GLS Injury Law has always considered it a privilege when someone entrusts our firm with caring for them and their family following a DUI accident. As a prosecutor in the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office, Attorney Georgelis observed the painful effects that drunk driving can have on families. Now, as an accident attorney whose practice focuses on recovering financial compensation for those injured in car, truck and motorcycle crashes, he has the ability to help families and victims recover.
While these cases are sensitive and unique in many ways, it is crucial to understand the various factors that might play into the amount of financial compensation you, as a victim of a DUI accident, can expect to receive.
1. Was anyone besides the DUI driver responsible?
Like many states, the State of Pennsylvania enforces dram shop laws, or laws that hold any establishment or individual that serves alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person accountable for the actions of that person. Pennsylvania also applies this law to private events.
If alcohol was knowingly served to an intoxicated person who then went on to cause a drunk driving accident, the venue or person who served them alcohol may be required to pay damages to the victim.
2. Does the victim require long-term medical care?
DUI crashes often result in debilitating injuries, leaving victims in need of intensive, round-the-clock medical care. If serious or chronic injuries were sustained due to the accident, and the drunk driver is found responsible for those injuries, victims may be awarded additional damages to cover the costs of medical care.
3. Did injuries from the accident prevent the victim from working?
If a DUI accident results in physical or mental injuries to the victim that in any way inhibit or end their ability to work, then additional damages are usually awarded. Compensation is commensurate to the affect on the victim’s earning ability: The less they are able to work, the more they will be awarded.
4. Did the accident result in fatality?
Sadly, DUI accidents often result in the deaths of innocent people. If a DUI lawsuit includes allegations of wrongful death and the accused is found guilty, compensation for the families can be much higher. The amount of compensation can be even greater if the deceased was the primary wage earner for the family.
If you, a friend, or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver, contact GLS Injury Law so we can help you hold drunk drivers and the insurance companies who cover them financially accountable.
