Bride Not Liable for Teen Guest’s Drunk Driving

A Sonoma County, Calif., judge has ruled that a bride will not be held liable for the car crash caused by a teenager who drank at her wedding.

In 2006, 20-year-old Joshua Apodaca and 19-year-old Sean Bradley attended Jennifer Tharp’s wedding. Bradley was served alcohol by Paradise Ridge Winery employees.

He later crashed, leaving Apodaca with permanent injuries.

Apodaca’s family sued the winery, Bradley and the owners of a store where the two bought more drinks, reaching a $3.6 million settlement. The winery sought reimbursement from the bride.

The judge cleared Tharp of responsibility, saying the contract she signed with the winery agreeing to not let minors drink was voided when the winery knowingly served intoxicated minors.