What to Know About Dram Shop Liability in a Drunk Driving Accident

Legally reviewed by:
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C.
July 7, 2023

Drunk driving accidents can flip a victim’s life upside down and cause catastrophic and life-altering injuries. While there is no denying that a drunk driver’s reckless behavior is the chief cause of a wreck with another driver, other parties may bear some responsibility for the accident. If a dram shop over-served a patron that later caused an accident, they may be liable for their victim’s injuries and other losses. 

If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident in Pennsylvania, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side. At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg, and Gifford, P.C., our talented attorneys have a legacy of successfully proving dram shop liability and helping their clients receive the maximum compensation possible for their injuries. When you partner with us, you can rest assured that your case is in experienced and capable hands. 

How to Establish Dram Shop Liability After a Drunk Driving Accident in Pennsylvania

A dram shop is an old-fashioned term for any establishment that legally serves alcohol, such as a bar or restaurant. Pennsylvania has dram shop liability laws in place to ensure drunk driving accident victims can hold every party involved fully accountable for their losses. In some circumstances, the bar or dram shop may bear some fault for the accident if they acted negligently or continued serving the drunk driver after they were visibly intoxicated. Some elements your lawyer may use to establish dram shop liability include the following:

  • Over-serving, a patron
  • Neglecting to check the patron’s ID
  • The patron was displaying obvious signs of intoxication, such as slurred speech or poor coordination
  • Serving a patron past closing time

Your attorney will work diligently to obtain witness testimonies, video footage, and other evidence to determine if the dram shop played a role in your accident and build a case to hold them fully accountable. 

Damages You May Be Able to Recover Through a Drunk Driving Accident Claim

Through a drunk driving accident claim, you may be able to recover monetary compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial losses. Some damages you may be able to pursue from a negligent dram shop owner include the following:

  • Current and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages and earning potential
  • Significant disability or disfigurement 
  • Loss of enjoyment in life
  • Emotional trauma
  • Pain and suffering
  • Wrongful death

Your attorney will thoroughly investigate your case and advise you of which damages you may be eligible to collect. At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg, and Gifford, PC., our award-winning team is committed to leaving no stone unturned as they build the strongest case possible on your behalf. 

Discuss Your Case With a Reliable Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

The seasoned attorneys at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg, and Gifford, P.C. understand the havoc a drunk driving accident can wreak on your life. We are committed to making Pennsylvania’s complex claims process as stress-free as possible as we fight for justice on your behalf. Our passionate attorneys have over 65 years of experience helping drunk driving accident victims recover the compensation possible for their injuries and other losses. To schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you, call our office at (215) 822-7575 or complete our contact form today.


Legally reviewed by:
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C.
Pennsylvania Attorney's
July 7, 2023
Established in 1952 by Irwin S. Rubin, Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C. boasts over 65 years of experience serving clients throughout Pennsylvania. Renowned for its commitment to ethical representation, the firm has garnered prestigious accolades, including being named the "Best Law Firm" for its outstanding legal defense work by U.S. News & World Report. Their team of seasoned attorneys, recognized as Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars, brings unparalleled expertise to a wide range of legal matters, ensuring exceptional representation for individuals, families, businesses, and organizations.