A Hazleton drunk driving accident lawyer at Munley Law helps injured victims pursue full compensation after serious crashes caused by intoxicated or impaired drivers. We act quickly to protect your rights while you focus on recovery.
Drunk driving accidents often cause devastating injuries, and insurance companies move fast to limit what they pay in compensation. Having experienced legal representation early can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case.
For nearly seven decades, Munley Law has built a national reputation for results, earning recognition from organizations such as the National Trial Lawyers Association and maintaining leadership roles in the American Association for Justice. Since 1959, we have secured over $1 billion in compensation, including multi-million-dollar recoveries for crash victims across Pennsylvania.
Our Hazleton drunk driving accident attorneys investigate every detail, identify all liable parties, and build strong claims designed to maximize compensation under Pennsylvania law.
Contact our Hazleton car accident lawyers today to schedule a free consultation. We’re here to help.
Call Us At 844-686-5397 How Can You Recover Compensation After a Drunk Driving Accident in Hazleton?
Recovering compensation after a drunk driving accident in Hazleton typically begins with filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. Pennsylvania follows a choice no-fault system, which means your own insurance may cover initial medical expenses depending on your policy, but serious injuries allow you to step outside those limits and pursue a liability claim against the impaired driver.
Munley Law’s Hazleton personal injury attorneys gather evidence, including police reports, Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) results, witness statements, and medical records, to establish negligence and build a strong case for full compensation.
In many cases, recovery loss does not stop with the driver. We also investigate whether additional parties – such as bars, restaurants, or social hosts – may share liability under Pennsylvania’s dram shop or social host laws.
By identifying every available source of compensation and working with medical and financial experts, we pursue damages that reflect the true impact of your injuries, including long-term care, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
What Is the Difference Between Criminal and Civil DUI Cases in Pennsylvania?
It is important to understand the distinction between criminal charges and civil charges when it comes to drunk driving injuries. If the person who caused your drunk driving accident received criminal charges, that does not automatically mean you will be compensated. You will still need to seek remedies in civil court.
However, this does mean that if the drunk driver in question is not charged with a DUI in criminal court, you still have the right to sue for damages in civil court. Criminal and civil injury cases operate under different rules and proof requirements. Juries in civil court will often rule in favor of the injured party when there is solid evidence.
What Are Pennsylvania’s DUI Laws and BAC Limits?
All states consider a BAC of 0.08% as the legal limit for a DUI conviction. A person with a BAC above 0.08% will experience coordination problems, impaired object and speed perception, and visual function issues.
Pennsylvania operates under penalty tiers dependent on a drunk driver’s BAC, with adjusted penalties for BACs of 0.08, 0.10, and 0.16 or higher.
Underage drivers are subjected to a lower DUI threshold than adult drivers. In addition, commercial truck drivers cannot have a BAC higher than 0.04% within two hours of driving.
Any driver operating a car, motorcycle, bicycle, boat, or even a moped or lawn mower can be subjected to a sobriety test if an officer has reasonable suspicion that someone is intoxicated. A police officer may also issue a breathalyzer test to confirm levels of intoxication before or after an accident.
What Compensation Can Drunk Driving Accident Victims Recover in Hazleton, PA?
If you were the victim in a car crash related to the intoxication of another, you have the right to seek legal representation to recover compensation.
You may be able to seek compensation for:
- Medical bills – You are likely facing high medical costs for your immediate recovery, and may need compensation for potential future bills
- Lost wages – Your injuries likely prevented you from working to your full capacity, resulting in lost compensation
- Personal care and recovery costs – Car accidents can cause whiplash, concussions, and other injuries requiring physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress – Your injuries likely lead to incredible pain, and the accident itself may have been a traumatic experience
- Loss of Life Enjoyment – If the accident was severe, your injuries may have resulted in a loss of enjoyment in your day-to-day activities
- Wrongful death – If your loved one died in an accident related to a drunk driver, you can recover compensation for loss of companionship
If the accident resulted in catastrophic injuries, you may be able to seek compensation for loss of future earning potential and lifelong disability care. An experienced drunk driving injury lawyer can work with economic experts to calculate the total compensation you need for these lifelong losses.
What Do Recent Drunk Driving Statistics Show in Pennsylvania and Nationwide?
Drunk driving remains a leading cause of fatal crashes in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 11,904 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes in 2024. This translates to an average of 32 people dying every day from drunk driving-related crashes in the United States, or an average of one death every 44 minutes from drunk or impaired driving.
In the same year, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) recorded 7,576 crashes caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol; these preventable accidents claimed 128 lives in 2024.
Other drunk driving statistics reveal:
- About one in three traffic deaths nationwide involves a drunk driver.
- Most drunk drivers in these accidents were under age 30, with many being underage drivers.
- On average, three out of four drunk drivers are male.
- Between 2020 and 2024, there were 44 alcohol-related traffic fatalities in Luzerne County.
What Should You Do Immediately After a Drunk Driving Accident in Hazleton?
