{"id":74027,"date":"2026-10-14T21:29:11","date_gmt":"2026-10-14T21:29:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/slip-and-fall\/can-you-sue-the-family-of-a-drunk-driver\/"},"modified":"2026-10-27T15:07:06","modified_gmt":"2026-10-27T15:07:06","slug":"can-you-sue-the-family-of-a-drunk-driver","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/slip-and-fall\/can-you-sue-the-family-of-a-drunk-driver\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Sue the Family of a Drunk Driver?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Florida Personal Injury Law | Igor Hernandez<\/p>

Can You Sue the Family of a Drunk Driver?<\/h1>

When a loved one is hurt or killed by an impaired driver, the questions come fast.<\/p>

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By CHG Lawyers \u00b7 Published October 14, 2026<\/p>\n\n

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The drunk driver themselves is the primary liable party for injuries or death they cause while impaired. However, narrow exceptions exist: a person or business that served the driver alcohol, or a family member who knowingly let an intoxicated person use their vehicle, may share liability under Florida law.<\/p>\n

Who Is Liable When a Drunk Driver Causes an Accident?<\/h2>\n

The drunk driver is responsible for their own choice to drive impaired and the harm that results.<\/p>\n

When someone is injured or killed by a drunk driver, the driver who made the decision to get behind the wheel while intoxicated is the party legally liable for damages. Liability comes from the driver’s own negligent and reckless conduct\u2014not from family ties. The law holds people accountable for their own actions.<\/p>\n

The drunk driver’s personal assets and, more importantly, their auto insurance policy are the typical sources of compensation for victims. If the driver has minimal assets, their insurance coverage becomes the practical way to recover. This is why understanding insurance limits and available coverage is critical in these cases.<\/p>\n\n

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If you have suffered injury or loss, you may have a claim against a drunk driver, depending on the facts of your case. Talk it through with our team — the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p>

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Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

When Can Family Members Be Held Responsible?<\/h2>\n

Dram Shop Liability<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fla. Stat. \u00a7 768.125 may apply where a person willfully and unlawfully serves alcohol to someone under 21, and in some situations where a person knowingly serves someone known to be habitually addicted to alcohol. Whether it applies depends on the facts of each case. This is sometimes called dram shop liability.<\/p>\n

Negligent Entrustment<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is called negligent entrustment.<\/p>\n

Parental Liability<\/strong><\/p>\n

Is It Worth Suing a Drunk Driver?<\/h2>\n

If you have suffered injury or loss, you may have a claim against a drunk driver, depending on the facts of your case. No outcome can be promised.<\/p>\n

Whether a driver’s conduct was careless or unlawful depends on the facts of each case. This may make them liable for damages, depending on the facts of the case. Whether it’s “worth” suing depends on the severity of your injury, the available insurance coverage, and the driver’s assets.<\/p>\n

Compensation in a drunk driving case may cover:<\/p>\n