Pennsylvania Drunk Driving Accident Victim Attorneys

Motorists who drive drunk are not only breaking the law and putting themselves at risk, but more importantly they are putting the lives of other people on the roadway at risk - be it other drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists or pedestrians. If you or someone you love has been injured by a drunk driver, you are entitled to receive compensation for your injuries, loss and damages. It would be in your best interest to contact a personal injury lawyer, who will financially pursue the negligent party and secure the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Each year thousands of people die in the United States in alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), close to 18,000 people die each year in auto accidents, which involve an intoxicated driver. Thousands more are injured and the cumulative cost of these accidents is overwhelming - more than $100 billion in monetary and quality of life losses.

It is against the law in the State of Pennsylvania to drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs - whether they are recreational, prescription or over-the-counter drugs. It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle in Pennsylvania with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher. If the DUI accident involves injuries or fatalities, the driver will face criminal charges such as felony drunk driving, vehicular manslaughter or even murder, if the motorist has had prior serious felony DUI convictions. But in addition to these criminal charges, drunk drivers may also incur civil penalties for any property damage or personal injury they cause as a result of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Under the common law, DUI accident victims or DUI hit-and-run victims or affected families can bring negligence or wrongful death claims against a drunk driver. Plaintiffs in these cases must prove that the driver owed a duty to others to operate the vehicle safely; that the driver breached that duty; that that breach of duty caused injury to the plaintiff; and the plaintiff suffered compensable damages. In some states and jurisdictions, driving while intoxicated by itself is considered "negligence per se." This means that the very act that the driver was drunk is enough to prove that the driver breached his or her duty to the plaintiff. However, in these cases, the plaintiff must still prove that the drunk driver caused the injuries.

There may also be third-party liability in drunk driving injury cases, which means that the drunk driver may not be the only one liable for injuries caused. Those who provided the alcohol or an employer for whom the drunk driver was working or running an errand for, may also be held liable for the accident and the injuries.

In conclusion, holding a drunk driver responsible may not be as simple and straightforward as it sounds. There are many nuances and complications in the law that could make the process way too complicated. An experienced Philadelphia DUI crash victim attorney can help determine the negligent and liable parties and help you build your case.

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