Leeson & Leeson would be my first stop for whatever legal issue I was encountering. Highly recommended.
Bethlehem Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
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Bethlehem Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
When someone else’s decision to drive drunk leaves you or your loved one seriously injured, the impact on your life is immediate and severe. You may be facing painful medical procedures, long-term physical damage, and financial distress from time missed at work. You’re likely wondering how to pay your bills, whether insurance will cover your needs, and how to make sure the person responsible is held accountable. It’s an unfair situation, and you shouldn’t have to deal with it alone.
A Bethlehem drunk driving accident lawyer with Leeson & Leeson can take control of the legal situation so you can regain control of your life. We handle everything from insurance disputes to court filings, all while keeping your compensation and recovery goals at the center of every decision. We’re here to protect your interests and give you a path forward.
Call us today at (610)691-3320 to see how we can help you turn this situation around like we have for so many individuals and families in Bethlehem and throughout the Lehigh Valley.
Real People, Real Results:
Car Accident Lawyer Testimonials
Highly recommended.
Abbe F.
He is the best attorney I [have] ever known.
Mr. Joseph was very knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with. Answered all my questions and was easy to contact and replied to all my questions in timely competent manner. Also his staff is very nice and polite. I would highly recommend Leeson & Leeson law office for any further needs . He is the best attorney I ever know.
Sunny Q.
...he is a good person as well as a good attorney.
“Most thought my case was too small to bother with but Attorney Leeson offered to help me because he is a good person as well as a good attorney… He kept me informed throughout the process and walked me through issues that were confusing… I’m very grateful that he agreed to help me and you can feel confident choosing him.”
Laura Accetta, PA
Theodore Roosevelt once said "speak softly but carry a big stick." The Leeson lawyers embody this principle to perfection.
“The Leeson & Leeson firm has a long-storied history of intelligent and sophisticated lawyers and aggressive and tough litigators. Theodore Roosevelt once said “speak softly but carry a big stick.” The Leeson lawyers embody this principle to perfection… I highly recommend Leeson & Leeson for anyone who wants an attorney who is of a high order of integrity and legal intelligence.”
Francis Macri, PA
Key Takeaways for Bethlehem Drink Driving Accident Cases
- DUI crashes in Bethlehem and Lehigh County are rising despite statewide declines.
- Alcohol-related crashes are over four times more likely to cause fatal injuries.
- Victims can recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and more.
- Pennsylvania law allows punitive damages in some drunk driving cases.
- Legal representation strengthens your case and protects you from insurance tactics.
- Leeson & Leeson fights to hold drunk drivers accountable and secure maximum compensation for victims in Bethlehem.
Drunk Driving Crashes in Bethlehem and Lehigh County Are Rising
Bethlehem sits at the heart of the Lehigh Valley, an area that’s seen a sharp increase in drunk driving incidents over the past few years. While Pennsylvania as a whole recently reported a drop in alcohol-related crashes, Lehigh County saw a 42% rise in DUI cases over five years, reaching roughly 1,750 cases in one recent year.
Despite progress statewide, our region bucks the trend. With major highways like Route 22 and Route 33 running through Bethlehem and neighboring towns, impaired drivers pose a serious risk to everyone on the road, especially at night and on weekends, when most of these collisions occur.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), alcohol-related crashes are more than four times as likely to result in a fatality compared to other crashes. And statewide, 25% of all traffic deaths in one recent year were tied to alcohol. The numbers don’t lie: drunk driving continues to be a deadly problem, and its toll is hitting Bethlehem harder than most.
What You Can Recover After a Drunk Driving Crash
Every drunk driving accident causes ripple effects far beyond the crash site. You may be dealing with hospital stays, surgeries, lost wages, and emotional distress, not to mention property damage and the cost of ongoing care. The law allows you to seek compensation for all of it.
Here’s what a successful claim may include:
Medical bills and future medical costs
From emergency care to physical therapy, all accident-related treatment should be covered. If your injuries will require long-term care or multiple surgeries, we work with medical experts to calculate the future costs.
Lost income and reduced earning ability
If you’ve missed time from work or can no longer do your job as before, your settlement or verdict can reflect that lost income. We also factor in diminished earning capacity for long-term injuries.
