Easton DUI Accident Lawyer
Practice Areas
The DUI accident lawyer team at the Law Offices of Edward P. Shaughnessy is committed to supporting drunk driving accident victims through the complexities of the personal injury or wrongful death claims process. As experienced Easton DUI accident attorneys, we understand the devastating impact drunk driving accidents can have on personal injury victims and their families, sometimes necessitating a wrongful death lawsuit. Our Easton drunk driving accident attorneys have extensive experience in personal injury cases where an intoxicated driver has breached the legal limit, causing drunk driving crashes. Our Easton DUI accident lawyers provide a free consultation and handle drunk driving accident cases on a contingency fee basis, ensuring injured victims can seek justice and recover compensation without upfront costs. If you’ve been impacted by someone driving under the influence in Lehigh Valley, our law firm is prepared to help you navigate your drunk driving accident case with dedication and expertise.
Call 610-258-9955 to schedule your free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Edward P. Shaughnessy.
Can I Sue a Drunk Driver in Pennsylvania?
Yes, you can sue a drunk driver in Pennsylvania if you have been injured in a drunk driving accident. Drunk driving accident victims have the right to pursue financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to drunk driving accidents.
Our Easton DUI accident attorney team gathers evidence showing how the actions of intoxicated drivers caused harm, such as police reports showing the blood alcohol content was over the legal limit, witness statements, and any signs of drunk driving observed at the scene.
Our Easton DUI accident lawyers can help a drunk driving accident victim take legal action against drunk or impaired drivers to help secure compensation. To learn more about suing a drunk driver, contact DUI accident attorney Edward P. Shaughnessy today.
What is a DUI Third-Party Injury in Pennsylvania?
A DUI third-party injury applies to personal injury victims, not including the drunk driver who has been injured as a result of intoxicated driving. A personal injury case can include pedestrians, cyclists, passengers, or occupants of other vehicles involved in the car crash.
When a drunk driver causes harm to an innocent third party, the accident victim has the right to seek compensation for their injuries, medical bills, lost income, and other expenses.
Our Easton drunk driving accident lawyers can help the accident victim file a personal injury case against the intoxicated driver to cover the costs associated with the drunk driving accident case.
What Happens If I Was Partially At Fault in the Drunk Driving Accident, But I Was Not Drinking and Driving?
If you were partially at fault in a drunk driving accident but were not drinking and driving, you might still be eligible for compensation under Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence laws. In Pennsylvania, as long as you are found to be less than 51% at fault for the accident, you can recover damages, although your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation.
For instance, if you are found to be 30% at fault, you would receive 70% of the total damages awarded. This is important in an at-fault accident, as it ensures you can still seek compensation even if you contributed to the incident.
It’s crucial to work with a skilled Easton drunk driving accident lawyer who can demonstrate the extent of the other driver’s negligence to maximize your compensation and ensure that you are not unfairly penalized for your partial fault in the car accident.
What are the Drinking and Driving Laws in Pennsylvania?
The drinking and driving laws in Pennsylvania are designed to deter drunk driving and enhance public safety. In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher for drivers aged 21 and over, and 0.02% or higher for drivers under 21. Commercial drivers face stricter limits, with a blood alcohol concentration legal limit of 0.04%.
The state also enforces an implied consent law, meaning that if you are suspected of drunk driving on Pennsylvania roads, you automatically consent to chemical testing.
If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver in Lehigh Valley, contact our Easton drunk driving accident lawyers for a free consultation.
Pennsylvania Dram Shop Act
The Pennsylvania Dram Shop Act holds establishments accountable for serving alcohol irresponsibly. Pennsylvania Dram Shop laws allow drunk driving accident victims to seek compensation from bars, restaurants, or other establishments that serve alcohol to a visibly intoxicated patron who subsequently become intoxicated drivers, causing injury or damage as a result of drunk driving crashes.
By enabling injured victims to pursue legal action against negligent establishments, the Dram Shop Act encourages responsible alcohol service and reduces the risk of alcohol-related incidents. If you’ve been involved in a drunk driving crash that potentially involves Dram Shop liability, contact the Easton DUI accident attorneys at our law office today.
Pennsylvania Dram Shop Limits
While Pennsylvania’s Dram Shop Act allows victims of drunk driving accidents or other alcohol-related incidents to pursue compensation from these establishments, there are important constraints to consider.
For example, in drunk driving accident cases, an Easton drunk driving accident lawyer must provide clear evidence that the establishment sold or served alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated or underage and that this service directly contributed to the resulting harm. Additionally, DUI accident claims must be filed within Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations, generally two years from the date of the incident.
If you’re a drunk driving accident victim, our Easton DUI accident lawyers can help. Contact our seasoned personal injury attorneys for a free personal injury case evaluation.
Who Can Be Sued in a Dram Shop Case?
In a Dram Shop case in Pennsylvania, various parties can be held liable if they negligently served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person or a minor, leading to a car accident or injury.
Bars, restaurants, and other establishments with liquor licenses are the main targets of Dram Shop liability. Employees of these establishments or hosts, such as bartenders and servers, may also be implicated if their actions directly contributed to the over-serving of alcohol.
