Any responsible motorist knows not to drink and drive. Still, even careful drivers can be harmed in accidents resulting from drunk driving when they are sharing the road with motorists who choose to get behind the wheel when they have too much alcohol in their systems. 

There are certain steps you can take to avoid being injured in a motor vehicle accident involving a drunk driver. They include the following:

Recognize the Signs of Drunk Driving

Be on the lookout for behaviors that indicate someone is intoxicated when observing other motorists. Specific warning signs to be aware of include:

• Weaving or failing to properly maintain one’s lane
• Speeding
• Driving too slowly
• Failing to turn on headlights in low-light conditions
• Honking for no apparent reason
• Tailgating
• Generally engaging in reckless driving behaviors

If you notice any of these behaviors or actions in another motorist, avoid them on the road. If this means pulling over for a few minutes until you know they are no longer in your vicinity, do so. Adding a few extra minutes to your trip is a small price to pay to avoid a major accident.

Avoid Driving During Dangerous Times

On an average day, most drunk driving arrests and accidents occur between the hours of midnight and 3:00 AM. This is to be expected. At this time of night, people who have been out at bars, parties, or other settings where they could have had several drinks may be returning home. Thus, it makes sense that there would be more intoxicated drivers on the road during these hours.

To the best of your ability, avoid driving during this time. Be aware that this is also a time of day when many drivers might be sleep-deprived. According to the CDC, driving without proper rest can be as dangerous as drunk driving.

Avoid Driving During Certain Times of Year

You can’t keep off the road all the time simply because you may be sharing it with intoxicated motorists. However, depending on where you happen to live or work and what time of year it happens to be, there may be instances when you can justify limiting your driving for a day or two until the roads become safer.

For example, on certain major holidays associated with drinking, it’s best to stay home or rely on public transportation if possible. The same goes for times of the year when reckless young motorists without much driving experience might drink and drive. An example might be right after high school graduation or on a prom night. Studies have linked these times of the year with high rates of drunk driving accidents.

Contact a Pittsburgh DUI Accident Attorney Today

Following these tips can potentially reduce your chances of being involved in an accident resulting from the negligence of an intoxicated driver. That said, you should not have to adjust all your driving habits and choices simply because others make poor decisions. More importantly, if you are injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you should not be required to cover your own medical bills or other such losses.

Contact a Pittsburgh drunk driving accident attorney at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman if you have been injured because another motorist was drunk. We will help you pursue any compensation for which you may be eligible. Learn more about how we can help by contacting us online or calling us today at 888-98-TWINS(89467) to schedule your free consultation.

Whether you are heading to the grocery store to pick up food for the weekend barbeque or on your way back from picking up the kids from school, you want the road to be a safe place. A DUI accident, someone injuring you, your property, and your loved ones can be a traumatic and life-altering event.

In January of 2020, here in Pittsburgh, Shawna Carapella had a blood alcohol content over twice the legal limit injuring Nathan Edwards with a torn aorta, a lacerated liver, and a broken femur. This is a long road to recovery for Mr. Edwards, but what resources can Mr. Edwards depend on through this crippling injury?

At SS&F Law Firm we have dedicated Pittsburgh DUI accident lawyers waiting to hear your story and help you with your case. A DUI accident can cause families and loved ones great difficulty and we are here to help. Please schedule a free consultation today.

DUI Statistics And Their Impact On You

Statistics that people rarely talk about is that DUI’s are 100% avoidable if the driver is a responsible person, understanding the ramifications that getting behind the wheel while intoxicated can have. Also, having alcohol servers that do not serve those who are clearly intoxicated.

Technology such as unreliable personal breathalyzers has also put more people at risk. Even the legalities of DUI checkpoints have been put into question and challenged in the PA Supreme Court.

As people have become more knowledgeable about the impact of DUIs, it would be expected these accidents would decrease year after year—this is not the case. In 2017, there were 280 fatal crashes involving alcohol, and in 2018, there were 307. And on an average day, a total of 27 DUI crashes occurred in Pennsylvania, resulting in 6,227 physical injuries.

This does not include ongoing suffering and damage to the individual, such as:

• Loss of income
• Loss of property
• Insurance costs increasing
• Loss of physical mobility
• Ongoing health issues, including psychological issues
• Death

Not only can the driver be found responsible, but according to the Dram Shop Law in Pennsylvania, those who serve someone who is clearly intoxicated may be sued for financial damages by the victims of the person they allowed to become intoxicated.

A thorough investigation by legal counsel may aid in finding the individuals responsible for this terrible tragedy. But who should you turn to?

Why Is SS&F Your Choice For A Dui Accident Claim?

Our Pittsburgh DUI accident attorney from Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman know that the pain caused by a DUI accident can cause great physical distress, but also emotional and financial stress as well. Understanding your options and the legal procedures to start to become whole is the last thing that should be on your mind.

