Widow Says Over Serving A Customer Led To Fatal Accident

In Pennsylvania and other jurisdictions, establishments that serve alcohol may be liable if their customers cause injuries after overconsuming. A woman in another state is relying upon this law after she lost her husband in a fatal accident involving a 23-year-old intoxicated driver. The widow blames a local golf club for over-serving a customer who then caused the five-vehicle pileup.

After leaving the club at around 6:30 p.m. one evening, the intoxicated woman’s vehicle allegedly struck a moped from behind, pushing it into the back of a third vehicle. The moped’s driver, a 32-year-old man, was thrown onto the pavement and died of his injuries at the scene. The accident caused the collision of two other vehicles.

Although the woman apparently told officers she had just one drink at the bar, the police report noted that she could not keep her balance and had to hold on to the officer. She was charged with intoxication manslaughter and released after posting $50,000 bail. The lawsuit against the club contends that, despite seeing the woman’s intoxicated state, the bar served her drinks to the point where she became a danger to others. The suit asks for $1 million in damages.

It is not clear if the widow also intends to file a wrongful death suit against the driver responsible for the fatal accident. However, she would be within her rights to do so. For now, she is seeking fair compensation for the loss she suffered due to the drinking establishment negligently over-serving a customer. People in Pennsylvania and across the country who are in similar situations often benefit from having an experienced personal injury attorney fighting for their rights.

Source: dallasnews.com, “Widow of moped driver killed in crash sues Golf Club of Dallas for over-serving former Bishop Lynch golfer”, Caleb Downs, July 28, 2016