titlebar image

Our Blog

Get The Best When Faced With The Worst

Schedule Consultation

Victims of drunk drivers are legally protected

Being hit by a drunk driver can unexpectedly change the lives of victims forever. Drunk driving accidents can result in serious injuries being negligently caused by a drunk driver or a fatal accident wrongfully claiming the life of a loved one. Drunk drivers may face different consequences through the legal process including both criminal and civil penalties and consequences that can help victims.

When a personal injury or wrongful death claim for damages is brought against a drunk driver, the drunk driving charges against them may be used as evidence of negligence in a civil claim for damages. A personal injury claim for damages and a wrongful death claim for damages can help victims recover compensation for the harm they have suffered. In circumstances when victims have been injured by a drunk driver, they may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering damages.

In circumstances when a loved one has been tragically lost in a drunk driving accident, surviving family members may be able to recover damages for wrongful death including medical and funeral expenses, loss of support and services and lost prospect of inheritance. Drunk driving accidents can include two-car accidents and accidents involving multiple vehicles, including accidents when multiple occupants and passengers may be injured or otherwise harmed; highway accidents; truck accidents; motorcycle accidents; pedestrian accidents; and hit-and-run accidents.

In addition to liability for the drunk driver, it is important to keep in mind that Pennsylvania dram shop laws may also hold a restaurant or other establishment hosting and serving alcohol accountable for the harm suffered by victims, depending on the circumstances. Victims of drunk driving accidents and their families can experience emotional trauma and other damages they never expected to face following a drunk driving accident which is why legal options are available to help them.