Small Commercial

June 24, 2010

Drunk Drivers = Big Risk for Small Business

Risks to drunk drivers and others around them are highly publicized, but small businesses that serve alcohol have sobering risks to consider as well.

Drunk driving is the most frequently committed violent crime in the United States. It's a big problem everywhere, but the state at the top of the list for DWI fatalities is Texas, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Your Clients Who Sell Alcohol Have Big Risks

The risks should be apparent, but they are not always obvious. Consider these Texas drunk driver claims.

Bar/Tavern - A tavern employee stayed after work to have a few drinks. She left about 8 p.m., swerved into another lane and struck a vehicle. Police cited both drivers for driving while intoxicated. The plantiff (the driver struck by the bar patron) suffered fractured ribs, multiple face lacerations, and an eye forced out of socket. He sued the bar patron for the cost of medical bills and for pain and suffering.

The patron/employee, in turn, sued the insured bar for alleged negligence and for violation of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code. This case settled before trial. The tavern incurred losses totaling $624,805.

Retail Store - A man consumed a case and a half of beer a few hours before making a beer run to a convenience store owned by the defendant. He purchased another case of beer there, and returning home crashed head-on into another vehicle, injuring an entire family of five. The driver of the second vehicle suffered permanent brain damage and his daughter will require around-the-clock care for the rest of her life.
 
The family brought suit against the convenience store for selling to a person who obviously was intoxicated. The family was awarded $35 million dollars in damages.

Restaurant - A regular patron arrived at the restaurant's bar and purchased two buckets of beer and numerous shots. A few hours later, the patron left to go to another restaurant, which happened to be closed. While turning around his car, he struck another vehicle. A passenger in the patron's car was injured.

The passenger filed suit against the restaurant for serving to an allegedly intoxicated person. The incurred losses for this claim totaled $240,000.
 

DOWNLOAD OUR APP HERE!  Then email to mshelton@combinedgroup.com

Ways to Help Your Clients

• Offer a quote for Liquor Liability when you quote a bar/restaurant business package.
• USLI Basic Form product features defense costs inside the limits of liability and an exclusion for assault or battery coverage.
• USLI Top Shelf product provides coverage for Defense costs outside the limits of liability, may provide coverage for assault or battery, and includes automatic coverage for the liquor license holder as an additional insured.

To receive a quote contact Michelle Shelton at 214-295-1655 or email her at mshelton@combinedgroup.com!