On Monday, August 21, 2018, a terrifying crash occurred when a 2010 Kia Soul crashed into a bicycle. The 15 year old cyclist was ejected from the bike and later flown to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for their injuries. Thankfully, this child is expected to live through this horrific experience.
According to The Mercury News, the woman who was allegedly behind the wheel of the Kia that smashed into the teen left the scene of the accident, dragging the bicycle along with her car. Shortly afterwards, the driver was charged with a slew of crimes including DUI, aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence, accidents involving death or personal injury, and recklessly endangering another person.
What You Should Know After a Pennsylvania DUI Crash
When a person is charged with DUI or aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence, those cases are prosecuted in the criminal courts. However, when intoxicated drivers cause a crash and innocent people are injured or killed, the criminal courts don’t have the authority to award “damages”.
If a person or family wants to seek an award of damages against a drunk driver who caused an accident, they’re required to file a lawsuit in the civil court system.
Damages after a DUI crash may consist of medical bills and future medical bills which may arise for many years to come, permanent disabilities, disfigurement, pain and suffering and more.
Do You Need an Attorney?
Hopefully you or a loved one is never involved in a crash like this. However, if you are, contact Edith Pearce for a free, confidential consultation. Attorney Edith Pearce has extensive experience working with both children and adults all over Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
During your free consultation, you will receive legal advice and all of your options will be laid out so you will be armed with the knowledge you need to move forward. If needed and retained, The Pearce Law Firm, P.C. will fight for you or your loved one and seek the maximum amount of compensation available to you for your injuries.
Don’t settle for less or forget to take into account how much an injury will cost you in the years ahead without speaking to us first. It is highly unlikely an insurance company is going to offer you what you deserve.