It’s hard to believe that the kids will be going back to school soon. While parents and kids alike look forward to the summer season, each year it seems like the season passes by faster and faster. So, while families are preparing for a different kind of school season in the next few weeks, New Jersey and Pennsylvania residents are hanging on to the last few bits of summer. However, there are notable risks that come with the warmer season.

The Impact of Coronavirus on Liquor Sales and Alcohol Consumption

The summer season has always seen an uptick in drunk driving accidents. With warmer weather, frequent social gatherings and popular holidays like Memorial Day and Fourth of July, drunk driving accidents are tragically more commonplace during the summer season. In fact, a startling statistic from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed that drunk driving accidents actually double in comparison to other months in the year, with many of them occurring on Saturdays between midnight and 3:00am.

This year, however, was different for residents not only in New Jersey and Pennsylvania but across the country. The Coronavirus shut down opportunities for large social gatherings, indoor dining and entertainment venues. As a result of stay-at-home orders, many individuals turned to different forms of entertainment they could enjoy in the comfort of their own home. In fact, one report showed that alcohol sales skyrocketed during the lockdown, with in-person sales seeing a 41% increase, with online sales up a shocking 339%. Now that indoor dining is slated to reopen in New Jersey on September 4th and Pennsylvania residents are enjoying outdoor dining, the risks associated with drunk driving are becoming more prevalent. Experts are also stating that the unprecedented financial strains, coinciding with unemployment and anxiety may be a leading cause in increased alcohol consumption.

Who Can be Held Legally Responsible for a Drunk Driving Accident?

In both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, any person or business that provides alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated can be held legally responsible for any injuries that the person may have caused after leaving the establishment. This is outlined under both New Jersey and Pennsylvania’s Dram Shop laws. This law also extends to social hosts.

In order to pursue a claim under Pennsylvania and New Jersey’s dram shop law, the following elements must be met:

• The drunk driver was still served alcohol while being noticeably intoxicated
• The social host or establishment’s decision to continue serving alcohol contributed to your injuries

If you were injured in a drunk driving accident, don’t handle the aftermath alone. The skilled team of personal injury lawyers at the Marrone Law Firm, LLC are here to help. Schedule a consultation with us today: 215-709-7360.

Contact A Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer To Discuss Your Drunk Driving Accident Case In Pennsylvania

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a drunk driving accident in Pennsylvania? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Marrone Law Firm LLC represent clients injured because of DUI accidents in Philadelphia and Cherry Hill and throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Call 215-709-7360 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 200 South Broad Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia PA 19102 as well as offices in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.