A crash caused by a drunk driver can change your life in seconds. You may face painful injuries, large medical bills, missed work, and stress about what comes next. If you were hurt by an impaired driver in Hazelton, Pennsylvania, McDonald & MacGregor, LLC can help you understand your legal options.
Our legal team can investigate the crash and help you seek payment for your losses. Contact us today at (570) 209-7062 to schedule a free consultation with a Hazelton DUI accident lawyer.
Why Choose McDonald & MacGregor, LLC in Hazelton, Pennsylvania?
Experience can make a difference when you are dealing with a serious injury claim. McDonald & MacGregor, LLC has 93 years of combined experience helping injured people. Our firm has also recovered millions for clients who needed help after accidents.
Our Hazelton personal injury lawyers understand how an unexpected crash can affect a family. We can gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and explain each step of your case in clear terms.
If you were injured by an impaired driver in Hazelton, PA, you do not have to handle your claim alone. Contact our Hazelton car accident lawyers today and let our team help you pursue the compensation you may deserve.
DUI Laws in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania law makes it illegal to drive while under the influence of alcohol or certain drugs. The state’s DUI law covers several levels and types of impairment. Penalties may also become more serious in some cases when a DUI involves an accident that causes injury, death, or property damage.
A criminal DUI case and an injury claim are different legal matters. The government may bring criminal charges against the driver. An injured person may also have the right to bring a civil claim seeking money for losses caused by the crash.
What Compensation Is Available After a DUI Accident?
A serious DUI accident can create costs that continue long after the crash. The amount of compensation available depends on the facts of the case, including the injuries and financial losses involved.
A claim may seek compensation for:
- Medical bills and future medical care
- Lost wages and reduced ability to work
- Property damage
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Other accident-related expenses
Every claim is different, so there is no set amount that every injured person will receive. A lawyer can review your medical records, bills, work history, and other evidence to estimate your losses.
Keeping records of your costs and treatment can help your lawyer build a stronger claim.
What If I Was Partly at Fault for a DUI Accident?
Sometimes, more than one person shares responsibility for a crash. Pennsylvania uses a comparative negligence rule in many injury cases. Under this rule, an injured person may still recover damages when their share of the fault is not greater than the fault of the defendant or defendants from whom they seek payment. Their damages can be reduced based on their share of fault.
Insurance companies may try to place some blame on an injured person. This makes evidence important. Photos, witness accounts, crash reports, and other records can help show how the collision occurred and who may be responsible.
What Should I Do After a DUI Accident?
The steps you take after a DUI accident can affect your health and your ability to pursue compensation.
After a car accident, you should:
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injuries initially seem minor.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions and attend recommended follow-up appointments.
- Save important documents, including medical bills, repair estimates, receipts, and other accident-related records.
- Document your recovery by keeping notes about how your injuries affect your work, daily activities, and quality of life.
- Be cautious when speaking with insurance companies and avoid guessing about the accident or downplaying your injuries.
- Speak with a lawyer before accepting a settlement so you understand how the agreement could affect your legal rights.
Taking these steps can help protect your health, preserve important evidence, and put you in a better position to pursue compensation after a DUI accident.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Hazelton Personal Injury Lawyers
If you were injured by an impaired driver, McDonald & MacGregor, LLC can handle the legal process while you focus on your recovery. Our attorneys can investigate the crash, deal with insurers, and help you pursue compensation.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our Hazelton DUI accident attorneys and discuss your legal options.