Operating a motor vehicle while impaired is reckless and places the driver and everyone around them at high risk of harm. It is also unlawful to drive an automobile with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher in the state of Pennsylvania.

Unfortunately, intoxicated drivers cause multiple crashes each year. If you were in an accident caused by someone under the influence, you must hold them accountable. Call a hard-working legal professional who is familiar with cases resulting from drunk driving car accidents in Media. Our team of dedicated car collision attorneys could help you identify the liable party and pursue compensation.

Common Causes of Intoxicated Motorist Crashes

Alcohol significantly impairs the central nervous system, including thinking and muscle coordination. It can also blur a driver’s vision, reduce alertness and reaction times, and impair judgment. Some of the common causes of intoxicated motorist crashes include the following:

  • Driver errors caused by distractions
  • Speeding and reckless driving
  • Erratic lane changes
  • Drowsiness and falling asleep at the wheel
  • Confusion about traffic signs
  • Heading the wrong way on freeways

A lawyer who understands cases involving Media drunk driving car crashes could investigate and collect the evidence needed to prove fault and collect a fair settlement. Schedule a consultation with Dan Doyle Law Group today for more information.

Establishing Liability in Drunk Driving Cases

While showing the court that an at-fault driver was legally intoxicated can increase the award for damages, the case must also prove that they caused the collision.

For example, if someone else causes an accident and one of the drivers is drunk, that does not mean they are automatically liable for the damages. Plaintiffs must show that the intoxicated driver’s negligence behind the wheel was directly related to the crash and, therefore, caused them to suffer damages.

State Dram Shop Statute

Dram shop laws hold businesses civilly liable for car wrecks that result because they continue to serve an intoxicated person. Per the rules of 47 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes 47 § 4-493 (1), state laws prohibit anyone holding a liquor license or working for an establishment from selling alcoholic beverages to a visibly drunk individual.

That means the plaintiff may have the right to collect monetary damages from the defendant and the establishment that served them alcohol. According to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, any person who is visibly intoxicated may have the following:

  • Flushed face
  • Red or watery eyes
  • Swaying
  • Staggering or stumbling
  • Slurred speech
  • Sudden changes in behavior
  • Loss of coordination
  • Loud or obnoxious behavior

The reliable lawyers at Dan Doyle Law Group are highly knowledgeable about dram shop laws and could help recover compensation for drunk driving vehicle collisions in Media.

Connect With a Seasoned Attorney About Media Drunk Driving Car Accidents Today

It is no surprise that driving after consuming over the legal limit of alcohol is dangerous and a crime in all 50 states. Operating a vehicle while drunk is hazardous and causes thousands of avoidable vehicle collisions and deaths throughout the country each year.

Reach out to a legal professional today to learn more about drunk driving car accidents in Media. Our team of compassionate personal injury attorneys could begin an investigation to build a powerful claim.