New Law: Alcohol On The Go, and Possible Punitive Damages 

With the start of a new year, new laws are implemented.  One such law is SB 389, which allows restaurants to continue selling cocktails and wine on the go.   
That’s right!  When the pandemic shut down restaurants, laws governing sales of alcohol were loosened to allow the sale of alcohol to go.  This new law extends the “cocktails-to-go” law until December 31, 2026. 
Admittedly, I have never purchased alcohol on the go.  So, I do not know how they are packaged.  I trust that any alcohol sold to go would be in a closed container, preventing the driver from drinking while driving! 
But, what would happen if a driver, who was or had been drinking, gets into an accident?  Driving under the influence of alcohol (or drugs) can be characterized as conduct that is outrageous, violent, wanton, wicked, reckless, and showing utter disregard for the rights and interests of others, thus justifying a demand for punitive damages against the drunk driver.  
Indeed, the only time an accident victim is allowed to seek punitive damages in an auto accident is when the accident is caused by a drunk driver.  However, certain allegations must first be made, and certain facts must then be established, before an accident victim is allowed to seek and recover punitive damages.  For example, the accident victim must allege that the defendant driver (i.e. the drunk driver) knew he/she was intoxicated and knew that others could be seriously injured by him/her getting behind the wheel. 
Punitive damages are not easy to allege and even harder to prove.  For this reason, it is important to consult with and use an experienced injury attorney if you have been injured by a drunk driver.
For more information about The Mason Law Firm go to www.mrscvlaw.com or call 661-476-5678.

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