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!