Have you or a loved one been injured in a DUI accident in Carbondale, PA? If so, you may be eligible for payment that covers medical treatment, lost income, and emotional distress.
Luckily there’s someone who can help. The Pennsylvania DUI accident lawyers at Marzzacco Niven & Associates have over 120 years of combined experience fighting for people like you. We’ve been fighting for car accident victims in Carbondale for decades, and we’ve won millions of dollars for our clients.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a DUI accident, call our law office at (717) 995-8810 in Carbondale, PA for a free case evaluation. Our team is always standing by to take your call.
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How Marzzacco Niven & Associates Can Help You After a DUI Accident in Carbondale
DUI accidents are scary and can impact your life long after the crash. If you’ve been hurt by a drunk driver, you probably have medical bills piling up, not to mention the bills to fix your car. You may not be able to afford it all, especially if your injury is preventing you from going to work as usual.
Marzzacco Niven & Associates is an incredible resource for DUI car accident victims in Carbondale, Pennsylvania. Our lawyers have been named “The Best Lawyers in America” and appeared on the National Trial Lawyers “Top 40 Under 40” list. We work hard for our clients, including recently winning $1,265,000 for the parents of a woman killed by a drunk driver in Pennsylvania.
When you hire Marzzacco Niven & Associates, you’ll get:
- An experienced trial attorney to stand up for you in court
- A strong negotiator to level with insurance companies
- An investigative team that builds your case and consults with top experts
- A client-focused lawyer who keeps you updated at all times
After what you’ve gone through, you deserve to have the absolute best car accident lawyers in Carbondale, PA. Give us a call to learn more about how we can help you get back to normal.
How Common are DUI Accidents in Carbondale?
DUI accidents are very common in Pennsylvania, and Carbondale is no different.
According to the PA Department of Transportation, there were 7,700 alcohol-related crashes in Pennsylvania and 293 alcohol-related fatalities in 2020. That’s an average of 21 alcohol-related crashes every day. Even though alcohol-related crashes only accounted for 7% of all collisions in Pennsylvania in 2020, alcohol-related fatalities accounted for 26% of the total traffic fatalities.
In Lackawanna County, one in every 7,025 residents was killed in a DUI-related accident between 2013 and 2017. Unfortunately, driving under the influence continues to be a top safety concern across the state.
Overview of DUI Accidents in Carbondale, PA
What Makes DUI Accidents So Dangerous?
DUI accidents are extremely dangerous because alcohol reduces a driver’s coordination, reasoning, and thinking.
In general, a Pennsylvania driver can get a DUI if their blood-alcohol (BAC) is over 0.08%. Once drivers reach this BAC level, they begin to lose muscle coordination and a sense of speed while also experiencing impaired perception, reduced focus on signage, and an impaired ability to notice obstacles in the road. This means that drunk drivers are more likely to get into high-speed accidents and serious collisions rather than minor fender benders.
DUI Accidents Can Cause Catastrophic Injuries and Death
Every day, 28 people in the U.S. die in DUI accidents. This number is certainly alarming, but it doesn’t recognize the numerous people who suffer serious and life-altering injuries after surviving a DUI crash.
For those who are lucky enough to live through the accident, it’s common to suffer from catastrophic injuries that permanently disfigure or disable them. Common injuries from a DUI accident include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Paralysis
- Burns
- Amputations
- Internal bleeding
For some, their injuries are immediate and apparent, but for others, it may take time to fully understand the extent. This is particularly true for traumatic brain injuries with long-term cognitive effects that don’t reveal themselves until weeks, months, or years later.
Who is Liable After a DUI Accident?
As with most personal injury claims, the negligent party is liable for the damage and injuries they caused. To prove negligence, you’ll have to establish that:
- The driver owed you a duty of care;
- The driver breached that duty;
- The driver’s actions caused your injuries; and
- You’ve suffered damages as a result of your injuries.
In fatal DUI accidents, certain family members can file a wrongful death action against the driver. While it won’t bring their loved one back, it can help stabilize families experiencing financial hardship after losing someone in a DUI accident.
Pennsylvania is one of a few states where victims can also hold someone other than the driver responsible for their injuries. For example, under PA’s dram shop law, an establishment with a liquor license (for example, a bar or restaurant) can be held responsible if it serves alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who later causes a DUI accident.
PA law also allows victims of DUI accidents to file a lawsuit against adults who knowingly serve alcohol to a minor at a party. If the minor is hurt or injures someone else in a car accident, the host can be held legally responsible for the damages.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Carbondale DUI Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been a victim of a DUI accident, Marzzacco Niven & Associates is prepared to help. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation at no cost to you. We’re ready to get you the money you deserve.