The moments after a drunk driving accident can be incredibly stressful for an injured person. However, it is important to remember to take the following steps to protect your rights to compensation.
- Call and report the accident to the police
- Seek medical attention, even if you do not feel like you were injured
- Refuse to give a recorded statement until you meet with an attorney
- Call a lawyer with experience in drunk driving crashes
- Work with your attorney to gather evidence such as photos, witness information, and medical reports
Taking these steps can help you keep control of the case in your hands and those of your attorney. Keeping these steps in mind can make all the difference in getting full compensation in your drunk driving injury case.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Drunk Driving Accident in Pennsylvania?
In criminal court, law enforcement can file charges against a drunk driver. These charges will vary depending on the circumstances of the accident, and will often be more severe if the driver caused severe injuries or the death of another. A first-time offender will be fined, while a repeat offender may end up losing their license.
Even if criminal charges stick against the person who caused your injuries, you will still need to file for injury compensation separately. A drunk driving lawyer can help you proceed through this process.
While liability in both a criminal and civil drunk driving case nearly always rests solely on the drunk driver, in some cases, additional parties may be liable. Bartenders and other commercial workers who served alcohol to the drunk driver can also be at fault. Even non-commercial hosts may also share liability.
Can Bars, Restaurants, or Hosts Be Held Liable for DUI Accidents?
When it comes to holding someone, in addition to the drunk driver, accountable for an accident, two types of liability can come into play:
- Dram Shop Liability – Holds commercial alcohol sellers liable for damages caused by a drunk driver they have served
- Social Host Liability – Holds private individuals who served a drunk driver alcohol in a non-commercial context liable for damage
How Do Dram Shop and Social Host Liability Laws Work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania is one of 31 states with active social host liability laws, and one of 42 states that have enacted dram shop liability laws. This means that you may be able to seek compensation from hosts, bartenders, and restaurant staff for your injuries caused by a drunk driver. A drunk driving lawyer can investigate your case to determine all liable parties.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Accident Claims in Hazleton
How Long Do I Have to File a Drunk Driving Accident Claim in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to pursue compensation entirely. Certain exceptions may apply, such as cases involving minors or delayed discovery of injuries.
It’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing deadlines and preserving evidence early.
Can I Still Recover Compensation If the Drunk Driver Was Not Convicted?
Yes, you can still recover compensation in a drunk driving accident even if the driver was not convicted. Civil cases are separate from criminal proceedings, and the burden of proof is lower. Even if the driver is not convicted of a DUI, you can still pursue compensation for your injuries. A skilled attorney can use evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and expert analysis to build your case.
Are Punitive Damages Available in Drunk Driving Cases?
Yes. Punitive damages may be awarded in drunk driving cases because the behavior is considered especially reckless. These damages are meant to punish the at-fault driver and deter similar conduct. Not every case qualifies, but an experienced attorney can determine whether punitive damages may apply to your situation.
Can I Sue a Bar or Restaurant That Served the Drunk Driver?
Yes, under Pennsylvania’s dram shop laws, alcohol-serving establishments may be held liable for a drunk driving accident if they served a visibly intoxicated person who later caused an accident. These cases require detailed investigation, surveillance footage, and witness testimony.
What If I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover compensation for a drunk driving accident if you were less than 51% at fault for the crash. However, your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault, making strong legal representation essential.
What Should I Avoid Doing After a Drunk Driving Accident?
After a drunk driving accident, avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies without legal advice, as they may use your words against you. Do not post about the accident on social media, as this can harm your claim. It’s also important not to delay medical treatment, as gaps in care can weaken your case.
Contact Munley Law’s Hazleton Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Today
Time is critical after a drunk driving accident. Evidence can disappear, witnesses may become harder to locate, and Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations limits how long you have to file a claim. Acting quickly allows us to preserve key evidence and build a stronger case.
At Munley Law, we bring nearly 70 years of experience representing injury victims. Our attorneys have held leadership positions in national trial lawyer organizations, contributed to legal education, and earned recognition for record-setting verdicts and settlements. We have recovered multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts for clients, including those involved in catastrophic crashes with impaired drivers.
When you work with us, you get a team that prepares every case for trial and fights for maximum compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation; we are available to speak to you about your case 24/7.
Marion Munley
Marion Munley has been a practicing auto accident lawyer for nearly 40 years. During her career, she has helped clients across auto accident cases, winning multi-million dollar settlements for auto accident victims. Notable verdicts include a $17.5 million jury verdict for a teen death caused by a car accident, and a $1.9 million settlement for a family hit by a 16-year-old driver. Marion has also advocated for motor vehicle victims through speaking engagements such as “Pennsylvania Practice Program: Auto and Trucking Cases” and “Collision Investigation and Reconstruction in Motor Vehicle Cases”. Marion is also to become triple board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, alongside this, she is currently serving as Vice President of the American Association for Justice.
Reviewed by Bernadine Munley, Esq., Personal Injury Attorney at Munley Law, on June 2, 2026.
Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys
197 N Cedar St.
Hazleton, PA 18201
(570) 536-9498
