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DRUNK DRIVING ACCIDENT ATTORNEY PHILADELPHIA

How Common Is Drunk Driving?

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Drunk driving remains a serious issue in the United States. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 32 people die every day in crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver, which equates to one death every 45 minutes. In 2020, over 11,600 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes, making up 30% of all traffic-related deaths in the country. Additionally, more than 1 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in the same year, highlighting the widespread nature of impaired driving.

In 2018, more than 10,000 people died in car crashes in which at least one driver was intoxicated. This means, on average, that one person in the United States is killed every 50 minutes from a drunk driving accident. If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, contact the drunk driving accident attorneys in Philadelphia at Zafran Law Group.

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Who Can Be Held Responsible For Drunk Driving Accidents?

The Drunk Driver: The primary person liable is typically the driver who was intoxicated and caused the accident. They may face criminal charges and be held financially responsible for injuries and damages.

Bar, Restaurant, or Social Host: In some cases, under “dram shop” or “social host” laws, an establishment or individual who served alcohol to the driver may also be held responsible, especially if they served alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated or underage.

Vehicle Owner: If the driver was not the owner of the vehicle, the owner could be held liable under “vicarious liability” if they knowingly allowed an intoxicated person to drive their car.

Employer: If the drunk driver was on the job at the time of the accident, their employer might also be held accountable under “respondeat superior” laws, which hold employers liable for employees’ actions within the scope of employment.

What Should I Do After A Drunk Driving Accident?

There are a number of important steps you should follow if you have been in a drunk driving accident:

Avoid interacting with the other driver and wait for emergency services if possible. Don’t make any contrary statements to them or entertain possible settlements outside of a courtroom setting.
Avoid making statements that can be used against you later. Even when dealing with police and emergency services, it’s important to stick to the facts. Refrain from making statements that imply you could have done more to avoid the accident.
Avoid making public statements or social media posts, as these could hurt your chances of a settlement. Instead, speak to one of our Philadelphia-area drunk driving accident attorneys who is well versed in dealing with the intricacies of drunk driving cases.
Call 911 and report the accident, making sure to mention your suspicions about the other driver’s intoxication. Repeat this to first responders when they arrive and follow the direction of the EMTs if they recommend medical intervention. If you do not go to a hospital for treatment, schedule an appointment with a doctor or urgent care for soon after the accident.
Assuming you are not in dire need of medical attention, getting as much evidence to support your claims against the other driver. Do not interfere with emergency workers, but taking photos of the scene, gathering eyewitness statements and contact information, and the other driver’s insurance information can go a long way. Documenting intoxicated behavior and road conditions can also help.
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What Kind Of Damages Can I Expect For Drunk Driving Accident Injuries?

In Pennsylvania, there are two main types of damages as they relate to drunk driving: compensatory and punitive damages. Compensatory refers to damages awarded to a drunk driving victim with the intent to make them “whole” again. These can include:

Usually one of the largest factors for damages, these include hospital stays, tests, procedures, and medication, regardless of whether those are current or future charges.

These also include current and future wages lost due to the accident.

Drunk driving accidents usually involve other vehicles, but can also involve homes and other personal property. The cost of damage and replacement for these effects are factored into damages.

Some drunk driving cases result in the victim living with a disability as a result of the accident, usually with associated pain and suffering.

Often disability and injury lead to a complete change in lifestyle for the victim, which severely impacts their life and livelihood.

Funeral Expenses

In Pennsylvania, punitive damages are also applied in certain circumstances. If the intoxicated driver behaved in a way that was extremely reckless and dangerous, a victim can recover more damages from them.

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Is There A Time Limit To File A Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit?

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In Pennsylvania, there are time limits for filing a drunk driving accident lawsuit. In the event that you do not file before the time limit expires, the victim loses their right to pursue legal action for compensation. The time limit in the state is two years. Those concerned about time limits for their case should contact the drunk driving accident attorney in Philadelphia at Zafran Law Group for a consultation.

What Happens If The Drunk Driver Is Not Insured?

If the drunk driver responsible for the accident does not have insurance, it can make recovering damages more difficult. However, there are still options available to you. You may be able to seek compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which can help cover medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. An experienced attorney can guide you through these complicated circumstances, ensuring you explore all possible avenues for compensation. Zafran Law Group’s drunk driving accident attorneys in Philadelphia are here to help you with all the legal process so you can focus on recovery.

How Can A Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Philadelphia Help?

Our drunk driving accident attorneys at Zafran Law Group in Philadelphia are highly skilled and well-versed in the laws and regulations applicable to drunk driving cases. They aim to provide the highest level of representation for each claim and work to ensure that as a victim, you are treated with care and dignity.

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