DUI Crash Tragedy: Pribanic & Pribanic Files Civil Suit Against Overserving Bar

A preventable tragedy. A life needlessly lost. A community demanding accountability.

Every 85 seconds, someone is killed or injured in a drunk driving crash in the United States. These aren’t just statistics; they are mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, friends, and neighbors whose lives are forever altered by the devastating consequences of impaired driving. Pribanic & Pribanic, a leading personal injury law firm in Western Pennsylvania, is committed to holding drunk drivers and those who enable them accountable. In a recent case, the firm has taken decisive action, filing a civil lawsuit after a fatal DUI crash in Jefferson Hills, highlighting the critical issue of overserving by bars and the urgent need for responsible alcohol service.

The Fatal Crash: A Preventable Loss

On the afternoon of March 14, 2025, John Wobrak, a 69-year-old motorcyclist, was tragically killed when his Harley Davidson was struck head-on by a Jeep driven by William Haughey Jr. According to police reports, Haughey crossed into oncoming traffic after allegedly consuming three vodka sodas at Beer Belly’s Bar and Grill in West Elizabeth. A subsequent blood alcohol test revealed Haughey’s BAC was 0.142%, well over the legal limit. Haughey was a repeat DUI offender.

This devastating incident underscores the tragic consequences of drunk driving and raises serious questions about the responsibility of establishments that serve alcohol. Was this tragedy preventable? Did the bar knowingly overserve a visibly intoxicated patron, contributing to this senseless loss of life? These are the questions Pribanic & Pribanic seeks to answer through their civil lawsuit.

Holding All Responsible Parties Accountable

In the wake of this tragedy, Pribanic & Pribanic has stepped forward to represent the family of John Wobrak, vowing to hold all responsible parties accountable for their actions. This includes not only the alleged drunk driver, William Haughey Jr., but also Beer Belly’s Bar and Grill, the establishment that allegedly overserved him.

The lawsuit aims to address the bar’s potential negligence in serving alcohol to a visibly intoxicated individual, a violation of Pennsylvania’s dram shop laws. These laws, rooted in the state’s Liquor Code (47 P.S. §4-497), hold establishments liable for damages caused when they serve alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated or underage, and that person subsequently causes harm.

Understanding Pennsylvania’s Dram Shop Laws

Pennsylvania’s dram shop laws are designed to protect the public from the dangers of overservice. They recognize that bars and restaurants have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their patrons and the community by not serving alcohol to individuals who are visibly intoxicated.

Key aspects of Pennsylvania’s dram shop laws:

Liability for Overservice: Licensed establishments, including bars, restaurants, clubs, and caterers, can be held liable if they serve alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person or a minor, and that person causes an accident, injury, or death.
Visible Intoxication: To prove a dram shop claim, it must be demonstrated that the patron was “visibly intoxicated” when served alcohol. Signs of visible intoxication can include slurred speech, impaired motor skills, bloodshot eyes, difficulty with coordination, and changes in behavior.
Proximate Cause: It must also be proven that the overservice of alcohol was a direct and foreseeable cause of the resulting injuries or damages.
Third-Party Claims: Dram shop cases typically involve third-party claims, where individuals injured by the intoxicated person (e.g., other drivers, pedestrians) seek damages from the establishment that overserved them.
Statute of Limitations: In Pennsylvania, there is generally a two-year statute of limitations for filing a dram shop claim, meaning that lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of the injury or death.

Proving a Dram Shop Case: What Evidence Matters?

Successfully pursuing a dram shop claim requires gathering compelling evidence to demonstrate the establishment’s negligence. Key pieces of evidence in these cases often include:

Surveillance Footage: Video recordings from the bar or restaurant that show the patron’s behavior and level of intoxication.
Witness Testimony: Statements from witnesses who observed the patron’s condition and the service of alcohol.
Receipts and Bar Tabs: Documentation of the amount of alcohol served to the patron.
Police Reports: Official reports from law enforcement documenting the accident and the driver’s intoxication.
Toxicology Reports: Blood alcohol content (BAC) test results from the driver.
Expert Testimony: Expert analysis of the patron’s behavior and BAC to establish visible intoxication.

The Importance of Responsible Alcohol Service

Drunk driving is a pervasive problem in the United States, with devastating consequences for individuals, families, and communities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 12,429 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths in 2023. This translates to one person killed every 42 minutes.

These statistics underscore the critical importance of responsible alcohol service by bars, restaurants, and other licensed establishments. By implementing responsible service policies and training their employees to recognize and prevent overservice, these establishments can play a vital role in reducing the incidence of drunk driving and saving lives.

Pribanic & Pribanic: Champions for Victims of Negligence

Pribanic & Pribanic is a trial law firm dedicated to representing individuals harmed by negligence, including those involved in motor vehicle crashes and wrongful death cases. With a proven track record of securing high-value verdicts and settlements, the firm has earned a reputation as a champion for victims’ rights.

The firm’s commitment to justice extends beyond individual cases. Pribanic & Pribanic is also a vocal advocate for increased public awareness and legislative change to address the issue of overservice and hold negligent establishments accountable. The firm is calling for increased public awareness and legislative change to address the lack of mandatory liability insurance for such establishments.

What to Do If You’ve Been Injured by a Drunk Driver

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash caused by a drunk driver, it is essential to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights, investigate the circumstances of the accident, and pursue all available avenues of compensation.

Steps to take after a drunk driving accident:

Seek Medical Attention: Your health and safety are the top priority.
Contact Law Enforcement: Report the accident to the police and obtain a copy of the police report.
Gather Information: Collect contact information from the other driver, witnesses, and any involved parties.
Document the Scene: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage and any visible injuries.
Consult an Attorney: Contact a qualified personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options.

Seeking Justice and Preventing Future Tragedies

The DUI crash that claimed the life of John Wobrak is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of drunk driving and the importance of holding all responsible parties accountable. Pribanic & Pribanic’s decision to file a civil lawsuit against the overserving bar sends a clear message: Negligence will not be tolerated, and those who enable drunk driving will be held responsible for their actions.

By pursuing justice for the victims of drunk driving and advocating for responsible alcohol service, Pribanic & Pribanic is working to prevent future tragedies and create safer communities for all.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a drunk driving accident, contact Pribanic & Pribanic today for a free consultation. Let us help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.