Going to a bar or restaurant, you want to have a good time. And that may mean having a couple of drinks. But sometimes, people take the good times too far and become extremely intoxicated. That person may decide to get into their car to drive home. Of course, what happens next is that you get into an accident with the drunken driver. What do you do next? Who is liable for your injuries?
The dram shop lawyers at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys understand how difficult a situation this can be. These types of cases are never cut and dry. That’s why our team of attorneys work hard to make sure the guilty party or parties are held accountable for their actions. We make sure you get the compensation that you deserve after such an accident.
What are Dram Shop Laws?
A dram shop case involves a lawsuit against a business that sells alcohol who is liable for the actions of someone who was served too much alcohol. These laws are generally used after a drunk driving accident, yet can be used in other situations. For example, injured parties can sue a bar after an intoxicated customer starts a fight. In Pennsylvania, the intoxicated customer may also be able to sue the establishment. For instance, a customer who was served too much alcohol at a restaurant trips and falls while leaving the restaurant can turn around and sue the business.
However, to file a lawsuit under dram shop laws in Pennsylvania, the following conditions need to be met:
- The person who was served by an employee or agent of the business was “visibly intoxicated” and;
- The business or host’s decision to serve the visibly intoxicated person resulted in your injuries.
Dram shop laws also can affect those who hold private hosted parties. Read more about social host liability.
How Can You Tell Someone is Intoxicated?
Dram shop liability cases hinge one fact: the person is clearly intoxicated. But since everyone processes alcohol in a different manner, how can you tell if someone is drunk? There are signs that prove someone is too intoxicated, such as:
- Slurred speech
- Stumbling or falling
- A change in behavior
- Glassy or bloodshot eyes
- Slow reaction time
- Impaired motor skills and judgement
- Changes in behavior
Contact a Dram Shop Lawyer at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys Now
After any type of drunk driving accident, it’s important to know your rights and to hold those responsible for you accident liable. If you were in a drunk driving accident from someone who was over-served at a bar or restaurant, get the legal help that you need today. Contact a Scranton dram shop lawyer at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys now for a free consultation of your claim.
