If you were injured in an accident with a drunk driver, an expert drunk driving accident lawyer at Munley Law is ready to fight for your rights. When someone chooses to drink and drive, they risk their own lives, as well as the lives of everyone around them. If you have been injured in a car accident by a drunk driver, the law is on your side. If you were in a car accident because of someone else’s mistake, don’t worry; the law is on your side. You can seek justice and compensation for your injuries.
$32 Million Wrongful Death
$26 Million Truck Accident
$20 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident
$17.5 Million Car Accident
$12 Million Work Injury
$11 Million Truck Accident
$9 Million Truck Accident
$8 Million Truck Accident
$8 Million Truck Accident
$7.5 Million Auto Accident
$6.9 Million Garbage Truck Accident
$6.5 Million Traumatic Brain Injury
The Legal Consequences of a Drunk Driving Accident
Drunk driving is a serious offense. Since 2002, it has been illegal in all 50 states to drive with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. Drivers who get behind the wheel after drinking not only face criminal charges but can face civil liability for the harm they caused.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 37 people in the United States die in drunk driving crashes every day. More than 13,500 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths in 2022. Thirty percent of fatal car accidents in the United States are related to drunk driving.
Injured victims and their families have a right to seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
- Funeral and burial costs
After a fatal drunk driving accident, the deceased victim’s family may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against the drunk driver. If the driver is a minor, you may also be able to hold the person or establishment who served the driver alcohol responsible for the accident.
A driver who drinks alcohol before getting into a car does not have to be legally drunk to cause an accident that results in injury or death. According to the NHTSA, more than 2,300 people were killed in alcohol-related accidents where the driver had a BAC of .01. A drunk driving accident lawyer at Munley Law will investigate that possibility.
Speak with a drunk driving car accident lawyer near me.
The Common Types of Drunk Driving Car Accidents
As far as drinking and driving go, any car accident can be a drunk driving accident. Because of the way the body processes alcohol, a driver’s reaction time and ability to think clearly can turn a minor accident into a collision, resulting in severe injuries. However, some kinds of accidents are more likely to occur with drunk driving, such as:
- Head-On Collisions: Drunk drivers often drift into oncoming traffic. Because of the delayed reaction time and impaired judgment, head-on car accidents are often the result.
- Wrong Way Accidents: An intoxicated driver may enter a highway or a one-way road in the wrong direction, which can result in a fatal car crash.
- Rear-End Crashes: Like a head-on collision, a slower reaction time plays a part in rear-end crashes. A drunk driver may misjudge stopping distances, causing them to stop too late.
- T-Bone Car Accidents: Running red lights or missing stop signs can lead to dangerous side-impact collisions, especially at intersections.
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents: Impaired drivers often fail to notice or properly yield to pedestrians and bicyclists, leading to serious injuries and fatalities.
- Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups: The erratic behavior of a drunk driver can trigger a chain-reaction accident involving multiple vehicles, especially on the highway.
If you are involved in any of these types of car accidents with a drunk driver, you do have the option to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. Contact a drunk driving accident lawyer at Munley Law for more information.
What To Do If You Are in an Accident With a Drunk Driver
Drunk driving accidents can be incredibly stressful for the injured victims. Intoxicated driving can result in severe injuries and long-term repercussions even if you were not at fault.
If you were in an accident with a drunk driver or another driver who has engaged in reckless behavior, there are some things you should do to preserve your legal rights.
- Do Not Give a Recorded Statement: You should only give a recorded statement to police officers or the insurance company once you have met with a DUI accident attorney. Any statement you make can be used against you in the claims process or if the drunk driving accident case goes to trial. Instead, only answer what is asked of you, and do not make any assumptions about what occurred.
- Report the Accident: You will likely be in shock following the accident, but you must call the police as soon as you can. This way, there will be an official report of the incident, something you need when you file a car accident claim.
- Gather Evidence: When a drunk driving accident occurs, your DUI accident lawyer will want to begin gathering evidence that supports that your personal injury case is a result of the negligence of the drunk driver. Evidence that can help back up your claim includes photos, police reports, the contact information of witnesses, and your medical reports.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it is always a good idea to seek medical attention following a drunk driving accident. If you decide not to get checked out, it can be challenging to collect future medical expenses should injuries emerge.
- Document Everything: Start a journal or folder to collect all of your documents relating to the accident. Record your injuries, any medical bills you incur from treatment, and lost time from work.
Call a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
If you were involved in a drunk driving accident, you should call a personal injury lawyer who has experience with drunk driving crashes. At Munley Law, we help drunk driving accident victims communicate with the insurance company, seek compensation for medical bills and related accident expenses, and seek a wrongful death claim if the collision ends in death. For a free consultation, contact the drunk driving accident attorneys of Munley Law today.
There is no fee unless we win your case.
How Can a DUI Accident Lawyer Help Me After An Accident With a Drunk Driver?
After a drunk driving accident, victims often face overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. An experienced drunk driving accident lawyer can provide guidance through this challenging time, helping injury victims pursue compensation for their losses while allowing them to focus on recovery.
Our DUI accident attorney begins by conducting a thorough investigation of the accident, gathering essential evidence such as police reports, blood alcohol test results, surveillance footage, and witness statements. They handle all communication with insurance companies and opposing counsel, protecting victims from potentially misleading tactics that could undermine their claims. Our car accident attorneys also ensure all necessary legal documents are filed within the required deadlines and represent the victim’s interests throughout settlement negotiations or court proceedings.
