Anyone who gets behind the wheel while impaired by drugs and alcohol puts everyone on the road at risk of life-altering harm. However, proving to a civil court that someone else’s intoxication was the main cause of the losses you sustained in a traumatic auto accident can be a deceptively complicated task. You need dedicated representation from a knowledgeable Berks County attorney to hold the drunk driver accountable for their reckless behavior.
Fortunately, help is available from the skilled attorneys at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers. We have decades of experience handling drunk driving car accidents in Reading and helping people in your situation win their claims. For instance, we won $3.5 million for a child who was riding her bike when she was hit by a drunk driver. Our legal team will help you get every cent of the money you deserve for the harm you should never have suffered.
Civil Liability for a Drunk Driving Crash
No matter how a car accident occurs, anyone who wants to file a lawsuit for their injuries will generally need to prove “negligence” by the person they are suing. A driver is legally “negligent” if they do something reckless or careless behind the wheel which directly leads to someone else getting hurt.
Driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over 0.08% or while “impaired” by alcohol or drugs is against the law in Pennsylvania. Breaking the law while driving—whether it is a minor traffic violation or a serious charge like DUI—is evidence of negligent behavior. If someone gets in a wreck while driving drunk, they will likely be found “negligent” and held at fault for the incident.
This is a broad summary of how negligence works in the context of drunk driving car accidents in Reading. Many other factors can affect this type of claim, including any partial blame that the injured person holds for the accident. Guidance from a skilled attorney at our Reading office can be key to understanding how the law applies to your situation and making the most of your drunk driving car accident claim.
Damages After an Intoxicated Driving Accident in Reading
A lawsuit or settlement demand against a drunk driver can recover compensation for various losses that your own car insurance might not cover. This may include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma and psychological distress
- Loss of life’s pleasures
- Long-term medical bills, plus related costs for things like medical equipment and prescription medications
- Lost wages and working ability
- Personal property damage not covered by insurance
However, in Pennsylvania, your right to file a lawsuit in the first place may depend on your specific type of car insurance. It is always worth discussing your options with a qualified local attorney who handles drunk driving car accidents.
Seek Help from a Reading Attorney After a Drunk Driving Car Accident
Getting hurt in a car crash because someone else was driving drunk is a frustrating and painful experience. Fortunately, you have a right to demand civil compensation from the reckless driver and hold them accountable for their behavior. Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers can help you seek justice for what you’ve been through.
Support from our winning lawyers can make a huge difference in your odds of getting paid fairly after a drunk driving car accident in Reading. You won’t owe us anything until we get the payments you deserve, so don’t hesitate to call us today and schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
