Pittsburgh
Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

On This Page

1. Let a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Pittsburgh Take Care of Your Case
2. Criminal Cases Versus Civil Cases for Drunk Driving Accidents
3. Our Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys in Pittsburgh Establish Liability for Your Collision
4. Recoverable Compensation in a Drunk Driving Accident Claim
5. Keep the Pennsylvania Statute of Limitations in Mind
6. Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident in Pittsburgh

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

June 06, 2025

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

A drunk driving accident can lead to serious injuries, an inability to work, and considerable pain and suffering. If you sustained serious injuries or lost a close loved one due to a drunk driver, a Pittsburgh drunk driving accident lawyer from Berger and Green can help you.

Our Pittsburgh car accident lawyers can fight for justice and compensation in your case, just as we have for thousands of others. Give us a call today to learn more about how our team can help. The initial consultation is free, and there is no obligation to use our services.

Let a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Pittsburgh Take Care of Your Case

Each case is different, and the outcome of your case depends upon the details of your accident. Personal injury cases involving drunk driving can be quite complex. A Pittsburgh drunk driving accident lawyer can provide the legal representation you deserve.

When we take on your case, our Pittsburgh personal injury lawyerswill:

Gather Evidence to Strengthen Your Case

Our legal team can conduct a thorough investigation to gather the evidence needed to prove the drunk driver’s negligence. This frequently includes obtaining Pittsburgh Bureau of Police reports, collecting medical records, reviewing surveillance or dashcam footage, speaking with eyewitnesses, and, if necessary, working with accident reconstruction specialists. The more compelling the evidence, the stronger your case for compensation.

Communicate and Negotiate With Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance companies can be frustrating and stressful. Insurers often try to minimize payouts by offering low settlements, shifting blame, or delaying claims. We handle all communications with the at-fault driver’s insurer and your own insurance company, ensuring that you do not fall victim to their tactics.

Our drunk driving accident attorneys negotiate aggressively for the maximum settlement you deserve. If the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation, we are fully prepared to take the case to court.

Ensure Your Case Meets All Legal Deadlines

The Pennsylvania statute of limitations imposes strict deadlines for filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. If you fail to file on time, you could lose your right to compensation.

We keep track of all deadlines, file the necessary paperwork, and ensure your case proceeds in a timely manner so that you do not miss your opportunity to seek justice.

Determine the Full Value of Your Compensation

Many drunk driving accident victims underestimate the long-term financial impact of their injuries. We work with medical experts, vocational specialists, and financial analysts to assess the true value of your claim. We make sure no aspect of your losses is overlooked.

Prepare Your Case for Trial, if Necessary

While most personal injury cases settle outside of court, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This approach puts us in a strong position during settlement negotiations.

If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we are ready to present your case before a judge and jury to fight for the justice you deserve.

Provide Personalized Legal Guidance and Support

We understand that being injured in a drunk driving accident is a traumatic experience. That’s why we provide compassionate legal support and keep you informed throughout every stage of your case. Our team is available to answer your questions, explain your legal options, and ensure you feel confident in the steps we are taking on your behalf.

No Upfront Costs – You Pay Nothing Unless We Win

At Berger and Green, we handle drunk driving accident cases on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you do not have to worry about paying out of pocket.

We advance all legal costs, and you only pay if we successfully recover compensation for you. If you do not recover compensation, you do not pay us for the time we spent building your case.

Criminal Cases Versus Civil Cases for Drunk Driving Accidents

It should go without saying that driving drunk is illegal in Pennsylvania. Typically, the definition of “drunk” is having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher, although this limit may be lower for certain individuals.

If breathalyzer, blood, or urine tests reveal that a driver exceeded the legal limit, they could be charged with driving under the influence, as well as other charges related to the specific circumstances (e.g., driving with an open container of alcohol, if they had a can or bottle of an alcoholic beverage with them).

All of the above are related to the criminal penalties for breaking Pennsylvania’s DUI laws. They are completely separate from civil penalties, which you can seek against the at-fault driver for monetary damages. You have the right to file a civil claim or lawsuit even if:

• The driver is never formally charged with a DUI
• The driver is not convicted or takes a plea deal

Our car accident lawyers can explain more about the differences between civil and criminal cases. Then, if you hire us, we can file your civil case on your behalf.

Our Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys in Pittsburgh Establish Liability for Your Collision

A driver charged with driving under the influence (DUI) faces a possible conviction that can result in jail time, fines, or both. If convicted, the punishment they receive can serve as a form of justice for you; however, it does nothing to help your physical, financial, and emotional stress.

Pursuing a personal injury—or a wrongful death—lawsuit is your opportunity to secure the financial compensation necessary for your medical care. Establishing liability for your drunk driving accident is where a Pittsburgh auto accident lawyer can help you.

