When someone makes the reckless decision to drive under the influence, innocent people suffer the consequences. Drunk driving accidents often leave victims with devastating injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and long-term emotional trauma.
If you or a loved one has been injured because of a drunk driver in Philadelphia, you deserve justice—and you deserve strong legal representation.
At The Oakes Firm, we understand how deeply these accidents impact your life. We are ready to step in immediately, investigate your case, and fight for the compensation you need to heal and rebuild. Our goal is to hold negligent drivers accountable and secure the maximum recovery possible for every client we represent.
Call (267) 310-0656 today for your free consultation with a Philadelphia drunk driving accident lawyer at The Oakes Firm. Let’s take the first step toward justice together.
Schedule A Free Case Consultation
Why Choose The Oakes Firm After a Drunk Driving Accident
Choosing the right lawyer after a drunk driving accident can make a major difference in your recovery. At The Oakes Firm, we focus exclusively on helping injury victims and their families move forward after devastating accidents.
When you work with us, you can expect:
- Aggressive representation: We pursue the full value of your claim, whether through settlement negotiations or trial.
- Personalized attention: You are never just another case file. We stay in close contact with you throughout the process.
- Focused experience: We know how to navigate complex drunk driving accident cases and expose all sources of liability.
- Relentless advocacy: We fight for your rights and refuse to let insurance companies undervalue your injuries.
At The Oakes Firm, we are passionate about standing up for those harmed by drunk drivers. Your case deserves attention, compassion, and a commitment to results—and we are here to deliver.
The Serious Impact of Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents are among the most catastrophic types of motor vehicle crashes. Because impaired drivers often travel at high speeds, disregard traffic signals, or react too slowly to avoid collisions, the injuries they cause are frequently severe or even fatal.
Common impacts of drunk driving accidents include:
- Physical injuries: Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, burns, and internal bleeding
- Emotional trauma: PTSD, depression, anxiety, and lasting psychological scars
- Financial strain: Skyrocketing medical bills, lost income, rehabilitation costs, and ongoing care needs
- Family disruption: Life-altering changes for spouses, children, and loved ones
At The Oakes Firm, we understand that the impact of a drunk driving crash goes far beyond the accident scene. We work to capture the full extent of your losses and fight for compensation that reflects everything you have endured—and everything you still face.
Common Types of Injuries After a Drunk Driving Crash
The forces involved in drunk driving crashes often result in serious and sometimes permanent injuries. Every case is different, but some of the most common injuries we see include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Ranging from concussions to severe brain damage requiring lifelong care.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Partial or complete paralysis, chronic pain, and loss of mobility.
- Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries: Broken bones, crushed limbs, and injuries requiring multiple surgeries.
- Internal Injuries: Organ damage, internal bleeding, and life-threatening conditions requiring emergency treatment.
- Burn Injuries: From vehicle fires, leading to painful recovery and extensive rehabilitation.
- Emotional and Psychological Injuries: Invisible injuries that impact every aspect of daily life.
At The Oakes Firm, we recognize the seriousness of these injuries—and we know how to build strong cases that demand full accountability from those responsible.
Pennsylvania Laws Regarding Drunk Driving Accidents
Pennsylvania has strict laws in place to punish and deter drunk driving. Understanding these laws can help you see how your civil claim fits alongside any criminal proceedings.
Key points about Pennsylvania drunk driving laws include:
- Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits: Drivers with a BAC of 0.08% or higher are considered legally impaired. Commercial drivers have stricter limits, and for drivers under 21, any detectable alcohol can trigger charges.
- Dram Shop Laws: Pennsylvania law allows injured victims to bring claims against bars, restaurants, or other establishments that served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who later caused harm.
- Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Even if a drunk driver is criminally prosecuted, you still have the right to file a separate civil lawsuit for compensation. A criminal conviction can strengthen your civil case, but it is not required to pursue damages.
- Punitive Damages: Pennsylvania law permits punitive damages against drunk drivers in cases where the conduct was especially reckless or egregious.
At The Oakes Firm, we use Pennsylvania’s drunk driving laws to build a powerful case for full compensation—and accountability—for you.
How Liability Is Determined in a Drunk Driving Accident
Winning a drunk driving accident case requires proving that the drunk driver was negligent and that their negligence caused your injuries. In some cases, additional parties may also share liability.
Liability in a drunk driving case typically involves:
- The Impaired Driver: Drivers who operate a vehicle under the influence are automatically violating their duty of care toward others on the road.
- Bars, Restaurants, or Social Hosts: Under Pennsylvania’s dram shop laws, businesses and sometimes private individuals who serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated persons may be held liable if a crash occurs.
- Employers: If a drunk driver was operating a vehicle for work purposes, their employer might be held responsible under certain conditions.
At The Oakes Firm, we conduct thorough investigations to uncover every potential source of liability. Holding all responsible parties accountable can significantly increase the compensation available to you.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Drunk Driving Accident?
Drunk driving accidents can leave you facing enormous financial losses—and the emotional toll often lasts much longer than the physical injuries. A successful personal injury claim seeks compensation for all the ways the crash has impacted your life.
Damages you may be entitled to recover include:
- Medical Expenses: Hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and ongoing therapy.
- Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity: Compensation for time missed from work and diminished future earning potential.
- Pain and Suffering: For physical pain, emotional distress, trauma, and reduced quality of life.
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and any other damaged property.
- Punitive Damages: Additional compensation meant to punish and deter particularly reckless conduct, such as drunk driving.
- Wrongful Death Damages: In fatal drunk driving accidents, surviving family members may recover funeral costs, loss of companionship, and other damages.
