Drunk driving places innocent lives at risk every single day. Despite years of public awareness campaigns and severe legal penalties, it remains a leading cause of car accidents across Pennsylvania. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, nearly 30% of all traffic fatalities in the state involve alcohol-impaired drivers, and thousands more suffer devastating injuries each year in DUI-related collisions.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, you have the right to seek justice and pursue compensation. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, P.C., our experienced Pittsburgh drunk driving accident attorneys are here to guide you through this difficult time.
Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving crashes often involve high speeds, head-on collisions, or T-bone impacts, leading to severe or catastrophic injuries. Victims may suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and internal bleeding
- Whiplash and other soft-tissue injuries
- Severe burns or lacerations
- Emotional trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
These injuries can require months, or even years of recovery. A knowledgeable Pennsylvania drunk driving accident lawyer can help you pursue full compensation for your medical costs, future treatment needs, and emotional harm.
Recognizing the Signs of Drunk Driving
Alcohol impairs a driver's ability to make quick decisions and respond to road conditions. Drunk driving can be identified through several warning signs. Common indicators include but are not limited to:
- Swerving or weaving across lanes
- Driving unusually fast or slow
- Ignoring traffic signals or signs
- Crossing the centerline or median
- Aggressive or reckless driving
- Failing to turn on headlights at night
- Honking or erratic behavior behind the wheel
Passengers should also remain vigilant. If the person driving you appears intoxicated, do not get into the vehicle. Courts may view your decision to ride with an impaired driver as partially responsible for your injuries in an accident.
Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident
If you're involved in a drunk driving accident, the aftermath can be overwhelming. It’s crucial to stay calm and follow these steps to protect your rights:
- Ensure Safety: Move yourself and others to a safe location, away from traffic, if possible.
- Call for Help: Contact the police and emergency medical services immediately.
- Gather Information: Collect the drunk driver’s name, contact details, license plate number, vehicle description, and insurance information.
- Document the Scene: Take photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. These can serve as vital evidence.
- Speak with Witnesses: Obtain contact information and statements from anyone who saw the accident occur.
- Avoid Confrontation: While it’s natural to feel anger toward the at-fault driver, remain calm and avoid escalating the situation.
The police will likely conduct a BAC test on the suspected drunk driver. This is an essential piece of evidence that can support your claim.
Understanding DUI Penalties in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania takes driving under the influence (DUI) very seriously. The state prohibits anyone from operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
Penalties for DUI offenses escalate based on the driver’s BAC level:
- BAC between 0.08% and 0.10%: Fines, driver’s license suspension, and possible probation.
- BAC between 0.10% and 0.16%: Increased fines, longer suspensions, mandatory alcohol treatment programs, and potential jail time.
- BAC 0.16% or higher: The most severe penalties, including extended jail sentences, higher fines, and lengthy license suspensions.
For drunk drivers who cause accidents, the stakes are even higher. Victims have the right to file claims or lawsuits against at-fault drivers to recover damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering. Our attorneys have the experience to ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to after such a traumatic event.
Pennsylvania’s Dram Shop Law Explained
Under Pennsylvania law, responsibility for a drunk driving accident may extend beyond the driver. Thanks to Pennsylvania’s Dram Shop Law, establishments that serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals can be held liable for damages caused by those individuals in accidents.
This means if the at-fault driver was served alcohol at a bar, restaurant, or nightclub while visibly impaired, you may be able to file a claim against that establishment. For the Dram Shop Law to apply, the establishment must hold a valid liquor license, and you must prove the driver was visibly intoxicated when served.
Social hosts, on the other hand, are generally not held liable for serving alcohol to adults who later cause accidents. However, if alcohol is served to minors, the host may be held responsible for resulting damages.
Understanding who can be held liable in your case is critical. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling Dram Shop claims and will thoroughly investigate all sources of liability to maximize your compensation.
Why You Need a Pittsburgh Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
Navigating a DUI accident claim can be complex. Between dealing with insurance companies, gathering evidence, and determining liability, the process is often overwhelming, especially for someone recovering from injuries.
Here’s how our dedicated attorneys can help:
- Comprehensive Case Evaluation: We will assess the details of your accident and advise you on your legal options.
- Expert Investigation: Our team will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with experts to build a strong case.
- Maximizing Compensation: We fight to recover all damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, emotional suffering, and punitive damages.
- Personalized Guidance: Every case is unique, and we’re committed to providing tailored solutions that meet your needs.
At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, P.C., we are passionate about holding negligent drivers and establishments accountable for the harm they cause.
DUI Accident Victim? Get Legal Help Now
Drunk driving accidents are entirely preventable, yet their impact can last a lifetime. If you or someone you love has been injured—or worse—in a DUI-related crash, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Our skilled Pittsburgh drunk driving accident attorneys are here to provide the support you need to take action.
Contact us online or by phone at (412) 391-7610 to schedule a free consultation. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, P.C., we are ready to advocate for your rights and help your family move forward. Together, we can pursue justice and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
Frequently Asked Questions
If the at-fault driver was drunk but claims otherwise, what evidence matters?
Evidence such as police reports, field sobriety tests, BAC test results, witness statements, and surveillance footage can all demonstrate impairment. We work with investigators and forensic experts to establish the truth and hold the driver accountable.
What if I was partially at fault?
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You may still recover compensation if you were less than 51% responsible for the crash, though your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Our attorneys fight to minimize any allegations of shared responsibility against you.
Can I sue a bar or restaurant for overserving the drunk driver?
Yes. Under Pennsylvania’s Dram Shop Law, alcohol-serving establishments can be held liable if they provided alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated. Our team investigates where the driver consumed alcohol and whether the server or bartender acted negligently.
How long do I have to file a claim?
You generally have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania. It’s best to consult an attorney as soon as possible to ensure evidence is protected and deadlines are met.
