Suing Drunk Drivers for Fatal Accidents in New Hampshire

Hearing the news of a deceased loved one is difficult enough. But when you find out that their accident was caused by a drunk driver, you may truly struggle to process this information. Your next steps may seem uncertain, but most family members in this situation want to pursue justice. How do you sue a drunk driver for causing a fatal accident in New Hampshire?

Two Drunk Drivers Face Consequences for Fatal Accidents in New Hampshire 

Drunk driving is a serious problem in New Hampshire, and it causes numerous fatalities each year. In April of 2024, two drunk drivers were arrested for causing fatalities in the State. First, a man was charged with two counts of negligent homicide in connection with a crash in Gilsum. After a head-on collision while drunk, the defendant killed two occupants of another vehicle.

Next, a woman was charged with a DWI offense after killing someone while driving drunk in Manchester. The victim was a 70-year-old pedestrian. The defendant will likely face more serious charges once the police investigation concludes.

You Can Sue Drunk Drivers for Fatal Accidents 

Families can sue drunk drivers on behalf of their loved ones. These “wrongful death lawsuits” can provide you with enough compensation to cover missed wages, unpaid medical costs, grief, emotional distress, and much more. Medical expenses can be quite extensive – even if your loved one does not survive. For example, your family member may have been airlifted to a nearby hospital before succumbing to their injuries. These air ambulance trips can cost tens of thousands of dollars – and your family might be left with the bill.

You Could Potentially Sue the Bar or Restaurant that Served the Drunk Driver 

If suing the drunk driver fails to provide enough compensation for whatever reason, you have other options in New Hampshire. The State’s “Dram Shop” laws allow you to sue a bar or restaurant that served the drunk driver.

In order to sue an establishment for a fatal drunk driving crash, you must prove that they were negligent. There are only a few acceptable forms of negligence in this situation, however. First, you can sue a bar for serving alcohol to an underage minor that subsequently causes a fatal accident. Secondly, you can sue a bar for serving someone who is obviously intoxicated. Finally, you can sue a bar for “recklessly serving alcohol.” For example, the bar might have encouraged patrons to engage in a drinking contest. Any actions that create an “unreasonable risk” of drunk driving could lead to lawsuits.

 Pursue Compensation and Justice with a Wrongful Death Lawyer in New Hampshire 

If you’re serious about pursuing justice on behalf of your loved one, help is available. During a consultation with a Manchester car accident lawyer, you can discuss the possibility of a wrongful death claim in more detail. This course of legal action could provide your family with enough money to cover the funeral, missed wages, and any unpaid medical costs. Reach out today to get started with The Law Office of Manning Zimmerman & Oliveira, PLLC.

Sources: 

wmur.com/article/gilsum-new-hampshire-crash-negligent-homicide-charges/60487421

manchesterinklink.com/pedestrian-dead-woman-charged-with-dwi-after-west-side-accident/