Philadelphia Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

Drunk driving accidents don’t just hurt the victims in the accident, they hurt families, businesses, and more. In the United States, drunk driving kills 28 people a day and over 10,000 people a year, and sadly, it’s one of the most preventable accidents. Whether you were injured in a drunk driving accident, or a loved one was killed in a motor vehicle accident involving an impaired driver, you need a team of lawyers to help you investigate your case and fight to get the compensation you deserve. 

Who is Responsible in a Drunk Driving Case?

When a person enters a vehicle impaired, they have made a dangerous choice. That choice can get people injured or killed. But did you know there are dram shop laws in many states that also hold establishments that serve alcohol responsible?

This means that not only the driver but the business that served them alcohol can be liable for any damages or fatalities caused by their decisions. These nuanced laws lead to detailed investigations, and that’s why you need experienced attorneys like Joe Stampone and his team of attorneys to represent you and your family in your drunk driving case. 

What is a Dram Shop Rule or Law?

In many states, liquor-serving establishments like restaurants, bars, taverns, clubs, and lounges are all governed under dram shop laws that say if a customer is overserved and something terrible happens when that customer leaves, it’s the business’s fault.

These laws exist to hold establishments accountable for their role in potentially dangerous situations. If a person is served alcohol to the point of intoxication and subsequently causes harm to themselves or others—whether through an accident, injury, or even criminal behavior—the business that served them alcohol could be held liable for the consequences. The goal of dram shop laws is to promote responsible alcohol service and prevent incidents that could have been avoided with proper care.

Dram shop rule violations can be due to a lack of training, ignorance about the laws, or just willful neglect—but they are all important pieces to your accident case that our experts investigate as part of your case.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an incident involving an intoxicated individual who was overserved, it’s important to understand how dram shop laws can strengthen your case. Establishing that an establishment failed to comply with these laws can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.

Our Philadelphia drunk driving accident lawyer team will thoroughly investigate the details surrounding your case, including reviewing security footage, receipts, and witness statements, to determine if the business involved acted negligently in serving alcohol. Holding these establishments accountable is crucial not only for obtaining the compensation you deserve but also for ensuring that responsible practices are followed to prevent future accidents.

Hire Us to Win Your Drunk Driving or Dram Shop Lawsuit Settlement

At Stampone O’Brien Dilsheimer Holloway, we’ve worked with all types of injuries resulting from a drunk driving accident, including broken bones; back, neck, and spinal cord injuries; traumatic brain injuries; paralysis; and amputation.

We’ve also represented the families of individuals killed in these senseless accidents. With our experience, compassion, and determination, we will identify the person or persons liable for your accident and get you the settlement you deserve.

If you or a loved one was injured or killed in a drunk driving accident, don’t wait—talk to our experienced lawyers who will help you move forward with your case.

Factors of a Philadelphia Drunk Driving or Dram Shop Case:

Here are several key factors that can influence the outcome of a Philadelphia Dram Shop Lawsuit Settlement:

1. Extent of Injuries: The severity of the injuries sustained by the victim is a major factor. Medical bills, long-term care needs, and pain and suffering are all considered when determining compensation.

2. Proof of Overservice: Demonstrating that the establishment overserved alcohol to the individual involved in the accident is crucial. Evidence such as receipts, witness statements, or surveillance footage showing excessive drinking can support this claim.

3. Responsibility of the Establishment: Whether the business involved followed responsible alcohol-serving practices. If the bar or restaurant failed to monitor or train staff properly, this could strengthen the case.

4. Contributory Negligence: If the victim contributed to their injury (e.g., by engaging in risky behavior), it may reduce the settlement amount or overall liability.

5. Negligence of the Intoxicated Person: The actions of the intoxicated person after leaving the establishment also play a role. If they engaged in reckless behavior leading to the incident, it could influence the settlement outcome.

6. Witness Testimony: Testimonies from witnesses who saw the intoxicated individual’s behavior in the establishment or immediately before the accident can strengthen the case.

7. Insurance Coverage: The amount of insurance the business or individual involved in the incident carries can impact the settlement. In some cases, it may be necessary to pursue multiple parties or insurers to fully recover damages.

8. Prior Incidents at the Establishment: If the business has a history of similar incidents or violations, it may be more likely to settle quickly to avoid further legal exposure.

9. Local Laws and Regulations: Philadelphia’s specific dram shop laws and legal precedents may affect how settlements are negotiated and awarded.

10. Settlement Negotiations: The willingness of both parties to negotiate and reach a settlement, as well as the strength of the evidence, will play a major role in the settlement process.

Each of these factors can influence the amount of compensation awarded in a Dram Shop Lawsuit, and working with an experienced attorney can help ensure that all elements of the case are thoroughly explored.