. Through a personal injury lawsuit, a victim can obtain money for pain and suffering as well as medical treatment.
Fill out the form on our website to schedule a consultation if a drunk driver has injured you. Have a safe and happy New Year.
Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C. – Injury Lawyers
KGG’s Corner: A 2013 study found that 68 percent of 12th graders admitted to trying alcohol.
Source: http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2014/12/15/370139147/to-stop-teen-drinking-parties-fine-the-parents