Drinking and Driving
There is no doubt that alcohol impairs a driver from effectively controlling his or her vehicle. Yet, every year there are deaths, accidents, and moving traffic violations caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol. During 2008, in Pennsylvania alone, there were 497 alcohol-related fatalities associated with motor vehicle accidents, as reported by The Century Council and other organizations.
To learn more about your legal rights if you have been injured in a car crash that was caused by another person’s negligent decision to drive under the influence of alcohol, contact the Harrisburg DUI victim lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., at 610-667-7511.
Legal Remedies
Typically, the state will pursue criminal action against a drunk driver but this does little to provide for those who have been harmed by his or her actions. A civil lawsuit, however, can potentially recover financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages as appropriate. The extent of recovery depends on the nature of the accident, the parties involved, and other pertinent factors.
General Awareness
The legal limit for blood-alcohol content (BAC) throughout the United States for a person over the age of 21 is .08mL/L. States have employed several strategies to prevent drinking and driving, such as the creation of Zero Tolerance laws for minors, sobriety checkpoints on roads, suspension of drivers’ license and arrests of persons charged with drinking and driving. Moreover, private advocacy groups have worked tirelessly to educate the public about the dangers of driving while intoxicated. Despite all of these measures, these tragically preventable collisions still occur.
Contact Us
If you have been struck by a drunk driver, you may be able to seek compensation. The experienced Harrisburg DUI victim lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. can help you to communicate powerfully that this recklessness will not be tolerated. Contact us at 610-667-7511 to schedule a free legal consultation.