4 Maine Bars / Restaurants Being Sued Over Fatal Car Crash

Sadly, many of us have had our lives touched by an alcohol-related crash.  Despite the fact that, for years, we have been warned about the dangers of getting behind the wheel after drinking, people still do it.  And, sometimes, those drives have tragic consequences.

Allegedly, this was the case with a fatal crash that happened in Hampden in November of 2021.

Now, the family members of one of those killed in the crash want several area bars and restaurants to be held accountable.

According to WGME, the parents of 23 year old Tyler Wheaton have brought a lawsuit against Benjamin’s Pub, Carolina Sports & Spirits, Diamonds Gentleman’s Club and a local Applebee’s Restaurant.  They alleged the establishments continued to serve 22 year old Christian Broberg, who was also killed in the crash, even though he was visibly intoxicated.

Under the Maine Liquor Liability Act, an business and its employees are liable for damages up to $350,000, excluding medical bills, if a server provides alcohol to a person who is “visibly intoxicated".

Broberg had been behind the wheel of the 2005 Subaru at the time of the November 18th, 2021 crash.  The vehicle ended up in the Souadabscook Stream after crashing into a Kia at the intersection of Main Road North and Coldbrook Road in Hampden.  Both men were ejected from the vehicle and ended up in the stream.  Both died at the scene.  Broberg reportedly had a blood alcohol level of .30 at the time of the crash.  That is nearly four times the legal limit of .08.

Even though Wheaton's parents claim the four establishments over served Broberg, they reportedly did not provide a timeline of the men's night.

Wheaton's family also brought a suit against Broberg's estate and the driver of the other vehicle involved in the crash.

Our thoughts go out to all those involved in this tragedy.  Hopefully, it will serve as a reminder that it is never safe to get behind the wheel after drinking.