Drunk driving accident lawyers work to secure comprehensive compensation that covers immediate and long-term needs. They identify all potential sources of compensation, including the drunk driver’s insurance, the victim’s own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and possible third-party liability, such as establishments that may have overserved the driver.
Beyond legal representation, our attorneys often serve as valuable resources for our client’s recovery. They can connect victims with medical specialists and rehabilitation services, assist with vehicle repairs or replacements, and provide guidance on managing medical bills during the legal process. We will also coordinate with prosecutors handling the criminal DUI case, using evidence from criminal proceedings to strengthen the civil case while ensuring victims understand their rights regarding victim impact statements and criminal restitution.
The main goal of a drunk driving accident lawyer is to protect our client’s long-term interests. We will ensure any settlements adequately account for future medical needs and ongoing care, structure agreements to protect eligibility for benefits, and carefully review all settlement offers to prevent exploitation during this vulnerable time. This comprehensive approach allows victims to focus on their physical and emotional recovery while their attorney handles the complex legal aspects of their case.
If you were involved in a car crash with a drunk driver, don’t wait. Contact a drunk driving car accident attorney at Munley Law to schedule a free consultation.
Compensation Available for Impaired Driving Accident Victims
Personal injury victims of drunk driving accidents can recover damages that generally fall into two categories: economic and non-economic. The purpose of these damages is to compensate victims for their losses.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are for financial losses you’ve suffered because of the accident. These financial losses may include:
- Medical Expenses: This covers all past, present, and future medical bills connected to the accident, including ambulance rides, emergency room visits, doctor appointments, surgeries, rehabilitation, medication, and medical devices.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover compensation for lost wages during your recovery period. Lost pay may also include lost future earning potential if your injuries impact your ability to work long-term.
- Property Damage: Compensation can extend to any damage to your vehicle or other personal property sustained in the accident.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Any additional costs you must pay upfront due to the accident, such as transportation to medical appointments, home modifications to accommodate your injuries, or childcare if you can’t care for your children yourself.
Noneconomic Damages
Noneconomic damages are for losses that don’t involve money. These intangible losses include but are not limited to:
- Pain and Suffering: This compensates for the physical and emotional pain you experience due to your injuries.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: This covers the inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed because of your injuries.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: This compensates for any permanent physical scars or disfigurement resulting from the accident.
- Loss of Consortium: This compensates a spouse for losing companionship, intimacy, and other marital benefits due to the injured victim’s condition.
Drunk Driving and Punitive Damages
Pennsylvania law allows for punitive damages in some personal injury cases, particularly those involving drunk driving. Punitive damages are meant to punish the drunk driver for their recklessness and to prevent others from doing the same thing.
It’s important to note that the amount of compensation you receive will depend on how severe your injuries are and how they’ve impacted your life. A personal injury attorney experienced in drunk driving accidents can help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Munley Law?
Since 1959, individuals and families suffering from car accident injuries have turned to Munley Law for help. We have established a reputation as industry experts throughout the United States. We have been named among the Best Lawyers in America, listed in U.S. News and World Report’s Best Law Firms, and earned the best possible ratings from our clients and peers.
When you work with us, we deploy a team of experienced legal professionals, medical experts, and investigators dedicated to your case. Our attorneys will fight to protect your rights and obtain the compensation you need. There is no fee unless we win, and you do not have to pay anything upfront or out of pocket.
Were you or a loved one seriously injured in a Pennsylvania drunk driving accident? Call us today or use our online contact form. We will review your case at no charge and help you determine what to do next.
At our free consultation, we will answer your questions and help you make informed decisions about your legal options. To contact a drunk driving accident lawyer, fill out our online form or call us toll free for a free case consultation.
Schedule a free consultation with an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Car Crashes
Don’t face a drunk driving accident or car wreck alone. Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys can fight for you. To learn more, take a look at our drunk driving FAQ.
Do Drunk Driving Standards Change for Large Truck Drivers?
Yes, if you are injured in a drunk driving collision with a truck driver, the limits on BAC do change. A truck driver cannot have a BAC of .04% or greater within 2 hours of driving. A truck driver will face criminal charges and lose their Commercial Drivers License (CDL) for up to one year.
How Do I Choose a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer?
Finding an attorney who handles complex drunk driving accidents can be tricky as not all law firms have the time and resources to take a personal injury case or go to trial for a DUI accident.
To find experienced attorneys near you who handle DUI accidents, you should ask the following questions:
- Does your firm have experience representing drunk driving crash victims?
- Does your law firm have experience negotiating and litigating fatal car accidents?
- Do you have the time and resources to represent me in my personal injury case?
- How do I pay you for your legal representation?
- Do you have reviews from past clients that I can see?
Not all law firms have the professional resources needed to handle drunk driving collisions or take on repeat offenders. When alcohol and drugs – prescription drugs or otherwise – impact a driver’s ability to act reasonably, victims and their families have the right to seek damages and, in some cases, seek punitive damages.
How Can Munley Law Help Me With My Drunk Driving Accident Case?
Driving drunk puts not only driver’s life at risk but also those of the drivers around them. The injuries sustained in a DUI accident can have lifelong ramifications from severe injuries, chronic pain, disability, and even death.
When a motor vehicle accident occurs where a driver has passed the legal limit of alcohol consumption, a lot of victims do not know their rights.
Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys can help you. We take on intoxicated drivers and fight for you to get the compensation needed to move forward. Our drunk driving accident lawyers stand up for the rights of people injured or killed in car accidents caused by impaired drivers. For a free case evaluation, contact Munley Law today.
