Accidents Caused by Those Driving Under the Influence
Many times, serious and life-altering auto accidents are caused by a drunk driver or an individual driving while under the influence of prescription drugs or non-prescription drugs who should not have been operating a motor vehicle.
At Caroselli Beachler McTiernan & Conboy, L.L.C., our practice is to thoroughly investigate these incidents as well as the events leading up to these incidents. For example, if our investigation reveals:
- The driver had just left an establishment where he or she was obviously intoxicated and continued to be served alcohol
- An owner of a car allowed someone who was obviously intoxicated to drive their car
- An owner of a car allowed someone under the influence of drugs to drive their car
We will pursue the establishment owner under a dram shop claim or the vehicle owner under a negligent entrustment claim.
Dram Shop Liability
Pennsylvania's dram shop law holds businesses or individuals who continue to serve alcohol to an intoxicated person to be held responsible if that person later causes an accident. If a bar, restaurant or social club over-serves an individual who later causes personal injury in a car accident, they can be held responsible for the damage done.
Negligent Entrustment
Pennsylvania law recognizes the legal theory of "negligent entrustment," which holds car owners legally responsible for the negligence of drunk drivers to whom they loaned their cars, if they knew that the driver was likely to drink or drive recklessly. Under the theory of negligent entrustment, any car owner who lends his or her car to someone who is clearly intoxicated or drunk may be held responsible for the crash because they negligently entrusted the vehicle to a person who was incompetent to drive and caused an accident.
Contact Us
Contact the attorneys at the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, law offices of Caroselli Beachler McTiernan & Conboy, L.L.C., by calling us at 412-567-1232 in Pittsburgh or Western Pennsylvania, 215-792-6153 in Philadelphia or Eastern Pennsylvania, or toll free at 866-466-5789. You may also complete our online contact form. Initial consultations are free and confidential.
