Hire an Experienced DUI Accident Lawyer at Kitay Law Offices
If you’ve been injured in an auto accident involving a drunk driver, we can help. For over 25 years, the compassionate Pennsylvania DUI accident attorneys at Kitay Law Offices have represented thousands of drivers and passengers injured in car accidents. We’ve recovered millions of dollars for our clients and work to help drunk driving accident victims and loved ones get the justice and compensation they deserve.
Contact our best Pennsylvania car accident lawyers to schedule a free, confidential case evaluation for your drunk driving injury case. Fill out our online form or call 888-KITAYLAW.
We are The Law Firm With a Heart and we are here for you 24/7.
KITAY LAW OFFICES
HAS BEEN FEATURED IN:
OVERVIEW
- Do I Need a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in PA?
- Seeking Compensation After DUI Accident Injuries in PA
- What Is a DUI? Meaning & Categories in Pennsylvania
- Drunk Driver Charges & Legal Consequences
- What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident with Injuries
- Common Drunk Driving Injuries
- Filing a DUI Accident Lawsuit in PA
- Don’t Miss The Deadline to File Your Drunk Driver Accident Claim
- Attorney Contingency Fees for DUI Lawsuits
- Fault & Comparative Negligence Rules in Pennsylvania
- Drunk Driver Car Accident Statistics
- Our Locations: Contact Us
- FAQs about DUI Cases
- Helpful Resources
- Schedule a Free Consultation
RECENT SETTLEMENTS:
Do I Need a DUI Accident Attorney in Pennsylvania?
When a drunk driver contributes to a crash, victims are often left feeling overwhelmed, and unsure of how to pursue justice or compensation for their injuries. The experienced Pennsylvania DUI Accident Lawyers at Kitay Law Offices have a proven track record of guiding our clients through challenging drunk driving injury cases.
Here are some ways our PA drunk driver accident lawyers can help navigate the aftermath of a drunk driving accident case:
- Investigate the Accident: We’ll collect witness statements, traffic camera footage, and other relevant evidence.
- Collaborate with Law Enforcement: We’ll review any available roadside tests administered on suspicion of DUI and blood alcohol concentration testing to confirm the responsible party is an intoxicated driver. In addition, criminal charges may have been filed against the impaired driver.
- Establishing Liability After an Accident: We’ll use available evidence to demonstrate who caused your severe injuries, and why they should be held financially responsible for your physical and emotional pain and suffering.
- Assess Damages: We’ll calculate and recover compensation for your losses in order to make you whole again in the eyes of the law. These damages may be increased due to the reckless behavior of intoxicated driving. This is called punitive damages
- File a DUI Lawsuit if Necessary: We’ll Initiate a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. This is also known as a civil lawsuit. In an extreme situation, we may need to file a wrongful death lawsuit if the accident victim passes away due to their injuries. Finally, if a bar or restaurant over-served a visibly intoxicated driver who caused the accident, we may file a claim against that business under the Dram Shop Law.
- Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters often make lowball offers following drunk driving crashes. We’ll take legal action to recover your maximum compensation when you’re the victim of a drunk driving accident.
- Meet All Legal Deadlines: Pennsylvania has deadlines for car accident injury cases (typically 2 years), including DUI accident cases. Our drunk driver accident lawyers will make sure your claim is filed on time.
- Represent Injured Victims in Court: When other drivers refuse to negotiate in good faith, we’ll fight for you in court.
- Put Your Mind at Ease: Let us handle the complicated legal process so you can relieve emotional distress and focus on your healing and well-being.
Don’t go it alone after a DUI accident with injuries. Get started on your drunk driver accident claim by scheduling a free case evaluation.
“In every state, it’s illegal to drive drunk, yet one person was killed in a drunk-driving crash every 39 minutes in the United States in 2022.” - NHTSA
Seek Compensation with a Qualified Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Pennsylvania
When you choose Kitay Law Offices as your Drunk Driver Accident Attorneys in PA, we’ll represent you and demand that those responsible pay financial compensation for the severe injury they have caused.
