Underage Drivers
Any accident that is caused by a motorist who was driving under the influence (DUI) can result in serious or fatal injuries. While the minimum drinking age in Pennsylvania is 21 years old, what happens if a person is injured or killed by an intoxicated driver who is a minor? Depending on the circumstances of the case, the following parties could be liable for any injuries caused by the minor:
- The parents of the minor
- An establishment that served alcohol to the minor
- The host of a party or other social function at which the minor consumed alcohol
Innocent people may sustain any number of catastrophic injuries in a crash caused by a drunk driver. The results can range from broken bones and severe fractures to devastating head, spinal cord, or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that require a lifetime of rehabilitation. Such injuries not only prohibit accident victims from being able to work again but can also cause them to incur overwhelming medical expenses.
When the drunk driver is a minor, Pennsylvania Consolidated Statute Title 23 § 5502 states that any parent whose child is found liable or is adjudged guilty of a tortious act like DUI can be liable to the person who suffered injuries because of the child’s negligent conduct. However, Pennsylvania Consolidated Statute Title 23 § 5505 limits liability of the parents to $1,000 for injuries suffered by any one person or $2,500 regardless of the number of people who suffered injury as a result of one tortious act.
If the minor consumed alcohol on the premises of a person who was hosting a party or was served alcohol at a restaurant or some other establishment, then those parties could also be liable for an accident victim’s injuries or death. In these cases, businesses or individuals will frequently claim that they did not know the minors had consumed alcohol on their premises, and they will hire attorneys who will attempt to reduce their liability.
If you were injured or your loved one was killed in an accident caused by an intoxicated minor, the DUI accident lawyers at Ciccarelli Law Offices will work as a team to investigate your case and hold all negligent parties accountable for the damage they caused. Our firm represents clients on a contingency fee basis, meaning that we are paid only if we obtain a financial award for the people we serve.
Contact Our PA Personal Injury Lawyers
We are a team of Pennsylvania Personal Injury Lawyers our main offices located in West Chester, Chester County Pennsylvania and serving clients throughout the greater Philadelphia Metro Area including Lancaster County, Berks County, Bucks County, Delaware County and Montgomery County. If your family has been victimized by the negligence of another and you are seeking a free initial consult on you rights and possible claims, it is crucial you speak to an experienced Pennsylvania Injury lawyers in order to ensure your rights are protected and to review all of your legal options with you.
The Injury attorneys of Ciccarelli Law Offices have successfully represented individuals throughout the state of Pennsylvania that have been injured in accidents. Our Chester County based law firm is based at 304 North High Street, West Chester PA 19380 and serves clients throughout Pennsylvania including but not limited to in Kennett Square, Downingtown, West Chester, Coatesville, Exton, Chester Springs, Chadds Ford, Landenberg, Lancaster, Media, Harrisburg, Reading, Philadelphia, Honey Brook, Oxford, Malvern, Parkesburg, Phoenixville and Paoli. Contact us now at (610) 692-8700 or call toll free (877) 529-2422. Don’t wait—contact an attorney immediately.