National safety officials report that on Thanksgiving Eve 2022, 100 drivers were involved in fatal crashes, and 35% of those drivers were drunk. Holiday periods over the last five years saw 868 drunk-driving deaths during Thanksgiving festivities, representing about one-third of all traffic fatalities for that window. 

If a drunk driver injured you or someone you love recently, you can pursue compensation for medical care, lost income, and pain and suffering, and you should act quickly to protect your rights from the first hour forward.

What To Do In The First Hour After A Suspected DUI Crash in Pennsylvania

After a serious DUI-related crash, it’s essential to do the following: 

• Call 911 and request police and EMS. You will need a formal crash report and a prompt medical evaluation, and officers will document any indicators of impairment. You also ensure the scene gets secured for photos and measurements.
• Photograph everything you can without putting yourself in danger. Capture vehicle positions, damage, skid marks, nearby bars or event venues, open tabs on a phone if visible, and any containers on the pavement. You create a time-stamped record that shows what you encountered.

These steps cannot undo the harm, yet they place you in a stronger position when fault and impairment become contested. Speaking with a member of our team is the best way to understand your legal rights and options after an accident. Contact us today or complete an online form to get started. 

What Evidence Is Used in a PA Personal Injury Case?

A focused evidence plan helps you counter common defenses and supports full compensation. You want proof that shows impairment, connects the driver to a specific venue or timeline, and explains the mechanics of the crash. Work with counsel to gather the following items and closely monitor deadlines, as video systems overwrite quickly.

• Police reports, body-worn camera video, and breath or blood results: These materials document impairment indicators and testing, and they often capture admissions and field sobriety observations. You add credibility that insurers respect.
• Medical records and medical provider notes, including imaging, specialist consultations, and work restrictions, demonstrate the severity of the injury and future care needs. You support both settlement value and trial presentation.
• Venue links and timelines: Receipts, mobile bank charges, social posts, and geolocation records may tie the driver to a bar or party. You align times and distances to show how the collision became likely.
• Accident scene and vehicle forensics: Crush patterns, event data recorder downloads, and roadway markings show speed, braking, and lane departure. You translate physics into liability and causation.

Together, these sources tell a consistent story that is hard to dismiss. Contact us today to discuss the best next steps. Hiring an attorney with local knowledge and extensive experience is crucial when navigating the early stages of a personal injury claim. 

How Fault Is Determined After A Drunk-Driving Crash in Pennsylvania

According to New Jersey’s 2022 highway safety report, 133 alcohol-impaired fatalities occurred that year, about 19% of all road deaths, even as statewide serious injuries trended slightly down.

You still pursue a civil claim even if the police also bring criminal charges, and those proceedings can move on separate tracks. You may claim economic losses like medical bills and wage disruption, as well as non-economic harm such as pain and suffering, if your injuries meet New Jersey’s thresholds. 

In severe collisions, you also evaluate uninsured and underinsured motorist benefits on your own policy to fill gaps if the at-fault driver carries minimal coverage. Alcohol-impairment trends in New Jersey underline why civil claims matter for victims who face long recoveries. 

Why Thanksgiving Eve Creates A Perfect Storm For Impaired Driving: What to Keep in Mind For Next Year

You see several forces converge on this night, and understanding them helps you make safer choices and spot evidence if a collision occurs. Students return from college, friends gather at neighborhood bars, and many people take Friday off, which encourages late nights and longer drinking sessions. 

Roadways remain busy through midnight, rideshare demand spikes, and secondary roads near town centers carry both pedestrians and heavy traffic. These factors make evening driving unpredictable, and they increase the chance that a drunk motorist will cross paths with you or your family.

New Jersey’s own data shows persistent alcohol involvement in fatal crashes, which adds weight to your decision to plan transportation ahead of time. The State Police recorded 606 traffic deaths in 2023, and their annual report attributes alcohol consumption to about one-quarter of fatalities and finds nearly 12% of drivers were legally intoxicated.

Contact Our Drunk Driving Personal Injury Attorneys at Petrillo & Goldberg Today!

If an impaired driver injures you on Thanksgiving Eve, you do not have to face insurers alone or guess about your options. For straightforward guidance and prompt action anywhere in South Jersey, call Petrillo & Goldberg Law at 856-249-9288 to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.