When a Night Out Turns Into a Nightmare
Most nights out in the Lehigh Valley end the way they should—laughing with friends over drinks at your favorite spot in Bethlehem, maybe catching some live music in Allentown, or just winding down at a neighborhood bar in Fountain Hill. But sometimes, things go wrong. A bar keeps serving someone who’s clearly had too much, and that person gets behind the wheel. What happens next can change lives forever.
If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, or if you lost someone to a senseless act of alcohol-fueled negligence, you might be surprised to learn that it’s not just the driver who could be held responsible. That’s where Dram Shop Laws come into play—and it’s where Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law can help.
What Is a Dram Shop Law?
In simple terms, Pennsylvania’s Dram Shop Law allows victims of alcohol-related injuries to hold bars, restaurants, or other establishments liable if they served alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated—and that person went on to cause harm.
“Dram” is an old-school word for a small shot of liquor, but the law itself is very much current. It’s designed to hold liquor providers accountable when their poor decisions lead to serious consequences.
So let’s say someone gets visibly drunk at a bar on Hamilton Street, the bartender keeps pouring, and that person causes a crash later that night on Route 22. If it can be proven that the bar overserved that person, they could share legal responsibility for what happened. At Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law, we’ve worked with victims and families across the Lehigh Valley who never expected they’d need this kind of legal help—but found themselves in heartbreaking situations because someone else didn’t do the right thing.
How Do You Prove Liability?
That’s the tough part—and it’s where a strong legal strategy comes in.
To build a successful dram shop claim, you typically need to show that:
- The establishment served alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated, and
- That person’s intoxication directly caused an injury or death
“Visibly intoxicated” doesn’t just mean the person had a few drinks. It means there were clear signs: slurred speech, stumbling, glassy eyes, loud or erratic behavior. Witnesses, surveillance footage, and even credit card receipts (to track how much was served) can all help build a case.
At Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law, we take these cases seriously and investigate thoroughly—because proving overservice is no small task, and bars often deny responsibility. But we know how to ask the right questions, track down the right records, and tell the full story.
Why This Law Matters for Victims
You might be wondering—why go after a bar or restaurant when the drunk driver is the one who caused the crash?
Because sometimes, holding everyone responsible is the only way to get full compensation for what you’ve lost. Medical bills, lost wages, therapy, long-term care—these costs add up fast. And if the driver doesn’t have insurance (or doesn’t have enough), you may be left without options unless you pursue other liable parties.
Dram shop laws aren’t about punishment. They’re about accountability. They send a message that establishments have a duty to serve responsibly—and that ignoring that duty puts lives at risk.
Real-World Examples in Lehigh Valley
This isn’t just legal theory—it’s happened right here in our own backyard. Bars in Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton have been cited or sued for overserving patrons who later caused harm. These cases don’t always make headlines, but they’re part of a larger picture: protecting the community and ensuring that victims aren’t left to carry the burden alone.
Whether it’s a young couple hit by a drunk driver after a night out at Musikfest, or a pedestrian injured by someone leaving a downtown bar, the ripple effects of overserving alcohol are real—and often devastating. At Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law, we know the local landscape and how to approach these cases with sensitivity and resolve.
Why Local Legal Guidance Matters
The truth is, dram shop cases are complicated. They require digging through records, interviewing witnesses, and often going head-to-head with lawyers representing big insurance companies or corporate-owned establishments.
That’s why it helps to have someone right here in the Lehigh Valley who understands both the law and the local dynamics. At Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law, we’ve worked with families from Allentown, Bethlehem, Freemansburg, Fountain Hill, Rittersville, and nearby communities. We know the courts, the processes, and how to handle these sensitive cases with care, experience, and the determination to get results.
What To Do If You Suspect a Dram Shop Violation
If you or someone you love has been injured due to a drunk driving incident—and you believe a bar or restaurant may have played a role—don’t wait. Document everything:
• Where the person was drinking
• Any witnesses who saw them intoxicated
• Police reports and crash documentation
• Your own medical records and expenses
Then, reach out to a legal team who knows how to take it from there. At Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law, we’ll walk you through what to expect, what evidence you’ll need, and how to move forward with strength and clarity.
Let’s Talk About What Comes Next
Visit www.snoverlaw.com to learn more about how we can help you pursue justice under Pennsylvania’s Dram Shop Law. We proudly serve clients throughout Bethlehem, Allentown, Freemansburg, Fountain Hill, Rittersville, and the broader Lehigh Valley and Eastern Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania region.
You’ve been through enough. Let’s talk about what comes next—and how to make sure no one else has to go through what you have. At Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law, we’re ready to listen, ready to fight, and ready to help.