Pain and suffering
While harder to quantify, physical pain and emotional trauma carry real value under Pennsylvania law. We build a strong case using medical records, therapy notes, and your own documented experiences.
Punitive damages (in some cases)
Pennsylvania law allows punitive damages in drunk driving cases when the driver’s behavior was particularly reckless or intentional. This type of damage is meant to punish and deter—not compensate—but it can significantly increase the value of your case.
Wrongful Death
When a drunk driver causes a crash that takes someone’s life, the devastation reaches every corner of a family’s world. No amount of legal action can undo that loss. But under Pennsylvania law, families may pursue a wrongful death claim to help ease the financial strain that often follows such a devastating loss.
Compensation can include funeral and burial expenses, the loss of income and services your loved one provided, and the deep emotional impact left by their absence. In some cases, survival actions may also be available, accounting for the pain and suffering your loved one experienced before they passed.
At Leeson & Leeson, we handle these cases with compassion, privacy, and the utmost care. We work closely with families to make sure their voices are heard, their rights protected, and their loved one’s memory honored throughout the legal process.
Criminal Cases vs. Civil Claims in Drunk Driving Crashes
When a drunk driver causes serious harm, the legal system responds in more than one way. The state may file criminal charges against the driver for driving under the influence, but that process is separate from your right to seek financial recovery through a civil claim.
Even if the driver is arrested, convicted, or pleads guilty, that criminal case doesn’t provide compensation for your injuries, losses, or suffering. That’s what a civil claim is for. Your civil case allows you to pursue full and fair compensation for medical bills, lost income, emotional distress, and more.
Both legal paths can run at the same time, but only one is focused on helping you recover what you’ve lost. We guide you through the civil side—holding the driver accountable while protecting your future.
Pennsylvania Laws That Apply to DUI Injury Cases
Several important statutes and legal standards shape how drunk driving claims are handled in Bethlehem and across the Commonwealth:
- Pennsylvania Vehicle Code Title 75 § 3802 outlines the state’s DUI laws, including penalties for various blood alcohol content (BAC) levels. This statute often serves as the foundation for proving recklessness or negligence in civil claims.
- Comparative fault under 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 7102 addresses shared fault for an accident and allows injured parties to recover damages even if they are partially at fault, as long as their share of the blame is 50% or less.
- The federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) may offer resources or compensation for victims of crimes like drunk driving, including counseling and medical care reimbursement.
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) classifies DUI-related injury crashes as among the most preventable yet lethal forms of traffic incidents, lending weight to civil claims based on preventable harm.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident
If you or a loved one has already received medical care, that’s the most important first step. But protecting your legal rights requires a few additional actions. The choices you make in the days and weeks after the crash can affect your case outcome.
Here are the next steps you should consider:
- Hire a lawyer right away. The sooner you get legal counsel, the stronger your claim will be. Evidence can disappear fast, and insurers act quickly to limit their exposure.
- Follow through on all medical treatment. Gaps in care can hurt your case and your health. Keep every appointment and document your pain and recovery.
- Journal your experiences. Writing or recording your daily symptoms, emotions, and challenges helps paint a fuller picture of how the crash has affected your life.
- Avoid speaking to the at-fault driver’s insurer. They are not on your side. One wrong statement could hurt your case. Let your attorney handle all communication.
- Preserve all documents. Keep records of your medical bills, car repairs, missed work, and any communication related to the crash.
How Long You Have to File a Drunk Driving Injury Claim in Pennsylvania
After a serious DUI accident, it’s easy to lose track of time between medical appointments, insurance calls, and trying to return to normal life. But Pennsylvania law sets a firm deadline for taking legal action—and missing it could mean forfeiting your right to recover anything at all.
Statute of limitations in Pennsylvania
Under 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5524, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This applies even if the at-fault driver was arrested or convicted for DUI in criminal court. Your civil case is separate—and the countdown begins the day of the crash.
Exceptions for minors or delayed discovery
If the injured person is a minor, the clock may not start until they turn 18. In rare cases, courts may allow a delay if injuries weren’t immediately discovered, but this is uncommon and difficult to prove.
