Even though it’s been against the law for decades now and can lead to serious criminal penalties if you’re arrested for it, far too many people choose to drive drunk every single day. If you were hurt in a wreck caused by someone acting irresponsibly in this way, you have grounds to sue them for any and all losses you’ve suffered already and will suffer in the future because of their misconduct.
Just because drunk driving car accidents in York often justify civil lawsuits does not mean they are easy to get favorable results from, especially if you try to pursue yours without professional legal help. Fortunately, you have assistance available from our seasoned car accident lawyers, who have a track record of winning cases much like yours in the past.
What the Law Says About Drunk Driving and Impaired Driving Lawsuits
A person driving a regular commuter car is illegally under the influence of alcohol when they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more or if they are impaired in the eyes of a police officer by any amount of alcohol, controlled substances, or prescription drugs in their body. Since drunk driving is against the law in Pennsylvania, it counts as a breach of the duty of care all drivers have to obey the law and act responsibly behind the wheel. Anyone who causes a crash in York by driving drunk can be sued over that crash based on their legal negligence.
Being hit and injured by someone who is later convicted of DUI is one of a few exceptions to Pennsylvania’s limited tort laws specifically carved out by state law. This means that no matter what type of insurance coverage you have, you have the right to file suit for additional damages beyond what insurance covers when the person at fault for your accident was driving drunk.
What Damages May Be Available?
Both economic and non-economic forms of harm can be factored into a lawsuit over a drunk driving auto accident in York. You can demand money for losses that have objective financial values based on receipts and bills and for subjective losses that can only be valued based on your own individual experiences. A comprehensive claim can incorporate losses like:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Loss of life’s pleasures
- Emotional and psychological trauma
- Short-term and long-term medical bills
- Personal property damage
- Lost work wages or earning ability
In some situations, courts may impose additional punitive damages against drivers who were extremely drunk or had several previous DUI convictions, but there are caps on these sorts of damages that your attorney can explain in more detail if applicable.
A York Attorney Can Help Sue Over a Drunk Driving Car Accident
Drunk driving is one of the most dangerous things anyone can do with a motor vehicle. Anyone who causes a crash by doing this should be held civilly liable for any harm they cause. Even in a situation that seems simple, it can be deceptively difficult to get paid what you deserve for injuries and losses you did nothing to cause yourself.
Representation from our experienced car accident lawyers can make a world of difference in how effectively you can enforce your rights following a drunk driving car accident in York. Call Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers today to get started on your unique claim.
