Pennsylvania Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

Comprehensive DUI Accident Representation in Carlisle, Hanover, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Schuylkill County & York, PA

Few acts of recklessness are as tragic and preventable as drunk driving accidents. People are seriously or fatally injured on a daily basis because drivers believe they're somehow immune to alcohol or poor decisions, that getting behind the wheel is somehow okay for them. On behalf of our clients, Handler, Henning & Rosenberg is here to teach negligent drivers a lesson.

When you or a loved one has suffered severe injuries because another driver was too drunk to drive safely, that's when you call HHR. Our drunk driving accident attorneys are available to our clients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer their questions, hear their concerns, and help provide for their medical and legal needs. We've recovered tens of millions of dollars for hundreds of clients. As one of Harrisburg's oldest and largest law firms, we have the experience to make sure you get exactly what you need.

Call (888) 498-3023 or contact us online for a free consultation. 

Drunk Driving Accident Statistics in PA

Did you know? According to the NHTSA, about 32 people in the United States die every day in drunk driving crashes. In Pennsylvania alone, DUI arrests are increasing year-over-year. There were 44,532 DUI arrests in the state in 2021, an increase of over 10 percent from 2020. In direct connection to that, alcohol-related crashes and deaths both also increased from 2020 to 2021 in Pennsylvania.

Navigating Criminal & Civil DUI Cases in Pennsylvania

If the drunk driver who struck you was charged with DUI but was acquitted or dismissed, that doesn't mean you'll automatically lose your case. Criminal cases have a different burden of proof from civil injury cases, and you'll still have an opportunity to hold them accountable in court. In fact, a case that might have failed to secure a conviction can still secure sizable compensation in civil court.

Even if not convicted, evidence gathered during your defendant's criminal case might serve as a powerful tool to secure a settlement--money that could be used to provide you with medical care, compensation for lost wages and property damage, or even pain and suffering. With enough evidence, juries are far more likely to rule on behalf of a drunk driving victim than a reckless driver.

Our point is this: Don't assume the odds of your case until you speak with an attorney. There are myriad tactics and strategies our Pennsylvania car accident lawyers have used to secure jury verdicts and settlements. Even if the driver who struck you doesn't have money, the insurance company is the one who will have to answer for the damage he or she caused. Once we hear the circumstances of your injuries, we'll be able to explain the odds of your case winning in court--and what our car accident lawyers can do to help.

Understanding Dram Shop Liability in Pennsylvania

In some DUI accident cases, more than one party may be legally responsible for the harm caused. Under Pennsylvania's Dram Shop Law, bars, restaurants, and other establishments that serve alcohol can be held liable if they overserve visibly intoxicated patrons who then go on to cause accidents.

Dram shop cases require swift legal action and solid evidence. Our team knows how to investigate where the driver was drinking, obtain surveillance footage, gather witness testimony, and identify whether an establishment failed its legal duty. If a bar or server contributed to your injuries by breaking the law, we'll make sure they're held accountable.

For example, HHR recently secured a $2.2 million settlement on behalf of a client who was seriously injured by a drunk driver who had been overserved at a bar. That compensation helped cover ongoing medical needs and made it possible for our client to begin rebuilding their life.

Key Evidence in a Civil DUI Injury Claim

To build a successful civil claim against a drunk driver, we gather a wide range of evidence that can prove fault and support the amount of compensation you're entitled to. This may include:

• Police reports documenting the driver's behavior and any DUI charges
• Breathalyzer or blood test results showing the driver's blood alcohol content
• Witness statements from people at the scene of the crash
• Medical records linking your injuries to the accident
• Crash reconstruction reports to demonstrate how the accident occurred
• Surveillance or dashcam footage, if available
• Social media activity or text messages from the driver that may indicate intoxication

This evidence can also support claims for dram shop liability when it shows the driver was drinking at a specific venue before the crash.

What to Do After a DUI Accident: Checklist for Victims

If you were injured by a drunk driver--whether as another motorist, cyclist, or passenger--taking the right steps early on can make a big difference. Here's what to do:

• Call 911 immediately. Report the accident and request medical help. Let the dispatcher know you suspect alcohol was involved.
• Get medical attention. Even if you feel okay, a full exam can uncover injuries that may not be obvious right away.
• Cooperate with police. Provide a clear statement of what you saw and experienced. Ask how to obtain a copy of the police report.
• Document everything. Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and your injuries. Write down everything you remember, including what the other driver said or did.
• Get witness info. If others saw what happened, get their names and contact details.
• Don't talk to the insurance company alone. Their goal is to pay as little as possible. Let your lawyer handle these conversations.
• Call a DUI accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can preserve evidence, protect your rights, and help you pursue full compensation.

Seek Justice with Pennsylvania's Trusted DUI Accident Lawyers

With 100 years of experience, we are the premier drunk driving accident lawyers in Pennsylvania, so we know that immediately after an accident, you will have a list of questions about your medical bills, damage to your vehicle, and many other things. We are here to help you!

Our goal is to fight for the rights of plaintiffs and secure compensation for:

• Injuries
• Medical bills
• Rehabilitation expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Any other losses or expenses

If you are injured in an alcohol-related accident, you may be able to recover damages from the drunk driver's insurance company. Handler, Henning & Rosenberg can help you get the compensation you deserve from your drunk driving accident injuries.

Call (888) 498-3023 for a free review. We'll answer your questions, lay out your legal options, and help you decide on the next steps to take. Serving clients throughout Carlisle, Hanover, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Schuylkill County, and York.