Pittsburgh Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Supportive Advocacy After Drunk Driving Accidents in Pittsburgh, PA

In 2009, 10,839 people were killed in auto accidents caused by intoxicated motorists, accounting for nearly one-third of all traffic-related deaths in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

At Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C., we strive to give drunk driving victims a voice in the legal system. Recovering a wrongful death or personal injury settlement following a drunk driving accident is not just about the money. It's also about holding the negligent party responsible for his or her actions. Our experienced Pittsburgh drunk driving accident attorneys are prepared to stand up for your rights to help you obtain the full and fair compensation you need during this difficult time.

Call (844) 383-0565 or contact us online today to request a free case review with our Pittsburgh drunk driving accident attorneys.

Drunk Driving Laws in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania takes driving under the influence (DUI) offenses very seriously. The state enforces strict laws to deter impaired driving and protect the public from the dangers of alcohol-related crashes.

Legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits

• Drivers aged 21 and older: 0.08% BAC
• Commercial drivers: 0.04% BAC
• Drivers under 21: 0.02% BAC

Penalties for DUI in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania imposes a tiered penalty system for DUI offenses based on the driver’s BAC and prior offenses. Penalties may include:

• Fines ranging from $300 to $10,000
• License suspension for 12 to 18 months
• Mandatory alcohol treatment programs
• Jail time from 48 hours to 5 years, depending on severity and prior offenses

Aggravated DUI and Enhanced Penalties

Drivers with a BAC of 0.16% or higher or those involved in accidents causing injury or death may face harsher penalties, including felony charges.

If a drunk driver causes an accident resulting in injuries or fatalities, they may be held both criminally and civilly liable. Victims of drunk driving accidents have the right to pursue a personal injury claim to seek compensation for their losses.

How Alcohol Impairs Your Ability to Drive

Alcohol consumption impairs cognitive function and motor skills, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. Even small amounts of alcohol can affect a driver’s judgment, reflexes, and perception, making it dangerous for them to operate a vehicle.

• Reduced Reaction Time – Alcohol slows down the brain’s ability to process information, causing delayed reactions to sudden changes in traffic.
• Impaired Judgment and Decision-Making – Intoxicated drivers are more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, or ignoring traffic signals.
• Loss of Coordination and Control – Alcohol impairs motor functions, leading to difficulties in steering, braking, and maintaining lane control.
• Blurry Vision and Reduced Awareness – Alcohol affects visual perception and depth perception, making it harder for drivers to judge distances and spot hazards.

These impairments can have devastating consequences, leading to collisions that could otherwise have been avoided.

How to Prove Liability Against a Drunk Driver

Proving liability in a drunk driving accident is critical for securing compensation. To establish fault, the victim (plaintiff) must demonstrate that the drunk driver’s negligence caused the accident and resulting injuries.

• Police Reports and Arrest Records – After a drunk driving accident, law enforcement typically investigates the crash and files an official report. If the at-fault driver is charged with DUI, this information can be powerful evidence in a civil claim.
• Field Sobriety and Breathalyzer Test Results – BAC test results, along with any failed field sobriety tests, can serve as strong evidence of impairment and negligence.
• Witness Testimony – Eyewitness accounts can provide critical details about the driver’s behavior before and after the accident, including erratic driving or signs of intoxication.
• Surveillance or Dashcam Footage – Video evidence from nearby cameras or dashcams can capture the moments leading up to the crash and help demonstrate fault.
• Expert Testimony – Accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals can analyze the evidence and provide testimony to support the claim that alcohol impairment caused the crash.

By gathering compelling evidence, our Pittsburgh drunk driving accident lawyers work to build a strong case for victims and maximize their potential compensation.

Pennsylvania Dram Shop & Social Host Liability

In addition to holding the drunk driver accountable, Pennsylvania law allows victims to pursue claims against establishments and individuals who serve alcohol to intoxicated persons who later cause harm.

Dram Shop Liability

Under Pennsylvania’s Dram Shop Law, bars, restaurants, and other establishments that serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals can be held liable if that individual causes an accident. To establish dram shop liability, the victim must prove:

1. The establishment served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person.
2. The intoxicated person caused an accident resulting in injuries or death.

Social Host Liability

Social hosts who provide alcohol to minors or visibly intoxicated guests can also be held liable for damages caused by their guests. If a host knowingly serves alcohol to a minor who later causes a crash, they may be held responsible for the victim’s losses.

Victims can pursue compensation from these third parties in addition to the drunk driver, potentially increasing the amount of recoverable damages.

Contact a Pittsburgh Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Today

If your loved one was killed by a drunk driver, you need time to grieve and come to grips with your tragic loss. Our attorneys will take over the burden of dealing with insurance companies, medical providers, law enforcement, and others so that you can focus on remembering your family member. We will thoroughly investigate your case, gather critical evidence, and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. Don’t let a drunk driver’s negligence go unpunished. 

Contact our Pittsburgh drunk driving accident lawyers today at (844) 383-0565 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal options.