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Drunk Driving Accident Injury Attorneys in Lancaster, PA

Representing victims of impaired and drunk driving crashes in South Central PA

Driving under the influence (DUI) is not only an incredibly dangerous and reckless action, it is also a crime. Making the decision to get behind the wheel while impaired puts literally everyone sharing the road with that driver at risk – passengers in the vehicle, other drivers, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists. Further, drunk driving accidents tend to be serious, resulting in severe or catastrophic injuries.

If you suffered injuries, or lost a loved one, in an accident with an impaired driver, talk to the Lancaster attorneys at KBG Injury Law today. We can help determine the extent of your injuries and losses, and work to secure the proper compensation to which you are entitled. Our legal team will work to ensure you have the resources to heal as much as possible from your injuries and move forward feeling secure and confident.

Practice Areas

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How can we help?

What are Pennsylvania’s drunk driving laws?

Pennsylvania’s DUI laws work under a tiered approach of enforcement. The state uses three levels of DUI:

General impairment (.08 to .099% BAC)

  • First offense – ungraded misdemeanor, probation, $300 fine
  • Second offense – ungraded misdemeanor, 12-month license suspension, up to 6 months jail, $300 to $2,500 fine
  • Two or more prior offenses – 2nd-degree misdemeanor, 12-month license suspension, up to 2 years prison, $500 to $5,000 fine

High BAC (.10 to .159% BAC)

  • First offense – ungraded misdemeanor, 12-month license suspension, up to 6 months prison, $500 to $5,000 fine
  • Second offense – ungraded misdemeanor, 12-month license suspension, up to 6 months jail, $750 to $2,500 fine
  • Two or more prior offenses – 1st-degree misdemeanor, 18-month license suspension, 90 days to 5 years prison, $1,500 to $10,000 fine
  • Three or more prior offenses – 1st-degree misdemeanor, 18-month license suspension, 1 to 5 years prison, $1,500 to $10,000 fine

Highest BAC (.16% and higher BAC)

  • First offense – ungraded misdemeanor, 12-month license suspension, up to 6 months prison, $1,000 to $5,000 fine
  • Second offense – 1st degree misdemeanor, 18-month license suspension, up to 5 years prison, $1,500 to $10,000 fine
  • Two or more prior offenses – 1st-degree misdemeanor, 18-month license suspension, 1 to 5 years prison, $2,500 to $10,000 fine

As you can see, the higher an individual’s BAC and the higher their number of offenses, the more severe the penalties. Our attorneys work to uncover whether the driver who injured you should even have been on the road in the first place.

Why is driving under the influence so dangerous?

Alcohol and drugs can affect a person’s ability to perform a variety of skills, including the ability to drive. Driving under the influence can cause dangerous situations behind the wheel, like:

  • Problems concentrating
  • Decline in ability to multi-task
  • Difficulty visually tracking moving objects
  • Impaired perception and information processing
  • Lane drifting
  • Inability to maintain speed
  • Decreased reflexes and response time
  • Reduced coordination
  • Short-term memory loss
  • Inability to control vehicle and steering

Even one of these actions can cause a serious car accident. The Lancaster attorneys at KBG Injury Law can help hold the right people responsible.

What are common injuries from drunk driving accidents?

In 2020, Pennsylvania saw approximately 21 alcohol-related crashes every day, with 293 fatalities. Across the country, one person dies from a DUI-related accident every 50 minutes, and the annual cost of alcohol-related crashes is over $44 billion. These costs include things like property damage, medical treatment, and loss of life from injuries including:

  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Internal injuries
  • Traumatic amputation
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Wrongful death

Every accident, every injury, and everyone’s healing and recovery is unique. This is why our attorneys take the time to talk to you and find out exactly how your injuries have affected your life. We also speak with your physicians and any other relevant professionals for their expert opinions. This helps up build the strongest possible case on your behalf to secure the financial compensation you need.

Who is liable for my injuries from a drunk driver?

In most cases, the impaired driver is at fault for your injuries. However, in some situations, other parties may also hold some liability. Pennsylvania’s dram shop and social host laws state that an alcohol vendor or host could be held responsible for an intoxicated driver’s actions in some situations.

  • Under PA Liquor Code 4-497, also called “dram shop” law, alcohol vendors may not sell or furnish alcohol to minors or anyone visibly intoxicated.
  • Pennsylvanians may also make claims against social hosts that provide alcohol to minors who then go on to injure someone. However, social host liability does not apply for individuals over the age of 21.

Our attorneys can provide more guidance if you have any questions.

How can a Lancaster drunk driving accident injury lawyer help me?

Filing an accident claim against an impaired driver can be a bit complicated. In addition to any legal action you may take, the state is likely to file criminal charges as well. This only means, however, that there may be two legal proceedings happening at the same time.

It is important, however, to have attorneys on your side with extensive knowledge of both sides of the process. The team at KBG Injury Law will keep you apprised of any criminal proceedings while moving forward with your civil action full speed ahead. We understand you need help and you need it now – but we will never settle for less than you are worth.

What is the value of my Lancaster drunk driving accident claim?

If you or a member of your family were harmed in an accident with an impaired driver, you may be eligible for damages. The attorneys at KBG Injury Law work to secure:

  • Lost wages, current and future
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Medical expenses, current and future
  • Rehabilitation and physical therapy expenses
  • Physical and emotional pain and suffering
  • Property damage and repair expenses

We work to negotiate the best possible settlement, but in the case that is not possible, we are not afraid to go to trial and litigate on your behalf.

Is there a drunk driving accident attorney near me?

You can find KBG Injury Law at 1776 Harrisburg Pike, across from the LGH Health Campus in Lancaster, PA. We also maintain four locations throughout South Central Pennsylvania.

Skilled Lancaster drunk driving accident injury lawyers

At KBG Injury Law, our honest and reliable attorneys are here to help. When you or a loved one were injured in an accident with a drunk driver, look to us for justice and to make things right. We can help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation to which you are entitled for your injuries and losses. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 717-848-3838 or fill out our contact form. We have offices in York, Lancaster, Gettysburg, Harrisburg, and Hanover, and serve families throughout South Central Pennsylvania.