Pennsylvania drunk driving laws are strict and aim to hold offenders responsible for their actions. Sadly, intoxicated driving is still a big problem in the state. If you are the victim of a drunk driving car accident in Lancaster, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Furthermore, if the driver who hit you was overserved alcohol at a bar or restaurant before the crash, you may be able to hold that establishment responsible.
If you need legal assistance with your drunk driving case, an experienced auto collision attorney at McDonald At Law could help you compile evidence and collect damages.
Intoxicated Driving Laws in Pennsylvania
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense in Pennsylvania. Under 75 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes §3804, those convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances can lose their license, owe steep fines, or face jail time. If an inebriated driver is involved in an accident, they may even lose their job.
Drunk drivers may also find themselves financially responsible for injuries and property damage if they cause a collision. Pennsylvania law automatically labels intoxicated drivers as negligent, which could make them financially liable for an injured person’s damages.
At McDonald At Law, our experienced lawyers understand the nuances of drunk driving cases and could help an injured person recover the appropriate financial damages. We could help a victim gather evidence about their collision and hold the reckless driver accountable.
Can Bars be Held Responsible for Serving Drunk Drivers?
Under Pennsylvania’s “dram shop laws,” bars and other establishments may face penalties if they overserve alcoholic beverages to an individual that later causes a car accident. State law prohibits restaurants from continuing to serve liquor or beer to a visibly intoxicated person, such as someone slurring their words or struggling to stand. Establishments are required to pay for any damages caused by an overserved, inebriated driver.
The hosts of social gatherings are generally not held responsible for the actions of a drunk driver. However, state law can punish a host for serving alcoholic beverages to minors.
Handling Drunk Driving Car Accidents in Lancaster
Drunk driving accidents are incredibly dangerous. A witness or victim of a collision should contact authorities and medical experts immediately after the incident. Healthcare professionals can provide treatment to injured people in order to minimize the risk of a catastrophic injury. Police officers can administer a field sobriety test to determine a driver’s level of intoxication at the time of a collision.
Per 75 Pa.C.S. § 3802, the authorities must determine a drunk driver’s blood alcohol within two hours of an accident. The sooner that the police are able to measure the defendant’s BAC, the better. An intoxicated driver’s body continually metabolizes alcohol, so time is of the essence.
If they are able, the victim should also gather accounts of the incident and contact information from any witnesses. Collecting photos or videos of the scene could help a skilled lawyer in the area assemble a strong legal defense.
Contact a Lancaster Attorney After a Drunk Driving Accident
If you are the victim of a drunk driving car accident in Lancaster, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible. Drunk drivers face severe legal consequences if they cause an accident, and a seasoned lawyer could help you pursue a claim against the negligent individual.
A well-practiced attorney could also help determine whether a bar or restaurant overserved the intoxicated driver. This would help hold all guilty parties responsible and maximize damages. It is crucial to reach out to a lawyer immediately since memories of a car crash can fade over time. Do not hesitate to contact McDonald At Law today to get started on your case.