Wilkes-Barre Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

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A Wilkes-Barre Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Will Get You the Justice You Deserve

It's common knowledge that drinking and driving is both illegal and incredibly dangerous, but unfortunately, that doesn't stop it from happening. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries of any kind from a drunk driving accident in Wilkes-Barre, PA, you are very likely entitled to compensation. And while our Wilkes-Barre drunk driving accident attorneys can't undo the pain or the damage you've endured, we can stand on the frontlines of your fight for justice. We will work tirelessly to ensure that you are fairly compensated for what you've been through.

Don't wait: if you or a loved one has been in a serious car accident in Wilkes-Barre, particularly one involving an alcohol-impaired driver, reach out to a Wilkes-Barre car accident lawyer at Munley Law today. You are always entitled to a free case evaluation, and we are ready and waiting to take your call.

What Are the Legal Consequences of an Intoxicated Driving Accident in Wilkes-Barre?

Drunk driving is an illegal action in all 50 states, but the specific consequences of a DUI vary from state to state. For instance, some states require a DUI recipient to receive a minimum license suspension of an entire year, while others have lower suspension requirements or do not require a suspension at all. Minimum jail time for drunk drivers also varies from state to state.

But one thing that does not change is the danger every drunk driver causes, both to themselves and to all other drivers on the road. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in the U.S., 32 people a day die from car accidents that involve drunk driving. That's one death every 45 minutes.

In Pennsylvania, the laws regarding drunk drivers are fairly lax in comparison to some other states — if you have no prior DUI offenses, there is no minimum jail time and no requirement for a license suspension. The fine of being a drunk driver with no prior offenses is just $300.

However, if you've been the victim of a collision caused by an intoxicated driver, in Pennsylvania or anywhere else in the world, you know how vast the impact is. You may have medical expenses and lost wages to think about; you may have serious injuries that change the way you live day to day. An accident like this can alter someone's life forever.

Working with an experienced Wilkes-Barre personal injury lawyer gives you the best possible chance of securing fair compensation for all you've been through. You deserve both justice and compensation, and our Wilkes-Barre drunk driving accident attorneys are ready to help you fight for both. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.

What Are the Common Types of Car Accidents Caused by Drunk Driving?

In the United States, drunk driving is defined as operating a vehicle with a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) of 0.08% or greater. However, it's possible to cause an accident with a BAC below this legal limit. Even with a lower BAC, a driver may still be impaired by alcohol, causing their reaction times to slow and their judgment to weaken, all of which makes them a danger on the road. In fact, in Pennsylvania, it's still possible to be convicted of a DUI with a BAC below the legal limit.

Any auto accident can be a drunk driving accident. Some of the accidents most likely to occur if a driver is under the influence are:

• Rear-end accidents: A rear-end accident occurs when the front of one vehicle collides with the rear of another. It's common for a drunk driver to rear-end someone in front of the, given that alcohol slows reaction time, and they may not step on the brakes fast enough to prevent a collision.
• Motorcycle accidents: Any time a motorcyclist crashes with a motor vehicle, the motorcyclist is far more likely than the driver to be seriously injured. These odds only increase when the driver is intoxicated.
• Head-on collisions: As the name implies, a head-on collision occurs when the fronts of two vehicles collide. This may occur if an intoxicated driver has trouble staying alert and swerves into oncoming traffic.
• Wrong-way wrecks: A drunk driver is far more likely than a sober driver to turn onto a street or enter a freeway going the wrong direction.

Can a Wilkes-Barre Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Help With a DUI Civil Case?

If you get into a drunk driving accident in Wilkes-Barre and are injured, you have the right to sue for compensation with the help of a Wilkes-Barre drunk driving accident attorney. But remember, there are two types of DUI cases — criminal and civil.

Generally, civil cases involve a dispute between people or entities, whereas criminal cases involve an actual violation of the law. For instance, something like a slip and fall case would be a civil case; one person is alleging that another person's negligence led to them falling and being injured. Alternatively, something like a robbery or a violent crime would be tried as a criminal case; in these cases, a violation of the law occurred or is alleged to have occurred.

A case regarding a car crash caused by a drunk driver can, in fact, be both a civil and criminal case. Driving drunk is a violation of the law in every state in the US, which means it is a criminal offense. The criminal aspect of this case would be the state taking legal action against the drunk driver for breaking the law.

However, a DUI case can also be a civil case if the victim wants to file a lawsuit against the negligent driver. In cases that involve a criminal offense, the state will generally move forward with legal action no matter what. But it's up to car accident victims to decide for themselves whether or not they want to file a civil suit.

Oftentimes, filing a civil suit after a motor vehicle accident is the best or only way for the victim to receive the compensation they need and deserve. Even if both parties are insured, in a serious accident, the damage may be so extensive that insurance coverage simply isn't enough.

How Do I Choose a Wilkes-Barre Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me?