Don’t wait too long
Evidence gets harder to find with each passing day. Surveillance footage may be deleted, and witnesses can move away or forget what they saw. Even if you’re not sure you want to pursue a claim yet, talking with an attorney early can protect your options.
The bottom line is this: If a drunk driver hit you, the sooner you get legal help, the more control you have over your recovery and your future.
How Leeson & Leeson Builds Powerful DUI Crash Cases
Drunk driving accident claims demand more than paperwork and phone calls. At Leeson & Leeson, we put in the legwork to build strong, fact-based cases that insurance companies and opposing lawyers can’t ignore. Here’s how we do it.
Gathering and preserving key evidence
We act fast to obtain the DUI arrest report, BAC test results, crash scene photos, body cam footage, and any surveillance footage that supports your claim. When necessary, we issue subpoenas or work with investigators to secure hard-to-get evidence.
Working with expert witnesses
Medical experts, accident reconstructionists, and vocational specialists can all help prove your damages and long-term losses. We regularly consult with professionals who can clearly explain how the crash changed your life—physically, emotionally, and financially.
Telling your story effectively
Juries and insurance adjusters aren’t swayed by numbers alone. They need to understand what you’ve been through. We work with you to document your recovery journey, pain levels, and the day-to-day impact of the crash.
Standing up to lowball offers
Insurance companies are often quick to offer settlements—but they’re rarely enough. We calculate the full value of your losses and don’t hesitate to take your case to court if that’s what it takes.
Our approach is straightforward: build strong cases backed by evidence, guided by experience, and tailored to your unique situation. We don’t take shortcuts because your future depends on getting this right.
Don’t Let a Drunk Driver Control What Happens Next
Someone made a selfish, dangerous decision, and you’re the one left dealing with the consequences. Medical bills. Missed work. Physical pain. Mental stress. That’s a lot to carry, and no one should have to do it without compassionate and results-driven legal support.
When you hire Leeson & Leeson, you’re not hiring a firm that just files paperwork or settles claims below their value. You’re working with a Bethlehem drunk driving accident lawyer who understands how much is at stake for you and your family. We take the time to learn your story, explain your options, and fight for a resolution that sets you up for the future—not just a quick check.
If you’re ready to talk about your case, we’re ready to listen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if the drunk driver wasn’t convicted—can I still file a claim?
Yes. A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil claim. Your case is based on a “preponderance of the evidence,” a lower legal standard than “beyond a reasonable doubt.” You can still seek compensation even if the driver avoids criminal penalties.
Can I sue a bar or restaurant that served the drunk driver?
Possibly. Pennsylvania has a Dram Shop Law (47 P.S. § 4-493), which allows victims to hold alcohol-serving establishments liable if they served someone who was visibly intoxicated and that person later caused harm. These claims are complex but worth exploring
What if I was riding with the drunk driver?
If you were a passenger and injured, you can usually still file a claim against the driver’s insurance policy. However, some insurance companies may argue you “assumed the risk.” These cases require careful legal analysis and should be discussed with an attorney.
How much does a drunk driving accident lawyer cost?
At Leeson & Leeson, we take personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing up front. We only get paid if we win your case through settlement or verdict.
What if I’m partly at fault?
Pennsylvania uses a modified comparative negligence rule. As long as you’re found to be 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages, though your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. This rule underscores the need to work with a skilled personal injury lawyer who will defend you and your claim against undue allegations of blame, which are very common in personal injury cases.
Even when things feel unclear, a skilled attorney can review your situation and advise you on the best course of action. Every case is different. What matters is taking action.
Talk to a Bethlehem Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today
You’ve been through enough already. The pain, stress, and financial strain caused by someone else’s reckless decision shouldn’t be yours to bear alone. It’s time to get answers, protect your rights, and take the first step toward recovery with the guidance of a Bethlehem personal injury lawyer.
At Leeson & Leeson, we bring over 50 years of combined experience fighting for drunk driving accident victims in Bethlehem, Allentown, and across the Lehigh Valley. We know how to hold negligent drivers accountable, and we’re prepared to build a case that reflects the full extent of what you’ve lost.
Call Leeson & Leeson at (610)691-3320 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. You won’t pay us anything unless we win your case.
