Drunk driving per se in Pennsylvania is not admissible to prove negligence in a car accident lawsuit. Rather, the specific negligent acts causing the accident must be demonstrated:
- Crossing the center line of a road or highway
- Running a red light
- Failure to yield
A skilled personal injury lawyer will leave no stone unturned in search of causes of the accident (such as faulty brakes) and factors that may have worsened injuries (such as nonfunctional seatbelts or airbags). Sometimes the answer to what caused the accident goes beyond the drivers of the cars involved. An outside entity such as a bar or restaurant that served alcohol to an obviously drunk driver may be held responsible by way of dram shop laws.
After a Pennsylvania DUI Injury Accident, Attorneys May Discover a Dram Shop Case
How can a plaintiff's lawyer demonstrate that a bar or restaurant was responsible for a drunk driving accident? A detailed investigation will typically include identification of key witnesses, such as regulars at the bar or restaurant. These eyewitnesses to the scene where the driver was drinking before the car accident may testify that they saw the person drink 5 or 6 servings of alcohol in a short period of time, for example.
Were You Injured in a Crash Caused by a Central Pennsylvania Drunk Driver? Accident Lawyers of Boyle, Autry & Murphy Can Pursue Compensation on Your Behalf
If you suffered a serious or catastrophic injury in a collision with a car driven by a drunk driver, discuss with an experienced lawyer the best strategies for pursuit of compensation. Contact us to schedule a free initial consultation with a lawyer regarding your auto accident in or near Harrisburg, York or Camp Hill.
