Casinos play a big part in Batesville’s entertainment industry, but they also raise questions about drunk driving liability. As a local, you might wonder who’s responsible when alcohol-related accidents happen near these popular venues. While you may enjoy the games and drinks during your visit, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential risks and legal implications. How can you hold casinos accountable if things go wrong on the road?
How casinos try to prevent drunk driving
When you visit local gaming venues, like others in Mississippi, you’ll notice they serve alcohol. This means they have specific legal duties. They must serve drinks responsibly and stop intoxicated guests from driving.
You may observe that casinos implement several strategies to discourage drunk driving, including:
- Giving free soft drinks to designated drivers
- Teaching staff how to spot inebriated people
- Offering taxis or ride-shares
Despite these efforts, accidents can still happen. In such cases, you should understand how “dram shop liability” may make casinos legally responsible.
Dram shop liability in Mississippi
You should be aware that Mississippi’s dram shop law lets you sue businesses that serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals who then cause harm. This law covers casinos, bars and restaurants.
If you want to prove a casino is liable, you must show:
- The casino served drinks to a visibly drunk person
- This person drove and caused a crash
- The crash hurt you or damaged your property
These points form the basis of a potential claim. Note that if you’re the drunk driver, you can’t sue the place that served you in Mississippi.
Challenges in proving a casino’s fault
If an impaired driver who received alcohol from a casino hits you, you might have legal grounds to pursue a case against both the driver and the casino. However, these cases are challenging. Casinos may argue that the driver wasn’t visibly intoxicated or that a significant time passed before they drove.
You’ll need comprehensive evidence like witness statements, security footage or drink receipts to build a strong case. In Batesville, you have a three-year window to collect these and file a personal injury lawsuit.
While you could potentially hold casinos liable, the primary responsibility lies with the drunk driver. Each case is unique and requires careful legal planning. If you’re injured, consider consulting a personal injury attorney for help in understanding your rights. To stay safe, plan your transportation before visiting Batesville’s casinos.