You can be assured that by contacting SS&F you will have a Pittsburgh DUI accident attorney that will not only investigate all that is possibly responsible but get you the compensation for you and your family to start your recovery. Let us help you determine how much you can recover. Please schedule a free consultation today by clicking here or calling at 888-98-TWINS(89467).

There are plenty of dangers on the roadway. Regardless of how safely you operate, you cannot always predict the actions of other drivers around you. One Pittsburgh police office learned that recently when he was struck by a wrong-way driver on the North Side.

At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, our knowledgeable and experienced team is ready to help if you or a loved one are injured due to the careless or negligent actions of another driver. Let our Pittsburgh DUI accident attorneys get to work on your behalf.

What happened in this Pittsburg incident?

Earlier in November, Nicholas Najeski was driving the wrong way down Jacksonia Street. That was when he slammed head-on into a Pittsburgh police vehicle.

Police say that Najeski tried to escape in his vehicle but was quickly apprehended. According to the criminal complaint against him, Najeski has red and blood-shot eyes and smelled of alcohol. Police say they also found a marijuana pipe on him. Najeski was also driving under a suspended license.

The police officer who was struck by Najeski was taken to the hospital due to a neck injury as a result of the crash.

Nicholas Najeski is facing a range of charges, including DUI, an accident involving damage to a vehicle, as well as illegally operating a vehicle without an ignition interlock device. This signifies that he has recently been arrested and convicted of a DUI charge.

These incidents can lead to serious harm

We are grateful that nobody was killed due to the negligent actions of this driver. According to the Pennsylvania DOT, there were around 128,000 total traffic crashes during the latest reporting year in the commonwealth. Out of those, more than 80,000 people were injured, and 1,127 people lost their lives.

If we look more closely at the statistics provided by the DOT, we can see that alcohol-impaired drivers pose a significant risk to everyone on the roadway. During that same year, there were more than 10,000 total injuries as a result of alcohol-related crashes, and 26% of all traffic fatalities were the result of a drunk driver’s actions.

Alcohol- and drug-impaired crashes often involve serious injuries, including:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken and dislocated bones
• Loss of or damage to a bodily organ
• Dismemberment or amputation
• Significant disfigurement

Let us help you through this

If you or someone you care about has been injured due to the actions of an impaired driver, you should seek legal assistance today. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, we believe that negligent and careless drivers should be held accountable for their actions. Our attorneys will work to secure the compensation you deserve, including:

• Coverage of your medical bills
• Compensation for lost income if you cannot work
• Mental anguish damages
• Loss of enjoyment of life damages
• Possible punitive damages against the impaired driver

If you need a Pittsburgh DUI accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 888-988-9467.

Drinking and driving often lead to devastating crashes and catastrophic injuries. A recent crash in nearby Lawrence County shows just how serious these incidents can be. A woman is facing charges in a crash that seriously injured two sisters at the end of August. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, our Pittsburgh DUI accident lawyers are ready to help if you or a loved one are injured due to the actions of a drunk driver. Let us secure the compensation you deserve.

What happened in this DUI crash?

On Aug. 30, in Scott Township, two teenage sisters were struck by a vehicle driven by Leah Piccione. The crash was so severe that both sisters were flown to a hospital in Pittsburgh for treatment of their injuries. Police say that they smelled alcohol on Piccione’s breath while she was in the ambulance being treated for her injuries.

Nearly a month after the crash, they charged Piccione with aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI and reckless endangerment.

DUI accidents often lead to devastating injuries

While most people understand that drinking and driving can lead to serious injuries, these incidents still happen all too often. During the latest reporting year in Pennsylvania, the DOT says that there were more than 128,000 total traffic crashes. Out of those incidents:

• More than 80,000 people were injured
• 1,127 people lost their lives

When we look closer at these numbers, we can see that there were 10,346 total injuries caused by alcohol-related crashes. Overall, 26% of the total traffic fatalities in PA’s latest reporting year were the result of drunk driving.

Drunk drivers often operate at high speeds and, in many cases, fail to slow down before they impact another vehicle. Because of this, it is not uncommon for our Pittsburgh DUI accident attorneys to help clients with the following injuries:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken and dislocated bones
• Loss of or damage to a bodily organ
• Dismemberment or amputation
• Significant disfigurement
• Other injuries that inhibit a person’s daily activities

Victims of these crashes are often left with tremendous medical bills and need ongoing care. In cases of disability, they may not be able to return to work and could lose the income they need to support themselves and their families.

How can we get your case moving forward?

