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It’s a sad reality that drunk drivers cause accidents that injure or kill people every day. In 2015 alone, there were 345 fatalities caused by drunk driving, and an average of 29 alcohol-related traffic crashes per day. What makes these numbers so frightening is that there is virtually no telling who the victims may be; it could be you, your friends or even your children.

If your child has been in an accident caused by a drunk driver, it is understandable that you are seeking appropriate justice. It may be counter-intuitive, but it may be worth considering the possibility that the driver may not be the only one at fault; the establishment they were drinking in may be to blame as well.

Liability of the establishment

Pennsylvania’s dram shop laws assert that if someone drinking in a bar or restaurant is clearly intoxicated and continues to be served, then the establishment itself is liable for the damage they cause.

For example, imagine a bar patron whose speech is slurred when they ask for one last drink, which the bartender gives them. As they get up to leave, they stumble over the bar stools and stagger toward the exit. If this person were to get behind the wheel of an automobile and into an accident, the bar could be at fault.

This is not only limited to car accidents. If a visibly intoxicated person starts a fight that injures someone, or if the intoxicated person takes a serious fall, the vendor serving them may be held responsible.

Dram laws in lawsuits

When it’s time to advocate for proper justice and compensation, dram laws can be a major factor. If your child was hit by a drunk driver, a lawsuit filed against an establishment may result in higher compensation. This could be absolutely crucial to help you cover your child’s medical bills or emotional damage.

Dram laws are key in establishing accountability in the event of an accident. Be sure to make use of all the tools at your disposal when taking legal action.