Pennsylvania Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys
Drunk driving is a serious crime here in Pennsylvania. It can result in hefty fines, loss of license, and even jail time. But when you get into an accident with a drunk driver, the results can be catastrophic for all involved. You could be facing financial debt, years of pain and suffering, and possible loss of your job.
If you get into a drunk driving accident, do you know your legal rights?
That’s why the Pennsylvania drunk driving accident lawyers at Fellerman & Ciarimboli are here to help. We will help you get your life back and make sure the responsible parties are held accountable for their actions. We are prepared to fight for your rights and make sure you are appropriately compensated for your injuries.
Drunk Driving Accidents: What You Need to Know
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, almost 30 people every day in the U.S. lose their lives in drunk driving crashes. It claims more than 10,000 lives every year and costs Americans $44 billion every year. In 2017, drunk driving accidents took the lives of 10,874 people which adds up to 29 percent of the motor vehicle traffic fatalities that year.
In Pennsylvania, drunk driving accidents remain a top safety issue in the state. In 2017, alcohol-related crashes had increased to 10,346 from 2016 numbers. Drunk driving accident fatalities did decrease over 2016, yet still accounted for 26 percent of the total traffic deaths in 2017.
The Effects of Drinking and Driving
What causes people to drink and drive, knowing they’re putting their lives and others at risk? The reasons vary — from not realizing how intoxicated the driver is to the driver believing he/she can make it home without an issue.
But even a couple of drinks can affect your driving ability in various ways:
- It slows your reaction time, taking longer for your brain to process information and prevent an accident from occurring.
- Your motor skills, such as eye, hand and foot coordination, is affected, making it difficult to drive.
- Your concentration and vision decrease.
- Your judgment skills can be lacking, making it difficult to make the right decisions.
Personal Injury Claims in a Drunk Driving Accident
When you are in an accident with a drunk driver, you may have a claim not only against the driver but also those who were responsible for allowing the intoxicated individual to drive, thanks to the Dram Shop Act.
“Dram shop” laws are a set of rules enforced through civil lawsuits that allow either the victims of a DUI accident or their families to sue those who provided the alcohol to the drunk driver. It states that a business or individual who gives alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person is legally responsible for any damage that person causes.
Under the law, the following conditions need to be met in order to pursue a claim:
- The person who was served by an employee was “visibly intoxicated” (i.e., slurring words, strong smell of alcohol, stumbling, etc.) and;
- The business’ decision to continue to serve the intoxicated person resulted in an accident or fatality.
Remember that you can file a negligence claim against the drunk driver. Thanks to the legal doctrine of "negligence per se," the court will automatically find the drunk driver responsible for the accident and the injured he/she caused.
How Our PA Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Can Help
The Pennsylvania drunk driving accident lawyers at Fellerman & Ciarimboli have spent their careers fighting for those injured in a car accident with a drunk driver. Not only do we have the experience, but we have the track record. With more than $110 million in verdicts and settlements, we stand up for those who don't have a voice.
Once you contact one of our offices, our team will immediately begin investigating your claim. We will have investigators examine the scene of the accident to determine what happened. We will negotiate a settlement with the insurance company that will properly compensate your injuries. And if we cannot reach an agreement, we will fight on your behalf in the courtroom.
Do not wait much longer. If you have injuries following a drunk driving accident, remember to choose the law firm where results matter. Contact the Philadelphia, Wilkes-Barre, and Scranton lawyers at Fellerman & Ciarimboli for a free consultation. Call (877) 989-4878 today!
-
$8 Million Wrongful Death
A settlement was obtained on behalf of the loving family of a young man who lost his life in a commercial motor vehicle accident in Philadelphia.
-
$7.15 Million Trucking Accident
Settlement for a confidential tractor-trailer crash.
-
$6.35 Million Trucking Accident
Settlement for a confidential tractor-trailer crash.
-
$5.4 Million Car Accident
A settlement was obtained for a client who was injured in a motor vehicle accident case.
-
$5 Million Trucking Accident
A settlement was obtained for three victims of a tractor-trailer crash.
-
$4 Million Trucking Accident
Our client was hit by an overweight and out-of-control tractor-trailer which was driving illegally on PA 115. This verdict was the #1 trucking collision verdict in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 2011.
-
We could have never made it without Molly Clark and Fellerman & Ciarimboli!! It's scary going after someone for wrongdoing and she took us through every step. She answered all our questions, good or bad. She was available 24-7 and weekends fighting for us. She fought for our needs and got us what was deserved!! They are the best choice!!- Star K.
-
- Frank K.
I have a friend who sought help from Fellerman & Ciarimboli and said they were very nice and helpful. So when I needed assistance, they were the first ones I thought of, and gave them a call. I was connected to Attorney Molly Clark, who made a significant impact. Her comforting personality created a welcoming environment during our interactions, turning what could have been a somber experience into one filled with positivity. Our upbeat conversations, in contrast to the challenging situation, improved my well-being.
What truly won me over was Molly's commitment to keeping me informed about the progress of my situation. Whenever I called her with questions, she promptly provided answers, ensuring I had the information I needed when I needed it. Working with Fellerman & Ciarimboli was a positive experience given the circumstances I was facing. I highly recommend Attorney Molly and the firm to anyone seeking reliable and compassionate assistance during challenging times.
-
Molly thank you for everything you’ve done for Terry and me. You went above and beyond. You are like family to us and will always love you!- Arlene P.
-
I can't express how GREAT my first experience with an attorney has been! I'm not kidding when I say that both you and the entire firm are I think the best around. Once get things settled around here, I would like to make an appointment to come up to talk about some other issues, but I have been doing nothing, but singing the praises of you The entire organization to everyone that I speak with.- R.R.
-
- Client
There are no adequate words to convey to you, Mike, and Ed how grateful our family is for all of your hard work in helping us through the most difficult time of our lives. Your commitment to justice is unlike anything we have ever witnessed. Our tragedy became your tragedy. The three of you have become part of our family.
Harry, you explained everything necessary in terms which were comprehensible and helpful to us to better understand all that was presented. We are so grateful for that.
The compassion shown to us by not only the three of you, but everyone to whom we encountered at Fellerman & Ciarimboli was off the charts and so sincere.
We will grieve our profound loss for the rest of our lives, but all of you helped to make it a bit easier, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
God's Blessings to you and your family.
-
Molly, Thank you so much! I can't tell you how much you mean to me, throughout this process, you have always been there and helped me through. I am glad it all came to a good ending and that it is over. But, I will miss you and you will always be referred to anyone that ever asks me for an amazing lawyer! Keep fighting for the people who need you! You are amazing at what you do, you're professional and genuine! I wish you all the best in your career and am happy that I chose you to take my case. Your team is amazing, too!- Nicole W.
-
“Happy that the night that ruined a lot in my life was finally over. If you want a great firm, get things done right and efficiently, and have a team supporting you along your journey, I suggest F&C to be your choice!”- Nicole W.
-
I was in a bad accident and I had my daughter in the car with me. I highly recommend this firm. My attorney Myer Messinger was very compassionate and offered empathy with helping me and my daughter with the mental agony we experienced after the accident. Mr Messinger is very professional and knowledgeable. We sat for hours for the mediation and he fought to get me the best settlement- Enide Jerome
