Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs is one of the most dangerous things a person can do behind the wheel. This behavior often results in traffic collisions with long-lasting consequences for everyone involved. If you’ve been hurt in a wreck caused by a drunk driver, taking legal action against them might be your only way of getting the compensation you need to cover your medical bills and preserve your financial future. A successful claim can also help you gain a sense of justice for the harm you should’ve never experienced.
Guidance from experienced legal counsel is the key to success for lawsuits built around drunk driving car accidents in Bensalem. From proving fault for your injuries to demanding every cent of the money you deserve for your losses, a winning car accident lawyer at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers will be the ally you need throughout the legal process.
Can a DUI Charge Be the Basis for a Lawsuit?
Every driver in Pennsylvania has the same “duty” to be responsible behind the wheel by staying aware of their surroundings and following traffic laws. It’s against the law to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) greater than 0.08 percent or to drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs, so anyone who causes an accident due to intoxicated driving has “breached” their legal duty. This makes them civilly liable for any harm the accident causes to anyone else involved.
However, you don’t need to wait until a driver is convicted of DUI to file a lawsuit against them. For one thing, there are many ways someone can be “negligent” and legally liable for a car crash. For example, someone who causes a wreck by running a stop light has still broken the law whether they were drunk or sober when they ran the light. Additionally, the “standard of proof” for civil cases is lower than for criminal cases, so your Bensalem attorney could work to hold the driver civilly liable for drunk driving even if they aren’t convicted of DUI in criminal court.
Holding a Drunk Driver Accountable for Your Losses
When someone causes a drunk driving car wreck in Bensalem, your lawyer can hold them accountable for the economic and non-economic consequences of their actions, including:
- All medical bills not covered by insurance, including expected costs of future care
- All car repair or replacement costs not covered by insurance, plus related expenses like rental car fees
- Lost work wages or ability to work
- Physical pain from injuries
- Loss of life’s pleasures
- Psychological trauma from the accident
Sometimes, a court may make a drunk driver pay you additional punitive damages to punish them for their irresponsible behavior. However, this is not guaranteed in every situation. In a free, no-obligation consultation, the Bensalem lawyers at our firm can explain what damages you may be able to recover after a drunk driving collision.
Contact a Bensalem Attorney for Drunk Driving Car Accident Litigation
Drunk driving is inexcusable and dangerous behavior that often leads to traumatic accidents. Unfortunately, proving a drunk driver at fault for this sort of wreck can be more challenging than you might expect, especially if you try to pursue a claim by yourself.
Assistance from a seasoned lawyer is vital to getting the payments you deserve after a drunk driving car accident in Bensalem. At Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers, we know how to fight for the rights of people in your situation. In a local case, our firm won $3.5 million for a child who was hit by a drunk driver while riding her bike. Call us today to learn how we can help you.