According to a civil suit recently filed in Pennsylvania, one resident had consumed alcohol at nine different locations before deciding to get behind the wheel – a decision that ultimately led to the death of three people. The family members of some of the victims have now filed a wrongful death suit against the various Pennsylvania establishments the families claim over-served alcohol to the driver preceding the January 28, 2010, drunk driving accident.
Earlier this month, the drunk driver was sentenced to 7 ½ to 18 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to homicide by vehicle. In a plea agreement affidavit, the driver admitted to drinking between 15 and 20 beers at an arena during a hockey match, in addition to the four to five beers he had on the bus ride to the arena. He further admitted to drinking in at least three bars following the hockey match.
The victims – who had just left the wake of one of the victim's grandmother – were struck by the drunk driver as they were driving through a green light shortly after midnight. All three victims died at the scene. Following the accident, the drunk driver had a blood-alcohol content of 0.23, which is nearly three times the legal limit.
The lawsuit alleges that the bartenders at the various establishments visited by the driver that night continued to serve him beer and shots of alcohol even though he was obviously drunk. Pennsylvania law requires bars to stop serving alcohol to a person if they are clearly intoxicated; and if they continue to serve the person alcohol, they can be liable for injuries caused by the intoxicated patron – commonly known as dram shop liability.
Unfortunately, these types of accidents can be especially frustrating since they are easily avoided by simply using a cab, bus or even a designated driver. And, even if the parties responsible for this horrific accident are held liable in a court of law, the three lives lost can never be brought back.
Source: The Express-Times, "Families of Anthony Bruno victims file wrongful death suit," Sara K. Satullo, Jan. 31, 2012