Involved in a Drunk Driving Accident? Our DUI Injury Lawyer in Lancaster, PA Can Help
It is always difficult when someone’s negligence causes a serious accident, but it is especially tragic when that accident results from another driver’s reckless choice to drive under the influence. If you have been hurt or a family member has lost their life due to a drunk driver, you deserve justice and the compensation you need to recover from your injuries and losses.
You may face mounting medical bills or struggle to pay rent due to time lost at work. Or you may be grieving a devastating loss while trying to manage overwhelming financial burdens.
No matter your situation, the drunk driving accident lawyers at May Herr & Grosh LLP in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, are here to support you. Whether you are searching for a DUI accident lawyer, a DUI injury lawyer, or a lawyer for DUI-related claims, our team is prepared to help. We work throughout Pennsylvania and can meet with you at your home or hospital room to discuss the specifics of your case. If you are searching for a recommended personal injury lawyer or a DUI lawyer near me, we are ready to provide the guidance you need.
FIND OUT IF YOU HAVE A CASE.
PERSONAL INJURY
- Car Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Drunk Driving Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Wrongful Death
PERSONAL INJURY INSIGHTS
What counts as drunk driving in Lancaster, PA?
In Pennsylvania, drivers with a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) of 0.08 or higher are legally considered impaired and can be charged with DUI. In such cases, victims may seek justice with the help of an experienced drunk driving accident attorney or a knowledgeable DUI accident lawyer.
Although the term drunk driving is commonly used, it is important to understand that a driver does not need to consume alcohol to be considered impaired. Other substances, including prescription medication or illegal drugs, can affect a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. If you or someone you know has been injured by an impaired driver, consulting with a DUI injury lawyer can help you understand your rights.
DOES IT STILL COUNT AS DRUNK DRIVING IF THE DRIVER IS HIGH ON MARIJUANA?
Yes. In Pennsylvania, a person can be charged with DUI for operating a vehicle with any amount of a Schedule I controlled substance in their blood. Marijuana is classified as a Schedule I substance, meaning that even trace amounts can result in a DUI charge. Victims of such accidents are encouraged to speak with an injury lawyer familiar with DUI-related incidents. Seeking representation from a lawyer for DUI offenses ensures the legal process is handled with care and attention to detail.
IS IT STILL DRUNK DRIVING IF THEY’RE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF MEDICATION?
Yes. Pennsylvania law defines DUI as the influence of a drug or combination of drugs that impairs a driver’s ability to drive safely. All prescription medications are required to carry labels warning of the dangers of driving while taking the medication. Drivers are responsible for reading and understanding medication labels and heeding their warnings.
IS THERE A TIME LIMIT FOR ME TO FILE A CASE?
Yes. As with most personal injury law cases, the statute of limitations on filing a lawsuit falls under Pennsylvania Code, section 5524, which states that lawsuits must be commenced within two years after the injury or death occurs.
That’s why it’s important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a drunk driving accident occurs.
WHO CAN BE HELD RESPONSIBLE IN A DRUNK DRIVING CRASH?
Determining who is legally responsible in a drunk driving crash can be complex, as liability may extend beyond just the impaired driver. In some cases, third parties, such as bars or restaurants that served the driver, may also be held accountable under Pennsylvania law.
Dram Shop Liability
Many drunk driving accidents involve individuals who were overserved alcohol at a bar, tavern, or restaurant. In Pennsylvania, these establishments have a legal responsibility to avoid serving patrons who are visibly intoxicated. When a bar or restaurant fails to take reasonable precautions and continues to serve alcohol to an impaired individual, it may be held liable for the damages that follow.
Under Dram Shop liability laws, bar owners, restaurant managers, and other alcohol-serving establishments can be named in personal injury claims if their negligence contributed to the crash. Victims seeking justice and compensation should consult a drunk driving accident attorney or DUI injury lawyer to explore all possible avenues for holding the responsible parties accountable. An experienced DUI accident lawyer can help determine whether a business’s actions played a role in the crash and help you determine the best legal strategy.
Drunk Driver Liability
When the drunk driver is solely responsible for their intoxication at the time of the crash, legal action can be taken directly against that driver and their insurance provider. A drunk driving accident attorney or DUI injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation for a wide range of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and even punitive damages when appropriate.
If you have been injured in a DUI-related crash, a qualified DUI accident lawyer can evaluate the details of your case and advocate for the full compensation you deserve. Victims are encouraged to work with personal injury lawyers experienced in impaired driving cases or a lawyer for DUI to ensure that all aspects of the claim are handled thoroughly and effectively.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CIVIL AND CRIMINAL DRUNK DRIVING CASE?
In Pennsylvania, DUI is a misdemeanor that results in criminal prosecution. The penalties, which include fines, suspension of the driver’s license, and jail time, depend on the severity of impairment and whether the driver is a repeat offender.
However, none of the criminal penalties listed above will help you or your family if you’ve been the victim of a drunk driving accident. In order to recover medical expenses, lost wages, compensation for physical or emotional pain and suffering, and punitive damages, a civil action is necessary.
A civil case against a drunk driver is separate from any criminal charges filed, and a different set of laws and procedures applies.
HOW WE HELP OUR CLIENTS
At May Herr & Grosh LLP, we understand the tragedy of DUI accidents, and we fight aggressively for justice and compensation for our injured clients and their families. Our Lancaster drunk driving accident attorneys have decades of experience and a shared commitment to providing exceptional representation to our clients.
We will confer with expert investigative resources such as pharmacologists and toxicologists to get to the facts of your drunk driving accident, and the possibility that over-serving was a factor. We will bring these facts to the insurance companies to negotiate a damage award settlement for you. If discussions are not productive, we are fully prepared to take your case to court and fight for your rights in litigation.
We handle all personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis. That means you won’t pay attorney fees unless we win your case in trial or reach a favorable settlement for you.
Email us or call 717-397-5500 in Pennsylvania to schedule an assessment!
