Have you or a loved one been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver? Contact The Slocum Firm to schedule a free consultation today. Our Pennsylvania DUI accident lawyers can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve for your injuries.

DUI accidents in Pennsylvania can be devastating. From severe injuries to loss of life, these accidents can leave you with heavy emotional, physical, and financial burdens. Beyond the physical damage, the legal consequences of a DUI offense can be life-altering. The DUI penalties for being involved in such an accident, from hefty fines to potential jail time, can drastically affect your future. A mistake could worsen things without proper legal counsel, prolonging the legal process or increasing penalties.

Our Pennsylvania DUI accident lawyers at The Slocum Firm are here to guide you through this difficult time. In this article, we’ll walk you through the crucial steps to take after a DUI accident in Pennsylvania. By taking the right legal steps early on, you can protect your rights and minimize the long-term impact on your driving record and criminal record.

Call the Police and Report the Accident

After a DUI accident in Pennsylvania, the first step is to call the police, regardless of the accident’s severity. This action ensures proper management of the scene, creates an official record, and initiates the legal proceedings. Even minor car accidents can become complicated in DUI cases, making law enforcement involvement crucial.

Upon arrival, police officers will assess the scene, gather evidence, and interview those involved and witnesses. If driving under the influence is suspected, they may conduct field sobriety tests and breathalyzer or blood tests to determine blood alcohol concentration (BAC). These findings are documented in police reports, which are vital for legal proceedings.

In Pennsylvania, driving under the influence is seriously penalized, and signs of intoxication can lead to DUI charges even if the BAC is below the legal BAC limit of 0.08%. It may also result in legal and administrative penalties for the at-fault driver, such as a license suspension or mandatory enrollment in Alcohol Highway Safety School. They could also face harsher penalties, including DUI convictions or even felony DUI charges if serious bodily injury or vehicular homicide occurred. In such cases, documentation of the scene, along with police reports, will be crucial in ensuring that justice is served.

Seek Medical Attention

Your health and well-being should be your top priority after a DUI accident, regardless of how minor your injuries might seem at the moment. It’s common for adrenaline to mask the pain right after an accident, but injuries such as whiplash, internal bleeding, or concussions can surface hours or even days later. Seeking medical attention immediately allows healthcare professionals to assess your condition and treat any bodily injury before it worsens.

This step is not only vital for your recovery but also for your legal case. Your medical records are an essential part of establishing the extent of your injuries, which can influence DUI penalties and help determine whether you’re entitled to compensation. Delaying medical treatment can make it harder to link your injuries directly to the DUI accident, which might harm your case. 

Gather Evidence

If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a driver under the influence, gathering as much evidence as possible from the accident scene is crucial. Even though the police will create an official report, having your own documentation can be incredibly beneficial, especially when building your case in Pennsylvania.

If you’re physically able, take photos of the vehicles involved, any visible injuries, road conditions, and any other elements that may have contributed to the accident. This evidence can be critical in proving fault and showing the extent of the damage.

Witness statements are also invaluable. If other drivers, pedestrians, or passengers witnessed the accident, ask for their contact information. Their accounts can help confirm that the intoxicated driver was at fault, which could be useful during the legal proceedings.

Collecting this evidence can significantly strengthen your case and help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

Exchange Information with Other Parties Involved

After a DUI accident, it’s essential to exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved. This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, and insurance policy details. Pennsylvania law requires you to do this after an accident. Avoid discussing the specifics of the accident or admitting fault, as anything you say could be used against you in legal proceedings.

If the other driver was under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance and caused the accident, this exchange of information will be necessary when filing a claim or pursuing compensation for your injuries. Having accurate information will also help you avoid complications later when you need to contact your insurance company or a DUI defense attorney to navigate the legal process.

Speak to an Attorney

It’s crucial to seek legal counsel early to begin the recovery process. Pennsylvania has strict DUI laws and penalties, which can include hefty fines, license suspension, and even jail time for the offender, depending on the circumstances of the accident.

A knowledgeable attorney, especially one experienced with DUI cases, can help you navigate the complex legal landscape ahead. They can challenge the accuracy of field sobriety tests, argue against unreasonable searches, or dispute the blood alcohol content results. Whether it’s negotiating compensation or challenging the validity of the evidence, working with a skilled attorney gives you the best chance at securing justice and minimizing the impact of the accident on your life.

Contact a DUI Accident Lawyer in Pennsylvania

If you’ve been involved in a DUI accident in Pennsylvania, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At The Slocum Firm, our experienced DUI attorneys are ready to provide your legal support. 

We understand how overwhelming it can be to face DUI charges, from license suspension to potential jail time. We have helped countless people navigate the legal process, from gathering evidence to challenging DUI charges. 

Whether you’re a victim seeking compensation for severe injuries or an individual facing DUI convictions or aggravated assault charges, our firm is here to fight for your rights and help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve. Don’t face the legal process alone—contact The Slocum Firm today for a free consultation at 570-209-7376.