Impaired driving is illegal, dangerous, and can be deadly. Still, thousands of drivers get behind the wheel while drunk or high each and every year.
Alcohol steadily decreases a person’s ability to drive safely, so it’s important to recognize when it’s OK to drive. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driving with even a small amount of impairment can cause a decline in vision, multitasking, coordination, and response.
During the month of August, Pennsylvania State Troopers join law enforcement agencies across the nation for the annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. The stepped-up enforcement runs from August 17th through Labor Day.
PA Statistics Surrounding Drunk Drivers
In the state of Pennsylvania, on average, one person dies every day due to a DUI and another 13 people are injured. Of particular concern is the involvement of drinking drivers under the age of twenty-one.
Seventeen percent of all driver fatalities in the 16 to 20 age group were drinking drivers, and among the 31 to 35 age group, 44% of all driver fatalities involved alcohol. This preventable crime is a serious safety risk in Pennsylvania–as we see nearly 8,000 alcohol-related crashes each year and an average of 300 DUI related fatalities.
Rights for Those Injured by a Drunk Driver
The negligence and recklessness of a drunk driver can have lifelong effects on victims and their families. In addition to the criminal charges that may be brought against the impaired driver, an accident victim may also have the right to pursue a claim against the drunk driver for monetary damages.
Some of the more common injuries that can result from a car accident involving a drunk driver are injuries to the head, neck, and spine. These types of injuries can result in devastating and lifelong consequences to the victims in the form of lost wages and the loss of quality of life.
When an accident is caused by an impaired driver, it may be necessary to bring a claim against the at-fault driver to ensure the injury victim is getting the compensation they deserve. If the driver is convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, a civil claim may also come into play.
If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, you may be able to sue for compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Car damage
- Pain and suffering (again, if you are deemed to have full-tort coverage)
- Fatal injuries/death
What Should I do if I’ve Been Injured by a Drunk Driver?
If you or a loved one have been injured by a DUI driver, it is imperative to reach out to a personal injury attorney. 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!