BobBattleLaw.com

A Guest From My Party Was in a Virginia DUI Accident. Am I Liable?

If someone who attended your party injured another person in a drunk driving accident, some states can impose social host liability, which could make you liable for damages resulting from a DUI accident. Virginia does not have a social host liability law, but the states that observe this law may allow third-party victims who were injured in your guest's DUI accident to seek compensation from you.

In states that have a social host liability law, the person who hosted the party may be held liable for a third-party victim's: 

• Property damage;
• Medical expenses;
• Pain and suffering that they experienced; and
• The loss of past, present, and future wages. 

Since Virginia does not have a social host liability law, the chances of you being involved in such a situation are slim. Regardless, serving alcohol to a minor is illegal in Virginia. While you cannot be held responsible for a Virginia DUI accident that a minor has caused, you can be charged for serving that minor while they were at your social function.

You can learn more about social host alcohol liability by visiting our article library. 

Virginia DUI defense attorney Bob Battle has the experience and ability to help his clients use the prosecution's errors to mount a successful DUI defense. To learn more about Virginia DUI, get a free copy of Bob Battle's consumer guide, How to Choose a DUI Lawyer in Virginia. Or, contact 804-673-5600 to schedule your legal consultation today.