Drunk driving crashes are not ordinary accidents. When someone chooses to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the risk to everyone else on the road increases sharply. In Scranton, DUI accidents often involve high speeds, poor judgment, and serious injuries.
If you were hurt in a crash caused by an impaired driver in Scranton, Pennsylvania, our Scranton DUI accident lawyers at McDonald & MacGregor, LLC can review what happened and explain your options under Pennsylvania law. Contact us today at (570) 209-7062 for a free consultation.
How McDonald & MacGregor, LLC Can Help Following a DUI Accident in Scranton, PA?
DUI cases often have strong liability evidence, but that does not mean insurance companies will agree to full compensation. Even when a driver is arrested, insurers may dispute the severity of injuries or the value of the claim.
The Scranton personal injury lawyers at our office approach impaired driving cases by concentrating on proving fault and demonstrating the full extent of the harm caused. While the criminal case addresses penalties, the civil claim centers on financial accountability and the measurable impact of the crash on your life.
We may take steps such as:
- Obtaining blood alcohol concentration test results
- Reviewing police reports and dash camera footage
- Interviewing witnesses
- Documenting medical treatment and wage loss
- Pursuing compensation through negotiation or litigation
At McDonald & MacGregor, LLC, our goal is straightforward: We hold impaired drivers financially accountable for the harm they cause. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Scranton car accident lawyer.
How DUI Accidents Happen
Alcohol and drugs affect reaction time, coordination, and decision-making. Drivers under the influence may misjudge distances, ignore traffic signals, or fail to react to changing road conditions. Impairment can also reduce peripheral awareness and slow a driver’s ability to process hazards, increasing the likelihood of sudden, reckless maneuvers.
Common behaviors seen in DUI crashes include:
- Speeding
- Running red lights
- Crossing into oncoming lanes
- Failing to brake in time
- Driving the wrong way
In many cases, these crashes are preventable. The decision to drive while impaired places other motorists, pedestrians, and passengers at unnecessary risk of serious injury or death.
What Injuries Commonly Occur in DUI Crashes?
DUI accidents often involve forceful impacts because impaired drivers fail to slow down or take quick action to avoid collisions. The injuries can be life-altering.
Injuries frequently associated with DUI crashes include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Multiple fractures
- Internal bleeding
- Severe soft tissue damage
Some victims face surgeries, extended rehabilitation, and long-term physical limitations. Others deal with emotional trauma long after physical wounds begin to heal.
What Compensation Is Available to Me?
A DUI accident claim may seek recovery for both financial losses and the personal impact of the crash. These cases often involve serious injuries that disrupt employment, strain family relationships, and create lasting physical limitations. The goal of a civil claim is to account for the full scope of harm caused by the impaired driver’s actions.
Economic damages may include:
- Emergency medical care
- Hospital stays and surgeries
- Ongoing therapy
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
Non-economic damages may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of normal daily activities
- Permanent disability
In certain cases involving especially reckless conduct, punitive damages may also be available under Pennsylvania law. These damages are intended to address conduct that goes beyond ordinary negligence and to reinforce the seriousness of driving under the influence.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
Pennsylvania law sets a deadline for filing personal injury lawsuits. In most DUI accident cases, that period begins on the date of the crash. Missing that deadline can prevent an injured person from pursuing compensation, regardless of how strong the underlying claim may be.
The civil claim moves on its own timeline. You do not have to wait for the criminal DUI case to conclude before pursuing compensation. Reviewing your situation early helps ensure the claim is filed within the required time period and that all procedural requirements under Pennsylvania law are properly satisfied.
Contact a DUI Accident Lawyer in Scranton, Pennsylvania
A drunk driving crash can leave you facing medical bills, missed work, and long-term recovery. The fact that the other driver was impaired does not automatically mean the insurance company will pay what your claim is worth.
McDonald & MacGregor, LLC is ready to represent you if you were injured by intoxicated drivers. We will prepare your DUI accident case carefully and pursue compensation that reflects the seriousness of the harm you suffered.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a Scranton DUI accident attorney.
