Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys | Pennsylvania & Tri-State Area
Being hit by a drunk driver is one of the most infuriating and preventable types of accidents. Victims of drunk driving crashes deserve aggressive legal representation to hold impaired drivers and those who enabled them fully accountable. At Siddons Law Firm, our drunk driving accident lawyers pursue every avenue of compensation, including punitive damages designed to punish the drunk driver for their reckless conduct. Call 610-255-7500 for a free consultation.
Punitive Damages in Drunk Driving Cases
Unlike typical car accident cases, drunk driving accident claims in Pennsylvania and our surrounding states often support punitive damages. Punitive damages are awarded above and beyond compensatory damages to punish particularly reckless or outrageous conduct. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs constitutes the type of willful and wanton disregard for safety that courts have found warrants punitive damages.
Dram Shop and Social Host Liability
Pennsylvania’s Dram Shop Act (47 P.S. § 4-497) allows victims to bring claims against bars, restaurants, and liquor licensees that served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person or a minor who then caused an accident. Social host liability may also apply when private hosts serve alcohol to minors. New Jersey has similar laws under its Licensed Alcoholic Beverage Server Fair Liability Act. Our attorneys investigate where the drunk driver was drinking before the crash to identify all potential sources of recovery.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident
Call 911 immediately, as law enforcement will conduct field sobriety and chemical testing. Seek medical attention for all injuries. Document the scene if possible. Do not accept any settlement offers before speaking with an attorney, as drunk driving cases typically have significantly higher value than standard accident claims.
Contact Our Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
Contact Siddons Law Firm at 610-255-7500 for a free consultation about your drunk driving accident case.