Reading is, unfortunately, not immune to the nationwide issue of drunk driving. Despite stringent laws and ongoing awareness campaigns, driving drunk is still a pressing issue. At any time, you can become the victim of a car accident as a result of a reckless drunk driver.
If you or a loved one were injured in a car crash perpetrated by a drunk driver, obtaining justice can feel overwhelming. You may be grappling with severe injuries, trauma, and skyrocketing medical bills. However, you don’t have to face these challenges alone. Hiring a proficient drunk driving injury lawyer in Reading, PA is essential to recovering compensation in your case.
An experienced drunk driving injury lawyer from Munley Law can provide the legal expertise and support you need. With over six decades of proven experience, we can help navigate the complex legal system and protect your legal rights.
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Understanding Drunk Driving Accidents in Reading, PA
Pennsylvania has a significant number of drunk driving accidents each year. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, nearly 45 thousand DUI arrests were made in 2021, an increase from last year. That same year, there were 9,380 alcohol-related crashes, resulting in 280 deaths.
While alcohol-related crashes made up only 8% of all car accidents in 2021, these types of accidents represented 25% of all fatal crashes. The vast majority of these accidents were on weekend nights. Most perpetrators of drunk driving accidents in Pennsylvania are between the ages of 26 to 30.
Pennsylvania has a zero-tolerance law for underage DUIs, those committed by those under the age of 21. However, this age group still represents a disturbingly high amount of drivers in car accidents relating to drunk driving. In 2021, underage offenders represented 18% of all driver fatalities in car accidents.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident
Being injured in any type of car accident can be traumatic. However, it is important to take certain key steps in the immediate aftermath of your accident. Taking these important steps can help preserve the validity of your personal injury claim.
Report the Accident
Reporting the accident to the police is a legal requirement. Additionally, involving the police means a police report must be filed, which can be a crucial piece of evidence if you seek legal recourse. Ensure you obtain a copy of any police report made at the scene to give to your personal injury attorney.
Gather Evidence
You will want to start gathering evidence for your case as soon as you are able. This may include taking pictures of the scene where the accident occurred, as well as your immediate injuries. Write notes of events and any noticeable details. Where possible, collect the contact information of any witnesses.
Seek Medical Attention
You may believe you made it out of the crash unscathed. However, even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. If you seek medical treatment as soon as possible after an accident, your doctor can document any injuries in the immediate aftermath. This documentation is vital to proving these injuries resulted directly from the car accident, a key factor in seeking compensation.
Reach Out to an Attorney
A Reading car accident attorney with experience in pursuing DUI cases can help ensure the other driver is held accountable for their actions. When you reach out to a lawyer after an accident, they can work with you to protect your best interests from the beginning. Your lawyer can ensure you get the fair compensation you are owed for your injuries.
Who Is Liable in a Drunk Driving Accident?
In Pennsylvania, if a driver is operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. that driver is almost always held liable in any resulting car accident claim. A driver has a duty to operate their vehicle safely, and driving under the influence is considered a breach of this duty through reckless driving.
However, Pennsylvania also follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that if you, as a victim, are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by the proportion of your fault. Some common driver errors cited for invoking the comparative negligence defense can include whether you were also intoxicated, texting while driving, speeding, or otherwise engaging in reckless or distracted driving.
Additionally, other parties besides the at-fault driver can be held liable. Under Pennsylvania’s Dram Shop laws, if a business serves alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person, and that person later causes an accident, that business can be considered among the liable parties. Similarly, social hosts who serve alcohol to minors can be held liable if the minor causes a drunk driving accident.
Proving legal liability is complex, and requires the attention of a dedicated attorney. A car accident lawyer at Munley Law can help you understand the nuances of Pennsylvania’s drunk driving laws and provide valuable information on the legal process. Our team of legal experts can gather evidence, negotiate with any involved insurance company, and represent you in court if necessary.
Damages Available for Victims of Drunk Drivers
Damages after a car crash are intended to help car accident victims recover losses resulting from the accident. Injured victims of drunk driving accidents can seek economic and non-economic monetary compensation for the actual damages suffered. Accident victims can also seek punitive damages in some cases.
Economic compensatory damages cover any quantifiable losses, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning potential
- Property damage
Further compensation can be awarded for provable expenses related to long-term disability or wrongful death.
Non-economic damages compensate any losses that cannot be assigned an exact dollar value, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Loss of life enjoyment
Punitive damages are sometimes in cases where a driver’s conduct was particularly reckless or negligent. These damages are intended to punish the drunk driver and deter similar behavior in the future.
Calculating your total damages owed can be complex, especially if you have a long-term disability affecting your future job prospects and medical treatment. At Munley Law, we have a thorough understanding of the legal system as it pertains to injury compensation. Our law firm also has extensive resources, allowing us to bring in financial experts to calculate your total projected damages owed for long-term injury treatment. We can use this powerful evidence to represent you in negotiations or, if necessary, in court.
Call Our Experienced Drunk Driving Attorneys at Munley Law Today
If you or a loved one has been a victim of an accident perpetrated by a drunk driver, it’s crucial to have experienced legal representation to navigate legal proceedings. That’s where the team at Munley Law can help you. Our Reading attorneys for drunk driving accidents are ready to put our legal expertise to work for you.
With over six decades of legal experience, Munley Law has a proven track record of success in representing victims of drunk driving accidents throughout Pennsylvania. Our attorneys have a deep understanding of Pennsylvania’s accident laws. We have helped countless clients secure the compensation they deserve.
We offer a free consultation to all potential clients, and you do not pay unless we win compensation for you. Our experienced lawyers can answer any legal questions you have and work with you to build your case.
Remember, time is of the essence in any car accident case. The sooner you reach out, the better we can work as your legal advocate. Let our experienced attorneys at Munley Law guide you through the process.
