New Year’s Eve late night celebration brings mourning
New Year’s Eve is always a time for celebration. The possibilities brought on by the new year, new resolutions, and a new outlook for what lies ahead are endless. While the evening’s festivities are intended to lead to a good time, one Massachusetts man may regret where his excessive drinking this New Year’s Eve directed his possibilities.
The man has been charged in a fatal car accident where he took a wrong northbound turn on the southbound side of Gillis Bridge in Newburyport. The man’s Lincoln Town Car collided with a Mercury Grand Marquis injuring all involved and leading to one passenger’s death.
The man is now being held on vehicular homicide charges among others and on $100,000 bail pending his January 30th pretrial hearing in Newburyport. Police are investigating where the drunk driver began his travels from to determine whether or not an establishment over-served the driver.
If the driver was over-served, it is possible that all parties involved may be able to hold the owner of the establishment liable for their injuries due to Massachusetts liquor liability laws, or Dram Shop laws. In Massachusetts, state law articulates that restaurants, bars, and other places that serve alcohol to individuals have a duty not to over-serve. Additionally, in Massachusetts, all passengers have a right to a claim for injuries and damages, even if their driver was completely at fault. In the instance of the deceased passenger, her family may be entitled to fight on her behalf through a wrongful death lawsuit.
If you should find yourself in a situation where you or a family member have been involved in a car accident, whether due to a drunk driver or otherwise, please seek out legal assistance. An attorney practiced in the area of personal injury will be able to help you determine what legal options are available to your particular circumstances.
Source: newburyportnews.com, “Man charged in fatal car accident,” Dave Rogers, Jan. 3, 2013
