Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in York: Know Your Rights
Every year in Pennsylvania, thousands of people are involved in crashes involving a drunk driver. Despite years of educational programs and millions of dollars spent on public awareness campaigns, people still choose to risk the lives of others by getting behind the wheel after drinking. Drunk driving remains a leading cause of death and injury in Pennsylvania and across the nation.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motor vehicle accident as the result of a drunk driver, our attorneys at Dale E. Anstine can answer your questions, free of charge.
We’re here to take the burden off you, and to assist with the insurance calls, the doctor’s appointments, medical bills and more.
Drunk Driving Accident Statistics
Here’s a quick snapshot of how alcohol-related crashes take shape in our state.
- In 2020, there were 7,700 crashes involving drinking and driving
- 293 people were killed in drunk driving accidents in 2020
- Alcohol-related deaths accounted for 26% of the total traffic fatalities
- Every day, there’s an average of 21 drunk driving accidents
- On average, 13 people are injured in drinking and driving traffic crashes daily.
(Statistics from the Pennsylvania DUI Association for 2020)
Drunk Driving Laws
Drunk driving is a serious criminal offense. Driving with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher is illegal in every state. Pennsylvania also uses a tiered penalty system for drunk driving convictions, with more severe penalties based on how drunk the driver was, measured by the driver’s BAC. Convicted drunk drivers face fines, loss of driving privileges and possibly jail time. Penalties are stiffer for repeat offenders.
It’s important to note, a driver does not have to be legally drunk to cause an accident that results in injury or death. Having “just a couple of drinks” can affect a person’s driving ability. Slower reaction time means it takes longer to process information and prevent an accident from occurring. Basic motor skills, such as eye, hand and foot coordination are affected, making it difficult to drive. Concentration and vision are negatively impacted. And, of course, alcohol affects judgment, making it difficult to make the right decisions.
If you think that the driver who caused your accident may have been under the influence, contact a drunk driving accident attorney at Dale E. Anstine right away.
Holding Drunk Drivers Accountable
The Law Offices of Dale E. Anstine believe in holding drunk drivers accountable for their reckless behavior. People injured in drunk driving accidents, along with their families, are entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Lost earning capacity
- Permanent damages
- Disabilities
- Psychological or psychiatric harm
- Loss of consortium—including spousal companionship and support
Did you know that in Pennsylvania, the person or business that served the drunk driver alcohol may also be liable for damages? It’s called dram shop liability and it means that if the establishment served alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated and that person got into an accident, the business can be held responsible as well as the driver.
Statute of Limitations in Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accident victims have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit against the alleged negligent party in their case. In most cases in Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations is two years from the date an injury occurs. Failing to file a lawsuit in this timeframe could mean the injured person can no longer seek monetary compensation for injuries and damages they suffered as a result of the drunk driving incident.
It is important to remember that this is different from reporting an accident to your insurance carrier. In general, all vehicle accidents need to be reported to the insurance carrier within a day or two after the collision occurs.
Time is absolutely critical following any type of accident, and having an experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in drunk driving accidents on your side can make a huge difference in the amount of compensation you’ll receive.
Contact Our Drunk Driving Attorneys in York, PA Right Away!
Our Pennsylvania drunk driving accident lawyers at Dale E. Anstine have more than 40 years experience fighting for the rights of those injured in a car accident involving a drunk driver.
Once you contact our office, our team will immediately get to work on your claim. We’ll examine details surrounding your case, negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you are properly compensated for your injuries, and if we can’t reach an agreement, we’ll fight on your behalf in the courtroom.
Don’t hesitate to give us a call today. We will fight for you while you focus on recovering from your injuries. And remember, we do not charge a fee for representation unless we win your case for you!