If you or a loved one have been injured in a crash that was caused by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to significant compensation. The team at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman is ready to step in and help you get through this. We will thoroughly investigate what happened as we work to secure compensation for all of your accident-related expenses. This can include:

• Coverage of your medical bills (current and future)
• Compensation for lost income if you cannot work
• Mental anguish damages
• Loss of enjoyment of life damages
• Possible punitive damages against the drunk driver

When you need a Pittsburgh DUI accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 888-98-TWINS(89467).

Drinking and driving are so out of the norm these days. With the convenience of rideshare apps and education on drinking and driving, it is a wonder that people are still so adamant to drink and drive. Our Pittsburgh DUI Accident Attorneys at Shenderovich, Shenderovich, and Fishman understand that addiction plays a role in DUI accidents; however, there are still too many options for anyone either casual or an addict to continue using a personal vehicle when drinking.

Every state has the law that states that it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content of .08. We understand that when someone who is 100 lbs drinks a mixed drink it is not the same as someone who drinks the mixed drink and is 200 lbs. We also understand that food and hydration make an impact on blood alcohol content levels too. However, regardless of how many drinks you are used to having, drunk driving starts with the first sip of alcohol. You may know your body, but you may not know your drinks. Just because you like the bartender doesn’t mean they are making consistent drinks. You could be drinking stronger drinks than what you are accustomed to. If that is the case then you may find yourself engaging in negligence behavior that has deathly consequences.

For Example

Our legal system can only do so much. People who have been caught with a DUI before are given punishments such as fines and suspended licenses. That doesn’t prevent them from getting in a car anyway. It doesn’t prevent them from getting in a car when they get their license back. However, punishment can only go so far. It is up to the person to change their behavior. That doesn’t happen often enough and it didn’t apply to Timothy Maitland who was charged with another DUI as well as endangering a child.

Maitland was driving with his 3-year old son in the front seat when he ran into a pole and then drove home. He already had a prior DUI charge, but Pennsylvania is one of four states that categorizes DUIs as misdemeanors and not felonies. The state is hoping to change that with the introduction of Senate Bill 961. This bill would increase the penalty for DUI drivers to a felony on the 4th DUI or their 3rd if their BAC is twice the legal limit. No matter how many laws are put in place, it doesn’t erase the lives lost or hurt by DUI accidents.

What To Do

If you or someone you love is suffering from an injury due to a DUI accident then you need to seek legal assistance. Our DUI Accident Attorneys are well versed and skilled in leading cases such as this. We have the ability to ensure that you are getting the compensation you deserve for the damages you sustained. Don’t let the drunk drivers get off so easy. Call 888-98-TWINS(89467) or click here to schedule a free consultation with our professional attorneys at Shenderovich, Shenderovich, and Fishman today.

In a case that has been ongoing for over five years, a state appeals court has ruled that a construction company cannot be held liable for a death caused by a DUI involving crash of one of their trucks.

In November of 2013, Jeffrey Moser struck and killed Melissa Ann Huff while he was impaired behind the wheel of an Acumen Contracting, Inc. vehicle. Huff and her boyfriend were loading a deer into their truck near the side of the roadway. Moser was not on the clock for the company at the time of the crash. The Huff family had filed a lawsuit against the company seeking compensation for the death. An appeals court ruled that the company could not be held liable because it had specifically forbidden Moser from driving any of its vehicles.

At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, we recognize that DUI cases can become complex, regardless of whether or not company vehicles are involved. If you need a Pittsburgh DUI accident attorney, please call us today so we can get to work on securing compensation for all of your expenses.

What Happens?

In the case above, Moser had a history of DUI convictions. He was originally charged with third-degree murder in the death of Huff and eventually pleaded guilty to homicide by vehicle with DUI. He was sentenced to prison for 11 to 25 years.

Drunk driving crashes are much deadlier than any other type of crash. In Pennsylvania, DUI crashes were responsible for 26% of the total vehicle crash fatalities during the latest reporting year. DUI crashes in Pennsylvania caused:

• 293 fatalities
• 10,346 injuries

When a person makes the choice to get behind the wheel while impaired by drugs or alcohol, they put everyone around them in danger. This includes their passengers, other vehicles, and their passengers, as well as pedestrians in or around the roadway. These accidents tend to be much worse than typical accidents due to impaired drivers operating at high rates of speed and rarely slowing down before a collision.

Law enforcement takes a tough stance towards impaired driving, but they cannot catch everyone. When accidents do happen, the people responsible need to be held accountable for their actions both criminally and civilly. If a company vehicle is involved, as was the case in Huff’s death, the company may also be liable for injuries or for wrongful death.

What Happens Now?

If you or a loved one have been involved in a DUI crash and have no idea where to turn, you can count on the team at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman to be by your side. We will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve for all of your accident-related expenses. This can include:

• Coverage for medical bills
• Loss of income and benefits
• Pain and suffering damages
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Punitive damages

When you need a Pittsburgh DUI accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by calling at 888-98-TWINS(89467).