If you have been a victim of alcohol-related crashes and collisions, you probably understand civil cases that involve car accidents which are governed by the laws of negligence. Civil car accidents cases, unlike criminal cases, can be filed at any time within the act of restrictions by the person that was injured.
In the case of such a civil suit, the family of a New Haven man who was killed in a two-vehicle wreck in August 2016 in Moniteau County filed a civil suit asking for damages where Two Jefferson City bars were named. The suit filed by James Lovelace, the father of the victim in the crash, Graden Lovelace included both The Mission and spectators located on East High Street. According to Missouri Highway Patrol reports, Joshua F. Blankenship of Sedalia who was driving westbound east of the business 50 West junction crossed the center line and hit Lovelace head on.
Both cars caught fire after impact and unfortunately, Lovelace was pronounced dead at the scene while Blankenship was taken to the University Hospital with severe injuries. Blankenship was later charged with first-degree involuntary manslaughter in linking to the crash with the case scheduled for hearing in December in Morgan County.
In addition, Blankenship was also named in a wrongful death lawsuit filed in February in Moniteau County by Lovelace’s family where they asked the court to approve a settlement of $100,000 which the court has yet to make a ruling.
Serving alcohol to Blankenship who was already visibly intoxicated as earlier claimed by the lawsuit was the reason why the suit was filed against the bars. In the lawsuit, it is also claimed that Blankenship became visibly intoxicated and inebriated to an extent where it caused him visual impairment by and significantly uncoordinated physical action or substantial physical dysfunction. The suit further states the actions to serve Blankenship bars showed a complete indifference or conscious disregard for the safety of Lovelace and others, justifying an award of punitive damages which total to serve punishment to the bars and deter them and other establishments from such conducts in future.
An excess of $25,000 in punitive damages was charged for each bar.
To date, The Mission has not been served with the claim whilst Mr. Lovelace asking for answers and choosing to inquire through legal action.
