Social Host Liability: Could You Be Responsible For Intoxicated Guests Who Cause Accidents In Texas?

Depending on the laws of your state, someone throwing a party and serving alcohol could be found responsible for a traffic accident or other injury that occurs because of the actions of an intoxicated guest. Called social host liability, you may be responsible for damages in some states if you serve alcohol to someone at your home who then causes an accident or an injury.

What are the social host liability laws in Texas? Unlike some other states, you will likely not be responsible for the actions of adults after they leave a party at your home. However, there are two important exceptions to this rule. You could be held liability for an accident or injury if:

1. You knowingly serve alcohol to a minor in your home.
2. You recklessly serve alcohol to an intoxicated person who you understand will be driving home or putting others into danger.

Luckily, it is easy to prevent situations where social host liability could arise. Here are a few tips on how to throw a safe party that keeps guests from drunk driving (and keeps you from being held responsible if an intoxicated guest does drive):

• Consider having your party at a local restaurant or bar that is legally licensed to serve alcohol.
• Consider having a shuttle service or taxi service easily available to your guests.
• Be absolutely certain that you are not serving minors at your celebrations!
• Offer your guests the option of staying the night at your home if they overindulge.
• If someone becomes visibly intoxicated, take action. Make sure that they do not drive and do not continue to serve them alcohol.

If you or your child have been injured because of a negligent party host in Texas, speak with a Houston accident attorney today about the details of your case. You may be legally entitled to compensation.