Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Allentown

Over 40 Years Representing Injury Victims, Not Insurance Companies

Knafo Law Offices has represented personal injury victims throughout the Lehigh Valley, Lehigh County, and Northampton County since 1982, guiding thousands of clients toward compensation for their injuries. We focus wholly on personal injury litigation, and we represent victims, not at-fault drivers, not insurance companies.

Our car accident case results include an $8.2 million verdict, a historical result that reflects the strength we bring to serious injury claims. We use state-of-the-art technology to keep clients informed and reachable, and we’re available day or night to address your legal concerns.

If you or a family member were injured by a drunk driver in Allentown, call Knafo Law Offices at (610) 756-1098 for a free consultation. We work on a contingency-fee basis, so you owe no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Who Can Be Held Liable After a Drunk Driving Crash

Many victims assume the drunk driver is the only responsible party. In Pennsylvania, that’s often not the case. Depending on the circumstances, liability can extend to the establishment that served the driver and, in some situations, the driver’s employer.

The Drunk Driver

The driver’s blood alcohol concentration at the time of the crash, combined with evidence from the criminal case, can help establish liability in a civil injury claim. A criminal conviction can strengthen the civil case, but it isn’t required to recover compensation.

Bars & Restaurants Under Pennsylvania’s Dram Shop Law

Under Pennsylvania’s Dram Shop Act, a licensed bar, restaurant, or other alcohol-serving establishment can be held liable when it serves alcohol to a visibly intoxicated patron who then causes a crash. The law applies equally when an establishment serves alcohol to a minor, even if the minor didn’t appear intoxicated at the time of service. Pennsylvania treats this improper service as negligence per se, meaning the act of over-serving itself establishes the negligence element without requiring additional proof of fault. A dram shop claim requires showing that the establishment’s service was a contributing cause of the crash.

An Employer

If the drunk driver was operating within the scope of employment at the time of the collision, such as driving a company vehicle on a work errand, the employer may share liability for the resulting damages.

Where Lawsuits Are Filed & the Two-Year Deadline to Act

Most drunk driving injury claims settle before trial. When they don’t, a lawsuit may be filed in the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas, the general jurisdiction trial court located here in Allentown.

Pennsylvania imposes a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims. That deadline applies to claims against the drunk driver and to dram shop claims against an alcohol-serving establishment. Missing it typically ends your right to recover. The sooner you contact us, the more time we have to identify every liable party and build your case.

Start with a Free Consultation

Knafo Law Offices has represented injury victims in the Lehigh Valley for more than 40 years. There’s no cost to speak with us and no fee unless we recover compensation for you. Call us at (610) 756-1098 to get started.