If you get into an accident with a drunk driver, your major concerns are how badly damaged is your vehicle and whether you need medical attention. You figure the other driver's insurance will be taking care of your medical bill. But what about any pain and suffering you may be feeling? And what about any lost wages? Can you recoup them from the driver?
Not only is it possible to get these type of compensation from the person who hit you, but if that driver is underage, you may be able to file a claim against the person who is responsible for supplying alcohol to the minor. If this scenario sounds familiar to you, then you may have a case. Contact the Pennsylvania social host liability lawyers at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys for further information.
What is Social Host Liability?
According to Pennsylvania's dram shop laws, if you were injured in any kind of accident that was caused by an underage intoxicated person, you may be able to bring about a personal injury claim to the host who served that person liquor. For instance, you get into an accident with a 16-year-old who is clearly drunk and are injured. You learn that the teenager had just come from a party where alcohol was knowingly served to the teen. Despite knowing the teen was drunk, the host allowed him to drive home. Because of these circumstances, the host can be held responsible for your injuries.
However, it's important to note that the courts generally frown on social host liability claims against drunk drivers who are an adult. In addition, the courts have refused to impute liability to an organization or an adult which “should have known” alcohol was being served to a minor on the adult or organization's property. You need to prove that not only the host knew the guest was a minor, but still served that minor alcohol despite knowing he/she was underage.
What Type of Damages Can You Get from a Social Host Liability Case?
If your case meets all the conditions for host liability case, you need to know what legal rights you have. You are able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the minor as well as the host. The damages you are able to recover financially include:
- medical expenses
- lost wages, if applicable
- property damage
- out of pocket expenses
- pain and suffering
Contact our Scranton Social Host Liability Lawyer Today
After any type of 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 with a minor, get the legal help that you need today. Contact a Scranton social host liability lawyer at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys now for a free consultation of your claim.
