DUI accidents in Pennsylvania result in thousands of injuries and deaths each year. In many cases, innocent victims are injured in drunk driving accidents.
A drunk driver may face criminal penalties for driving under the influence. The driver may also face civil penalties in a personal injury claim.
The Pennsylvania DUI accident attorneys of Marzzacco Niven & Associates have over 120 years of combined experience handling car accident cases. You deserve fair compensation for injuries caused by a drunk driving crash. We work diligently to recover the maximum award for your DUI case.
Call our law firm today at (717) 231-1640 to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Pennsylvania DUI accident lawyer.
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How Our Pennsylvania Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You with a DUI Accident Claim
A DUI accident case is not a slam-dunk personal injury case. Even if the driver was intoxicated at the time of the accident, there must still be evidence proving they were at fault for your crash. Marzzacco, Niven & Associates can help you get the proof you need.
When you hire our top-rated, award-winning Pennsylvania DUI attorneys, you can expect us to:
- Explain your legal rights regarding damages caused by a drunk driving accident
- Explore your legal options and develop a strategy to recover compensation for your injuries
- Investigate the accident to gather evidence proving the drunk driver caused the crash
- File insurance claims and monitor the process of those claims
- Document and assess your damages to determine the maximum value of your injury claim
- Handle settlement negotiations and pursue a lawsuit if the other party refuses to settle the claim for a reasonable amount
You should not bear the burden of another person’s negligence. Call our office or reach out to us online to discuss your case with an experienced Pennsylvania car accident attorney.
Our law firm represents clients throughout Pennsylvania from offices in York, Harrisburg, Wyomissing, Carlisle, Chambersburg, Lebanon, and Lancaster.
Criminal DUI Cases vs. DUI Accident Civil Cases
A conviction for impaired driving can carry severe criminal penalties. The penalties for DUI convictions may include fines, jail time, license suspension, ignition interlock device, and alcohol treatment. The criminal charge depends on several factors, including prior DUIs and the person’s BAC level.
If a person causes serious bodily injury while driving under the influence, they can be charged with aggravated assault. The offense is a second-degree felony. The person could serve up to 10 years in jail and pay a fine of $25,000.
A civil case is separate from any criminal case for DUI. A person who causes a DUI accident can be financially liable for damages caused by the accident.
Proving Liability for a DUI Accident
Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol is considered to be a breach of duty in a negligence claim. Drivers owe a duty of care to other individuals to follow traffic laws to avoid auto accidents.
However, the breach of duty is only one element of a negligence claim. The drunk driver’s actions must have been the direct and proximate cause of the victim’s injuries. Therefore, you need evidence proving that the drunk driver caused the crash, such as by running a red light or making an improper lane change.
Evidence that might be used to prove negligence for a DUI accident include:
- Physical evidence from the accident scene
- Police reports and accident reports
- Statements from eyewitnesses
- Video of the collision from traffic cameras or nearby surveillance cameras
- Opinions from expert witnesses, including accident reconstructionists and engineers
- Statements made by the driver after the accident
The insurance company for the drunk driver may deny liability. If so, you need to be prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve. Our Pennsylvania DUI crash lawyers investigate every lead to gather evidence proving fault. We do not stop investigating until we exhaust every lead.
Damages You Can Recover for a DUI Accident Case
If a DUI accident caused your injuries, you could be entitled to compensation for economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses and cost of treatment of injuries
- Assistance with personal care and household chores
- Nursing care and long-term assisted living
- Loss of income, including future lost wages and reductions in earning potential
- Pain and suffering caused by physical injuries
- Mental and emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life and loss of enjoyment of life
The value of your damages depends on your injuries and financial losses. Our legal team assists you in documenting your damages and gathering evidence to support maximum compensation for your injury claim.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Pennsylvania DUI Accident Lawyers
You may be entitled to compensation for your bodily injuries and property damage caused by a drunk driver. Call our office now to speak with an experienced Harrisburg injury lawyer. We have offices in Harrisburg, York, Carlisle, Lebanon, Lancaster, Carbondale, Wyomissing, and Chambersburg for your convenience. Your first appointment with a lawyer is free of charge.