Driving while impaired by alcohol is incredibly dangerous and irresponsible. However, alcohol-related crashes are not uncommon in and around the Philadelphia area. If you or somebody you care about has been injured or killed as a result of a drunk driving crash, you will be looking for answers. At Soloff & Zervanos, P.C., our team has a track record of success holding various parties accountable for drunk driving crashes. This includes the impaired driver who caused the crash as well as any person who may have sold or served alcohol to that driver. Our Philadelphia liquor liability and dram shop attorney is standing by to help you or your loved ones secure the compensation and closure you need.
Drunk driving leads to roadway fatalities and severe injuries
Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation shows us that there were 9,380 total alcohol-related collisions across the Commonwealth during the latest reporting year. Out of these incidents, 299 people lost their lives, accounting for 28% of the total traffic fatalities in Pennsylvania during that year. Additionally, there were nearly 6,000 total drunk driving crash injuries.
What are dram shop and liquor laws in Pennsylvania?
When it comes to over-serving alcohol, Pennsylvania takes a fairly strict stance. According to the Pennsylvania Liquor Code, the Commonwealth has the ability to hold suppliers of alcohol liable for any injuries caused by an impaired individual if the supplier sold or served alcohol to the individual while they were “visibly intoxicated.”
How do the dram shop and liquor laws apply in Pennsylvania?
The dram shop and liquor laws apply to any person who has the ability to supply another person with alcohol. This can include bartenders, restaurant servers, and even cashiers at stores. If it can be proven that any of these individuals knew that somebody was intoxicated at the time they furnished them with alcohol, then they may hold liability for any injuries or fatalities caused by the intoxicated person.
Individuals who sell or serve alcohol in Pennsylvania should always look for the following signs that could indicate that a person is already intoxicated and should not be served anymore. This includes the following:
- Bloodshot or red eyes
- Difficulty walking
- Slurred speech
- Actually seeing them consume multiple alcoholic beverages
When the attorney of an injury victim is working to prove that a server supplied alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person, they need to provide evidence. In these cases, this can include:
- Video surveillance footage from an establishment
- Any receipts showing proof of purchase
- Statements from eyewitnesses
Call our drunk driving accident lawyers today
If you or somebody you care about has been injured, or if you have lost a loved one, due to the actions of a drunk driver, speak to an attorney as soon as possible. At Soloff & Zervanos, P.C., our experienced team will conduct a complete investigation into your case to determine all liable parties. Our goal is to secure the compensation you are entitled to, which can include the following:
- Coverage of your medical bills
- Lost income if you cannot work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of quality of life damages
- Property damage expenses
- Possible punitive damages against the negligent parties
When you need a Philadelphia liquor liability and dram shop attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling us at 866-597-8572.