Private individuals who host events or parties and serve alcohol to intoxicated guests or minors can also be sued under Pennsylvania’s Social Host Liability laws. Holding these parties accountable through a Dram Shop case promotes responsible alcohol service and reduces the occurrence of DUI crashes and injuries.
Our Easton DUI accident lawyers have extensive experience handling the claims process for drunk driving crashes. If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving crash, contact a drunk driving accident lawyer from our legal team today.
Injuries Caused by a Drunk Driver in Lehigh Valley
Injuries caused by a drunk driving accident in Lehigh Valley can range from minor to life-altering, affecting victims in profound ways. Common injuries include:
- Car Accident Amputation in Easton: Victims may lose a limb due to the impact of the collision. This life-changing injury often requires extensive surgery, rehabilitation, and the use of prosthetics.
- Car Accident Brain Injury in Easton: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can result from the severe impact of an auto accident, leading to long-term cognitive and physical impairments. Symptoms may include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and physical disabilities, requiring ongoing medical treatment and therapy.
- Car Accident Paralysis in Easton: Temporary paralysis after a car accident can result from spinal cord injuries or severe nerve damage, causing a temporary loss of function and mobility.
- Whiplash Injuries in Easton: Whiplash and neck injuries are common injuries in car accidents. Injured victims often experience neck pain, stiffness, and headaches. An experienced Easton whiplash lawyer can provide legal representation and help secure compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages related to the drunk driving crash.
- Seatbelt Injuries in Easton: Although seatbelts are designed to protect passengers, they can sometimes cause significant harm during high-impact collisions. Common seatbelt injuries include bruising, fractures, and internal injuries, which may require medical attention and recovery time.
- Car Accident Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries can lead to partial or complete loss of function below the injury site, requiring lifelong medical care and support. Victims may experience paralysis, loss of sensation, and other complications.
If you suffered serious injuries caused by a drunk driver, Easton drunk driving accident lawyer Edward P. Shaughnessy can help. Contact our law firm today and schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
Types of Easton Drunk Driving Accidents Our Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Handle
Our Easton drunk driving attorneys understand the devastating impact that drunk driving accidents can have on injured victims and their families. Our experienced drunk driving accident lawyers in Easton are dedicated to helping injured victims secure the compensation they deserve.
Rear-Ended Car Accidents Caused by Drunk Drivers in Easton, PA
Rear-ended car accidents can lead to serious injuries and significant property damage. These DUI accidents occur when a drunk driver fails to notice the slowing or stopped traffic ahead, resulting in a drunk driving accident with the vehicle in front.
An experienced Easton rear-end accident lawyer can help victims through the legal process, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their medical expenses, lost income, and other damages from the drunk driving crash. If you’re an accident victim or family member, contact an experienced Easton drunk driving accident lawyer for a free drunk driving injury case evaluation.
Head-On Collisions Caused by Drunk Drivers in Easton, PA
Head-on collisions caused by drunk driving occur when drunk drivers veer into oncoming traffic, unable to maintain proper lane control due to impaired judgment and reaction times.
Victims of head-on collisions often face catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and internal injuries. Pursuing a personal injury case against the drunk driver is crucial for obtaining compensation. A seasoned Easton drunk driving accident lawyer at Shaughnessy’s law offices can provide experienced legal representation.
T-Bone Accidents Caused by Drunk Drivers in Easton, PA
T-bone accidents frequently occur at intersections when a drunk driver fails to obey traffic signals and crashes into the side of another vehicle. If you were injured in a red light accident caused by a drunk driver, an experienced Easton t-bone accident lawyer can provide invaluable assistance.
If you were t-boned by someone driving under the influence, contact the Easton drunk driving attorneys at the Law Offices of Edward P. Shaughnessy to see how our legal team can help.
Motorcycle Accidents Caused by Drunk Drivers in Easton, PA
Motorcycle accidents caused by impaired drivers in Easton, PA, can lead to catastrophic injuries due to the lack of protection for motorcyclists. When a drunk driver fails to recognize or properly respond to the presence of a motorcycle, the resulting collision can be devastating.
An experienced Easton motorcycle accident lawyer is essential in these cases to help victims secure the compensation they deserve for damages. Our Easton DUI accident attorneys provide free initial consultations to explore the legal options for drunk driving accident victims throughout Lehigh Valley.
Hit and Run Accidents Caused by Drunk Drivers in Easton, PA
Hit-and-run accidents occur when a drunk driver flees the scene after causing an accident, leaving victims to cope with the aftermath alone. Pursuing Pennsylvania hit-and-run victim compensation can be challenging, which is why it’s crucial to work with an Easton drunk driving accident lawyer with experience handling hit-and-run accident cases.
Fatal Car Accidents Caused by Drunk Drivers in Easton, PA
Fatal car accidents occur when a drunk driver causes a car crash that results in fatalities. In such cases, an experienced Easton wrongful death lawyer can provide essential support, guiding families through seeking justice and compensation. An experienced Easton drunk driving accident lawyer can help families file a wrongful death lawsuit that covers medical bills, funeral costs, lost future earnings, and other damages.