Our attorneys can gather all necessary evidence to build a robust case on your behalf.

Recoverable Compensation in a Drunk Driving Accident Claim

The compensation you can recover depends on the circumstances of your case and the insurance you have. Potentially recoverable compensation includes:

• Medical expenses, both current and future
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Property damage
• Disability
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Mental anguish
• Pain and suffering

If you lost a loved one due to a drunk driver, nothing can replace your loss. Seeking financial compensation from the driver responsible for your loved one’s death may ease your financial stress, however. We can help you fight for damages such as funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship, and loss of services.

Can I Seek Punitive Damages After a Drunk Driving Crash?

Punitive damages are designed to punish the at-fault party for reckless or grossly negligent behavior and deter future misconduct. Courts may award punitive damages if the defendant’s actions were especially egregious, such as:

• Extreme levels of intoxication (e.g., a BAC significantly above the legal limit)
• Prior DUI convictions
• Excessive speeding or reckless driving, in addition to being intoxicated
• Causing a hit-and-run while intoxicated

Our legal team will evaluate your case to determine if punitive damages may be available in your claim.

Keep the Pennsylvania Statute of Limitations in Mind

Another way to protect your best interests is to file your case before the statute of limitations expires. The clock starts:

• The moment you were injured, if you are filing a personal injury suit
• The moment your loved one was injured, if you are filing a survival action
• The moment your loved one passed away, if you are filing a wrongful death suit

Missing the deadline may bar you from pursuing compensation forever. At Berger and Green, we can ensure that your case meets all requirements and is filed in a timely manner.

A member of our team can negotiate for a fair settlement out of court. If necessary, we are ready to proceed to trial.

As personal injury lawyers, we understand how traumatic your accident or loss was to you and your family. This is why we always treat our clients with care and compassion. We also provide you with updates as they occur so you remain informed throughout the process. Call Berger and Green today to get started.

What Happens if I Wait Too Long to Act?

Even if you technically have time under Pennsylvania law, waiting to take action can weaken your case. Here’s why:

• Critical Evidence May Be Lost – Accident reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage can become unavailable over time.
• Witnesses’ Memories Fade – The longer you wait, the harder it may be to secure credible testimony.
• Insurance Companies Will Use Delays Against You – Insurers often argue that delayed claims indicate less serious injuries, meaning you may not get as much compensation as you truly need.
• Medical Documentation is Stronger When Timely – Prompt medical records prove the severity of your injuries, making it harder for insurers to dispute them.

Don’t risk missing out on the justice and compensation you deserve. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can get to work for you.

Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident in Pittsburgh

Taking the right steps after a drunk driving crash can protect your health and legal rights. Here’s what to do:

1.  Call 911 Immediately – Reporting the crash ensures law enforcement arrives to assess the scene and document the drunk driver’s condition.
2.  Seek Medical Attention – Injuries like concussions or internal bleeding may not be immediately apparent, making prompt treatment a necessity.
3.  Gather Evidence – If possible, take photos/videos of the crash, get witness contact information, and document any visible injuries.
4.  Do Not Accept Early Settlement Offers – The insurance company may try to lowball you before you know the full extent of your injuries.
5.  Consult a Lawyer as Soon as Possible – The sooner you contact us, the better we can preserve evidence, handle the insurance companies, and protect your right to compensation.

In order to protect your best interests, do not speak with insurance companies. Soon after your accident, you will likely receive a call from an insurance adjuster asking to discuss the accident and your injuries.

Their attempt to talk with you is most likely an attempt to offer you less compensation than you deserve. If you accept an offer, you typically cannot recover any more compensation later. This is true even if your medical condition worsens.

Depending upon the severity of your injuries, you or a loved one may face a lifetime of expensive medical treatments, procedures, and a need for personal care. Securing a fair settlement now will help you provide for your medical needs later.

Challenges in Dealing With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies prioritize their profits over your well-being. After a drunk driving accident, you may face several challenges, including:

• Lowball Offers – Insurers often offer quick settlements that are far less than what your claim is worth.
• Blame–Shifting Tactics – The insurance company may try to argue you were partially at fault to reduce your payout.
• Delaying Tactics – They may stall negotiations hoping you’ll accept a lower offer out of financial desperation.
• Disputing Medical Claims – They may argue that your injuries aren’t severe or were preexisting to avoid paying for medical expenses.

At Berger and Green, we handle all communication and negotiations with the insurance companies, ensuring they don’t take advantage of you.

Get Car Accident Help From Berger and Green Now

If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver, do not wait to seek legal help. The sooner our Pittsburgh drunk driving accident lawyers begin working on your case, the stronger your chances of securing maximum compensation.

Contact Berger and Green today for a free case evaluation. If you are unable to travel, we can come to your hospital room or home to discuss your case.