Can a server be held liable for accidents caused by an obviously intoxicated patron they served?

The correct perspective on this issue is that a server is not automatically liable for accidents caused by an obviously intoxicated patron they served. Liability often rests with the establishment holding the alcohol license, such as a bar or restaurant, rather than the individual server. This means that while servers have a duty to monitor patrons and can be expected to refuse service to those who are visibly intoxicated, the ultimate responsibility for any resulting accidents typically lies with the establishment as the licensed provider of alcohol.

The legal principles surrounding this matter can vary by jurisdiction, but generally, the law is designed to protect employees and servers from personal legal repercussions when they are doing their jobs to the best of their abilities, provided they follow proper protocols regarding responsible service of alcohol. In many cases, the establishment can be held liable for overserving customers, but individual servers may not face the same level of accountability unless there is clear negligence or violation of laws in their actions. Thus, while it's crucial for servers to act responsibly, they are not the primary targets of liability in such scenarios.