How an Easton Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help Your DUI Accident Claim
An Easton car accident lawyer can be instrumental in your DUI accident claim, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. Our drunk driving accident attorneys in Easton understand Pennsylvania’s legal system and the specific challenges that arise in most DUI accident claims.
Not only will an Easton DUI accident lawyer gather and analyze evidence, but they will also negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and represent your interests in court. A drunk driving accident lawyer in Easton will ensure that all aspects of your drunk driving accident case, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other related damages, are thoroughly addressed.
Working with experienced Easton drunk driving accident lawyers significantly improves your chances of a favorable outcome but also allows you to focus on recovery.
Filing an Easton Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit
Filing a personal injury lawsuit after a drunk driving crash in Easton is a critical step towards obtaining justice and compensation for the injuries and damages you have sustained. This process begins by establishing the liability of the drunk driver whose negligence caused the car crash.
A comprehensive legal strategy involves gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records to support your personal injury case. An experienced drunk driving accident lawyer in Easton can guide you through each phase of the drunk driving accident lawsuit, from filing the initial paperwork to representing you in court.
By pursuing a drunk driving accident lawsuit, you not only recover compensation for your own losses but also help to highlight the serious legal consequences of drunk driving.
Compensation for Injury Victims in Easton Drunk Driving Crashes
Victims of drunk driving crashes can pursue compensation for various types of damages that extend beyond immediate medical costs. This includes lost wages, which cover both current and future earnings lost due to injuries sustained in the accident. An experienced drunk driving accident lawyer in Easton can ensure these calculations of lost wages after an auto accident accurately reflect the true economic impact.
Additionally, our drunk driving accident lawyers help victims pursue compensation for medical expenses, property damage, and loss of life quality, which addresses the emotional and psychological trauma associated with drunk driving accidents.
Our experienced personal injury attorneys will comprehensively address all potential areas of compensation, providing critical support that ensures victims receive the financial relief necessary for a full and fair recovery.
Punitive Damages for Drunk Driving in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, punitive damages may be awarded in drunk driving cases to punish particularly reckless behavior and deter similar misconduct in the future. Unlike compensatory damages, which are intended to reimburse the victim for their losses, punitive damages penalize the offender for their egregious actions.
To qualify for these damages, injured victims and their personal injury attorneys must demonstrate that the drunk driver’s behavior was not just negligent but also displayed a willful disregard for the safety of others. This could include instances where the driver’s BAC or blood alcohol content was well over the legal limit or had a history of similar DUI accidents.
Our Easton drunk driving accident lawyer team has extensive experience pursuing punitive damages on behalf of injured victims throughout Lehigh Valley.
What is the Average Settlement for a Drunk Driving Accident in Pennsylvania?
Determining the average settlement for a drunk driving accident in Pennsylvania is complex due to the variability of each case, including the severity of injuries, the circumstances of the drunk driving crash, and the specific damages incurred.
Generally, drunk driving accident settlements can range significantly based on factors such as medical expenses, lost wages, the extent of pain and suffering, and any long-term disability or impairment. Additionally, if punitive damages apply, this can further increase the compensation amount. While exact figures can vary, drunk driving accident settlements often reflect the profound impact the event had on the accident victim.
Injured victims typically receive higher settlements when represented by experienced DUI accident attorneys who can effectively negotiate and demonstrate the full extent of the losses and suffering endured.
Therefore, it is advisable to consult with a knowledgeable Easton drunk driving accident lawyer who can provide a more accurate estimation based on the specifics of your DUI accident case and ensure that all potential forms of compensation are thoroughly pursued.
Will Car Insurance Pay for a Car Totaled in a DUI Accident?
If a car is totaled in a DUI accident, whether the car insurance company will cover the damages depends largely on the specific terms of the insurance policy held by the vehicle owner. Generally, if the driver at fault for the DUI accident has collision coverage, their insurance company should cover the damage to their own motor vehicle, including situations where the car is totaled.
However, the coverage may be subject to the policy’s deductible and limits set by insurance companies. If the victim of the DUI accident carries collision or comprehensive coverage, the insurance companies should also help cover the costs of their totaled vehicle, regardless of the at-fault party’s coverage status.
It’s important to review the details of your insurance policy to understand the extent of coverage available and any exclusions that might apply. Additionally, victims should be aware that receiving compensation from their insurance company does not preclude the possibility of pursuing further legal claims against the at-fault driver, especially if the insurance company does not fully cover all losses.
Easton Drunk Driver Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been affected by a drunk driving accident in Easton, PA, it is crucial to seek the guidance of Easton drunk driver accident lawyer Edward P. Shaughnessy. When you hire the legal team from the Law Offices of Edward P. Shaughnessy, you can trust that the experienced DUI accident attorneys will advocate for your rights and work tirelessly to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
From negotiating with insurance companies to pursuing maximum damages in court, our Easton drunk driving accident attorneys are here to support you through every step of the legal process. Call the Law Offices of Edward P. Shaughnessy at 610-258-9955 to discuss your drunk driving accident case and learn how we can help you during this challenging time.
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