At The Oakes Firm, we fight for full and fair compensation—not just what the insurance company initially offers.
How The Oakes Firm Builds Strong Drunk Driving Accident Claims
Building a winning drunk driving accident case takes more than simply pointing to a DUI charge. It requires careful preparation, strong evidence, and a clear strategy from the very beginning.
When you work with The Oakes Firm, we:
- Investigate the Accident Thoroughly: We gather police reports, witness statements, accident scene photos, and medical records.
- Secure Critical Evidence: Including BAC test results, field sobriety test reports, surveillance footage, and bartender or witness testimony.
- Consult Expert Witnesses: Accident reconstructionists, medical experts, economists, and others may be brought in to strengthen your claim.
- Negotiate Strategically: We push insurance companies to recognize the true value of your injuries and damages.
- Prepare for Trial if Needed: If insurers refuse to offer fair compensation, we are fully prepared to take your case to court.
At The Oakes Firm, every case is handled with the care, urgency, and dedication you deserve.
What to Expect When Filing a Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit
Many clients want to know what to expect once they decide to pursue a claim after being injured by a drunk driver.
Understanding the basic stages can help you feel more confident and prepared.
The typical process includes:
- Initial Investigation: Gathering all evidence, medical documentation, and accident reports.
- Filing the Complaint: Formally starting the lawsuit by filing a legal complaint in court.
- Discovery: Both sides exchange information, including depositions, document requests, and expert witness reports.
- Negotiation and Mediation: Many cases settle before trial, but only when a fair offer is made.
- Trial Preparation: If settlement discussions fail, we fully prepare your case for trial to fight for the compensation you deserve.
- Trial: Presenting your case in front of a judge or jury to seek a verdict in your favor.
Throughout every step, The Oakes Firm ensures you are informed, supported, and prepared for what comes next.
Schedule A Free Case Consultation
Insurance Company Tactics After Drunk Driving Accidents
Even when the fault is clear, insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to protect their profits, not to compensate you fairly.
Common tactics used by insurers include:
- Quick Lowball Offers: Hoping you will accept far less before understanding the full value of your claim.
- Blaming the Victim: Alleging that you somehow contributed to the accident to reduce their payout.
- Minimizing Injuries: Downplaying your medical treatment or arguing that your injuries are not serious.
- Delaying Claims: Dragging out the process to pressure you into settling cheaply.
At The Oakes Firm, we see through these tactics. We handle all communications with insurers on your behalf and push for every dollar you are owed.
The Importance of Early Legal Representation
The decisions you make right after a drunk driving accident can significantly impact your case. One of the most important choices you can make is hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Early legal representation allows you to:
- Protect Critical Evidence: We act quickly to preserve police reports, medical records, witness statements, and surveillance footage.
- Avoid Costly Mistakes: Speaking to insurers without legal advice can harm your claim.
- Understand Your Rights: Knowing your legal options prevents you from settling for less than you deserve.
- Build a Stronger Case: A well-documented case from the beginning often leads to better outcomes later.
At The Oakes Firm, we encourage you to reach out immediately after an accident so we can protect your rights and begin building your case the right way.
Punitive Damages in Drunk Driving Accident Cases
Unlike standard compensatory damages that reimburse you for medical bills or lost wages, punitive damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer for especially reckless behavior—and to deter others from doing the same.
In Pennsylvania, courts may award punitive damages if it can be shown that the drunk driver’s actions were particularly egregious. This often applies in cases where:
- The driver had an extremely high BAC level.
- The driver had prior DUI convictions.
- The driver caused severe injuries or fatalities.
- The behavior showed extreme disregard for the safety of others.
At The Oakes Firm, we know how to build the evidence necessary to pursue punitive damages where appropriate, helping maximize the total compensation available to you.
Understanding the Emotional Toll of Drunk Driving Accidents
The physical injuries caused by a drunk driving accident are often visible—but the emotional trauma can be just as devastating.
Victims frequently experience:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety when riding in or driving a car
- Depression related to physical limitations or financial strain
- Grief and loss of enjoyment of life
At The Oakes Firm, we understand that a successful case must take these invisible injuries into account. We work to document the emotional and psychological effects of the crash so they are fully reflected in the damages we seek on your behalf.
You deserve compensation for the pain you carry—both seen and unseen.
How The Oakes Firm Supports You Throughout the Legal Process
Navigating a personal injury claim after a drunk driving accident can feel overwhelming. At The Oakes Firm, we are committed to making the process as smooth and supportive as possible for you and your family.
When you work with us, you can expect:
- Clear, honest communication about your case
- Prompt responses to your questions and concerns
- Compassionate guidance during a difficult time
- Aggressive advocacy in negotiations and, if necessary, in court
Our goal is not just to win your case—but to provide the support and reassurance you need to focus on healing while we focus on fighting for you.
Take the First Step Toward Justice After a Drunk Driving Accident
You did not choose to become the victim of a drunk driver—but you can choose how you respond. Taking legal action not only helps you recover the compensation you deserve, but it also sends a clear message that reckless behavior has serious consequences.
At The Oakes Firm, we are ready to stand with you, protect your rights, and fight for justice every step of the way. You have been through enough. Let us carry the legal burden for you.
Call The Oakes Firm Today for a Free Consultation
If you or someone you love has been injured in a drunk driving accident in Philadelphia, do not wait to get the help you need. Your rights—and your future—deserve strong protection.
Call (267) 310-0656 for your free consultation with a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer at The Oakes Firm. We are ready to listen, advise you of your rights, and begin building a case that holds drunk drivers accountable for the harm they cause.
Take the first step toward recovery today.