We aim to recover maximum compensation in drunk driving accident cases. These damages may include:
- Medical Bills for surgeries, hospitalizations, therapies, and any other medical expenses
- Lost Wages – when you have missed work and have lost income due to your injuries
- Lost Future Income – when your injuries require you to choose an alternate career path
- Pain and Suffering – when the mental and physical anguish of your severe injuries continue to negatively impact your life
- Loss of Companionship – when a loved one has been killed or their quality of life has been dramatically altered due to a drunk driver crash. This is called a Wrongful Death claim.
- Punitive Damages – meant to punish those who have displayed particularly outrageous conduct that has caused your serious injury and medical expenses
Let our compassionate team of Pennsylvania DUI accident lawyers do the heavy lifting so you can focus on your healing. Call us 24/7 to get started on a free case review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Kitay Law Offices Client Review
“I highly recommend Kitay Law Offices for anyone in need of legal assistance. I went through a very traumatic car accident and long recovery and from the moment I reached out, they guided me through every step of the paperwork and kept me updated throughout the entire process. Their team genuinely cared about my well-being, regularly checking in on my progress and making me feel supported. I couldn't have asked for a better experience and would confidently recommend them to my family and friends. Thank you for your exceptional service Ryan and Clara!" - Nelly T.SEE MORE: Google Reviews
What is a DUI? Meaning in PA Injury Cases
In Pennsylvania, Driving Under the Influence (DUI) refers to operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. Pennsylvania law as outlined in Title 75, Section 3802 [1] notes that a person commits a DUI if they:
- Have a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher while driving or operating a vehicle.
- Are impaired to a degree that affects their ability to safely operate a vehicle due to alcohol, drugs (both legal and illegal), or controlled substances.
- Operate a commercial vehicle with a BAC of 0.04% or higher.
- Are under the influence of controlled substances or a combination of substances that impair their ability to drive.
Violating Pennsylvania’s DUI laws can result in serious criminal penalties.
How Pennsylvania Classifies DUI Offenses
Pennsylvania categorizes DUI offenses based on the level of impairment and the substance involved:
- General Impairment: Driver’s BAC of 0.08% to 0.099%.
- High BAC: 0.10% to 0.159%.
- Highest BAC: 0.16% or higher, or under the influence of drugs.
Facing a DUI Charge?
What To Do After a DUI Accident
If you’re dealing with a drunk driver crash with injuries or the fatality of a loved one, our hearts go out to you. Below are some of the essential steps you can take to protect your rights and strengthen your chances for fair compensation.
After a Drunk Driver Crash:
- Prioritize Your Safety: Check for injuries, and call 911 for medical help.
- Seek Medical Attention for even minor injuries and keep records of all medical treatment and visits.
- Cooperate with the Police – Report a DUI accident to the police immediately. Kitay Law Offices can help you obtain a copy of the police report for your records.
- Document the Scene of the Accident with photos and videos if you’re able to. Our DUI accident attorneys will assist in gathering evidence and speaking to witnesses.
- Notify Your Car Insurance Company that you were involved in a crash with someone driving under the influence.
- Consult an Experienced Pennsylvania DUI Accident Lawyer. Begin by scheduling a free case evaluation. We’ll help you sort through police reports, medical records, and witness information and will pursue your justice and maximum compensation.
- Do Not Discuss the Accident Publicly to protect your case. Speak only with your DUI accident attorney or your own insurance company.
- Focus on your Recovery as we get to work on your personal injury case.
We’re here for you 24/7. Call Kitay Law Offices at 888-KITAYLAW to get started.
Common Injuries Suffered by Drunk Driving Accident Victims
Some of the most challenging and prevalent drunk driving injuries we see with our clients include:
- Head and brain injuries including concussions and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries including paralysis and herniated discs
- Broken bones including fractures in arms, legs, and ribs
- Internal injuries including organ damage and internal bleeding
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Cuts and lacerations resulting from broken glass or impact
- Fatality when the DUI accident takes the life of your loved one
We are here to help you pursue justice and compensation for your injuries or on behalf of the life of your loved ones. Call our Pennsylvania DUI accident lawyers 24/7 at 888-KITAYLAW to schedule a free case review.
