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Drunk Driving News
Drug and Alcohol Courts: An Effective Alternative to Jail
Drug courts were developed in the 1980's in an effort to stop the abuse of alcohol and other drugs, and to reduce the criminal activity that typically accompanies these behaviors. More
Five states have enacted new DUI laws in 2010
Five U.S. states have enacted new laws related to drunk driving in 2010. More
The push to require ignition interlock devices on vehicles of convicted drunk drivers
More and more states are enacting legislation that will utilize technology in the effort to make the roads safer by requiring the installation of ignition interlock devices on vehicles of first time drunk driving offenders. More
Motion filed to allow BAC breath test results as evidence
There may soon be a new weapon to fight drinking and driving in King County. Or rather, an old weapon may be available once again. More
Washington Superintendent of Public Schools arrested for DUI
On Sunday, March 21st at 1:30 am, Randy Dorn, Washington State Superintendent of Public Schools, was pulled over for speeding by a local law enforcement officer in Orting, Washington, and when the officer smelled alcohol on Dorn's breath, he administered a field sobriety test. More
Driving while distracted – the new DUI
Even though we have focused a great deal of attention on drunk driving, we are now seeing a new threat that is equally common and equally dangerous – distracted driving. More
Hold Drunk Drivers Responsible
The Party Host
Businesses which sponsor celebrations where alcohol is served are responsible for over serving their employees, and for damages caused when they try to drive home drunk. Social hosts who provide alcohol outside the business context are responsible for injuries to a minor to whom they served alcohol.
A business is responsible for serving alcohol to apparently intoxicated persons at an office party or function. When a business has an interest in hosting a party or function where alcohol is served they are responsible for any injuries caused by party goers who were served after they appeared intoxicated. Witnesses who can establish that the drinker was apparently intoxicated when served are crucial for holding party hosts responsible. Without this witness testimony, law enforcement blood or breath tests, no matter how high, are not admissible to establish apparent intoxication. Locating and interviewing key witnesses must begin immediately before the witnesses become unavailable or their memories fade. Investigation must begin immediately.
A social party host is responsible for injuries to any minor who is served alcohol. The law of Washington is evolving in the area of liability of a social party host. Currently, only if the party host provides alcohol to a minor and that minor injuries himself is the party host liable for the injuries. Ironically, a social host is not liable for injuries to a third party caused by the actions of a minor who they served. We are prepared to challenge this case law. And Washington courts do not currently hold purely social party hosts responsible for the actions of their adult party goers.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an alcohol or drug-related traffic accident in Seattle, Tacoma, Everett or Bellingham, call the experienced attorneys at Brett & Coats today. We want bars and taverns to pay for the injuries and devastation that they cause by sending intoxicated drivers onto our highways. Only by making bars and taverns accountable for their actions will future victims be spared.
Call the attorneys at Brett & Coats PLLC today at 1-800-925-1875, 360-714-0900, or contact us via our Website using our online form. Brett & Coats represents drunk driving victims throughout the state of Washington, including the cities of Seattle, Tacoma, Everett and Bellingham, WA.