The aftermath of any car accident can be an incredibly painful and overwhelming time. You may be physically recovering from injuries. You may be facing a mountain of medical bills. You may be experiencing some emotional aftermath, in the form of anxiety, PTSD, or depression, all of which are common among people who have survived a car accident.

In the midst of all of this, the prospect of selecting a lawyer can certainly feel stressful. However, it is an important step in ensuring you have the best chance at securing both justice and compensation. What's more, knowing what to ask and what to look for in a Wilkes-Barre car accident lawyer can streamline the process and get you connected with the right person more easily. Below are some questions to ask a potential lawyer before deciding to work with them:

• Does your firm have experience representing drunk-driving crash victims?
• Does your law firm have experience negotiating and litigating fatal car crashes?
• Do you have the time and resources to represent my personal injury case?
• How do I pay you for your legal representation?
• Do your peers and clients respect you?
• Do you have a successful track record with these kinds of cases?
• Will I be able to get in touch with you easily and frequently if I decide to work with you?
• How much say will I have in the decision-making around my case?

All of these questions are important to have answered before you decide to begin a relationship with an attorney. These cases can be complex, and you want to ensure your attorney has specific and extensive experience in this field.

At Munley Law, you are always entitled to a free initial case evaluation before moving forward; what's more, you never pay us a dime unless you win. Don't hesitate to reach out at any time. We are ready and waiting to take your call.

What Can a DUI Accident Lawyer in Wilkes-Barre, PA Do For My Case?

One of the best ways victims can set themselves up for success after drunk driving car accidents is to hire an experienced attorney. The process of seeking compensation can be complicated, but with a vital personal injury attorney at your side, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands. Some of how an attorney can assist you with your case include:

Deal With the Insurance Company

It's very common for insurance adjusters to contact victims of car accidents exceptionally soon after the collision. Often, an insurance adjuster may pressure you into making a recorded statement, admitting fault, or agreeing to a settlement on the spot. It's never wise to do any of these without legal counsel. Your car accident lawyer can manage all contact with the insurance company so you're not pressured or coerced into agreeing to anything.

Gather Evidence in Wilkes-Barre

You'll likely need a great deal of evidence to prove the other driver was at fault and that you're deserving of compensation. Your lawyer can take the lead on gathering all necessary evidence, including police reports, witness statements, records of the drunk driver's driving history, and more. All of this helps to strengthen your case.

Properly Value Your Case

When you file a civil suit, you ask the defendant for a specific amount of compensation based on the details of your case. An experienced attorney will know how to properly and accurately value your case, ensuring every last penny is accounted for. They'll look at things like medical expenses and lost wages but also go deeper. We at Munley Law know that the injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents are often more profound than just broken bones — they impact the victim's emotional and mental well-being as well, and this is deserving of compensation. They'll also look into the future and account for possible costs of the accident that haven't even been presented yet — for instance, will the victim need long-term care due to their injuries? Your lawyer will take all of this into account.

Negotiate a Settlement

In an ideal case, the defendant would agree to the first settlement number the plaintiff proposes. However, it's very common for the defendant and their legal team to counter with an offer of their own. If you haven't dealt with motor vehicle accident cases before, it can be difficult to know what a fair offer looks like. Your personal injury lawyer will ensure that you never accept an offer that's lower than you deserve and will spearhead the negotiation process until successful.

Defend You in Court If Needed

Most cases involving car collisions can reach a settlement agreement without trial. However, going to trial is always possible, and you want to ensure your lawyer has not just settlement negotiation experience but real trial experience. At Munley Law, all of our personal injury lawyers have both and can defend and protect you in court if that becomes necessary.

Why Choose a Wilkes-Barre Car Accident Lawyer at Munley Law?

Pennsylvania accident victims have many options when choosing a legal team. But a few things set Munley Law apart from the rest.

We have the resources you need and deserve. At Munley Law, all of our lawyers are prepared to defend you in a trial if necessary and have the skills and experience to do so. We have access to world-class investigators, experts, medical professionals, technologists, and more, and we will never hesitate to invest these resources in you.

We have a stellar track record. Many law firms may claim they can win for you, but we have the success to prove it. For more information on how we've helped clients secure record-breaking settlements, visit our Client Victories page.

We're a family. Munley Law began as a family practice, and the importance of family has remained a core tenet ever since. When you work with us, you're not just a number or one in a sea of clients. You are an individual, a member of the team. We will fight tirelessly for you and treat you with the compassion and kindness you deserve. At Munley Law, you will never fall through the cracks–personalized attention is guaranteed.

Schedule a Free Consultation With our Wilkes-Barre Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today

If you were involved in a car accident with a drunk driver or any other reckless driver in the Wilkes-Barre area, the car accident lawyers at Munley Law are ready to help. We understand how difficult of a time it is for you, and we're ready to fight for your rights. Schedule a free consultation with our Wilkes-Barre office today. There is no fee until we win your case.

Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys

1170 PA-315
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
(570) 399-0406