Filing a DUI Accident Lawsuit in Pennsylvania
The goal of our skilled team of drunk driving accident lawyers at Kitay Law Offices is to help you determine how the accident occurred, prove liability, and recover damages that cover every expense you are eligible to receive under Pennsylvania DUI law.
Our DUI accident attorneys will handle all aspects of your injury claim, including the on-time filing of a drunk driver injury lawsuit should it become necessary.
Count on us, The Law Firm With a Heart, to help you navigate complex drunk driving accidents and legal matters in Pennsylvania. As your legal representation, we deal with the insurance companies so you don’t have to.
Don’t Miss the Deadline: PA Statute of Limitations for DUI Injury Cases
For most drunk driving accidents, strict DUI laws provide two years to sue for your injuries in Pennsylvania. This is the official statute of limitations for personal injury and motor vehicle accident cases under Pennsylvania law.[2]
If you miss this deadline, you may miss your opportunity to recover compensation for your serious injuries.
Don’t wait to have your case reviewed. Call Kitay Law Offices today for a free consultation at 888-KITAYLAW.
Lawyer Cost for DUI Injury Representation: We Use Contingency Fees
Each DUI Accident Law Firm in Pennsylvania may have its own way of earning a fee for their work. At Kitay Law Offices, we never charge you by the hour for your auto accident case. Instead, we work on contingency. That’s the popular “No Win, No Fee” model. That means we don’t earn a fee unless you receive a settlement or verdict in your favor.
You can be certain that our experienced drunk driver accident attorneys will work hard to obtain the best possible result in your case. Explore your legal options with a free consultation today!
Pennsylvania Comparative Negligence Laws & DUI Accidents
Pennsylvania follows the modified comparative negligence rule.[3] In DUI accident cases, comparative negligence can come into play if the injured party (the plaintiff) is also found to have contributed to the accident in some way.
- 50% Rule: You can recover damages as long as you are 50% or less at fault for the accident. However, if you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any compensation from the other party.
- Reduction of Damages: If you are partially at fault (50% or less), your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your total compensation would be reduced by 20%.
The qualified Pennsylvania drunk driving accident attorneys at Kitay Law Offices can help clarify where fault exists and will pursue your justice and compensation. Contact our experienced team to get your important questions answered.
Statistics in Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driver accidents and other DUI collisions continue to cause mayhem in Pennsylvania and across the nation. Thousands are affected by drunk and impaired drivers every year. Some notable DUI accident statistics include the following:
- In 2021, 9,220 alcohol-related crashes occurred in Pennsylvania, resulting in 311 fatalities.[4]
- Each day throughout the US, about 37 people die in drunk driving crashes — that’s one person every 39 minutes. 13,524 people died in 2022 from alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths.[5]
- About 32% of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers (with BACs of .08 g/dL or higher) [6]
These statistics represent all too many individuals and families affected by DUI accidents. If you or a loved one have been injured in a drunk driving accident in PA, call our offices 24/7 and sign up for a free case review. We’re here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Injury Cases
Yes, for victims who have been injured by a drunk driver, insurance policies generally cover DUI and drunk driving car accidents in Pennsylvania for property damage. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is also required in PA and is no-fault, and will typically cover medical bills, lost wages, and funeral costs.
To seek compensation for pain and suffering and other non-economic damages, you may need to negotiate a claim with the drunk driver’s insurance. Our DUI accident attorneys in PA have extensive experience negotiating fair settlements and when needed, will file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf.
According the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the majority of drunk driving accidents occur between midnight and 3 a.m. on weekends, aligning with closing of bars, lounges, restaurants and nightclubs, when impaired drivers get behind the wheel.[7]
The NHTSA also notes that New Year’s Eve, the Fourth of July, and Thanksgiving see an uptick in drunk driving accidents each year correlating with alcohol consumption during holiday festivities.
