Drunk drivers have caused havoc on Pennsylvania roadways ever since the automobile was invented, and they continue to do so today. Alcohol-impaired drivers are often involved in the most horrific, traumatic injury collisions due to the speed and recklessness with which they typically drive. Victims of drunk drivers deserve to be compensated to the fullest possible degree, and this is only possible by working with an experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorney.
Drunk Driving Statistics in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has a serious driving under the influence (DUI) problem. In 2016, Pennsylvania was one of 10 states that made up 54 percent of all alcohol-caused driving fatalities throughout the entire nation, according to the Mercury News. To be sure, 1.8 percent of Pennsylvania drivers report having drank too much before driving within the last 30 days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, despite this news, Pennsylvania DUI fatalities have actually decreased in the past couple of years. This is somewhat bittersweet news, considering that still 28 percent of all traffic fatalities in our state are caused by drunk drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Common Types of DUI Crashes
- Rear End Collisions – Drunk drivers often tailgate at dangerous distances, either out of anger that the car in front of them is not going fast enough, or because focusing on a set of taillights is the easiest way for them to drive in such an impaired state. When the car in front of them slows as it approaches an intersection, turn, or slowing traffic, the drunk driver does not have the reaction time or room to apply the brakes in time.
- Rollovers – Rollover collisions are among the rarest types of collisions, but they occur at a higher rate when drunk drivers are involved than when there is no alcohol present. This is because drunk drivers often go way above the speed limit. This speed is coupled with losing control of their car, such as glancing off a vehicle to the side of them, hitting loose soil or gravel on the side of the road, or over correcting after a drunken swerve. Whether they are the only party that rolls or they cause another vehicle to rollover, these types of collision are extremely dangerous.
- Head On Collisions – Drunk drivers and drivers who fall asleep at the wheel have a few things in common, and one of those things is that they are prone to crossing the center line and veering into oncoming traffic. Head on collisions are often fatal, and when they are not, they cause extensive injuries to everyone involved.
Call a Personal Injury Lawyer to be Compensated for Your Injuries
If you suffered any type of injury caused by a drunk driver, your damages should be covered by the negligent party. You should not be stuck with medical bills, property damage costs, and lost wages because of another person’s reckless behavior. For compensation, reach out to the Philadelphia Law Offices of van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim today.