The #1 Cleveland DUI Accident Lawyer | Call (216) 931-7000

For over 30 years, Frank Piscitelli has been a relentless advocate for victims of drunk driving accidents, holding impaired drivers accountable for the devastation they cause.

He understands that these crashes are not “accidents”—they are the result of reckless choices that leave innocent people suffering serious injuries or grieving the loss of loved ones.

With a deep knowledge of Ohio DUI laws, Frank builds strong cases using police reports, toxicology results, and expert testimony to prove liability and maximize compensation for his clients.

He has successfully secured significant settlements and verdicts for victims of impaired driving, making sure they receive the financial resources needed for medical treatment, lost wages, and long-term care.

Frank personally handles every case, providing direct communication and aggressive representation from start to finish.

He is not afraid to take on insurance companies or fight in court when they attempt to minimize claims or shift blame.

His commitment to justice extends beyond legal strategy—he genuinely cares about helping clients rebuild their lives after a tragic DUI crash.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver, contact the Piscitelli Law Firm today to discuss your case and learn how we can help.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire Our Personal Injury Law Firm?

Hiring the Piscitelli Law Firm for your personal injury case comes with no upfront costs because we work on a contingency fee basis.

This means you pay nothing unless we successfully recover compensation for you through a settlement or trial verdict.

Our firm covers all case-related expenses, including investigations, expert testimony, and court costs, so you don’t have to worry about financial barriers to seek legal representation and recover compensation.

This fee structure benefits injury victims by allowing them to focus on medical recovery without the stress of legal fees.

It also means our success is directly tied to yours—if we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

With Frank Piscitelli’s experience and commitment, you can trust that your case will be handled with the full dedication and resources it deserves.

Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help you seek full and fair compensation.

The moments after a drunk driving accident can be overwhelming, leaving victims injured, disoriented, and unsure of what to do next.

In many cases, victims are rushed to the hospital with severe injuries, making it impossible to collect evidence or document what happened.

This is especially frustrating in DUI cases, where proving the impaired driver’s negligence is critical to securing full compensation.

If you or a loved one is too injured to take immediate action, our law firm can step in—gathering police reports, obtaining toxicology results, and preserving key evidence to build a strong case.

Insurance companies often try to shift blame or minimize payouts, especially when victims are unable to fully advocate for themselves in the chaotic aftermath of an accident.

Having an experienced DUI accident attorney on your side ensures that your rights are protected and that no crucial evidence is lost.

Below are the most important steps to take after a drunk driving accident—but if you were too injured to complete them, know that we are here to handle the legal process for you.

Steps to take after a drunk driving crash:

1. Call 911 and Request Medical Assistance: Even if injuries don’t seem severe at first, get checked by emergency responders.
2. Ensure Police Respond to the Scene: A police report will document the crash, and officers will assess whether the driver was impaired.
3. Obtain the At-Fault Driver’s Information: Get their name, contact details, license plate number, and insurance details.
4. Request a Copy of the Police Report and Toxicology Results: These documents serve as key evidence in proving impairment.
5. Document the Scene if Possible: Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries.
6. Gather Witness Statements: If anyone saw the crash, their testimony can strengthen your claim.
7. Avoid Speaking with Insurance Adjusters Alone: They may try to pressure you into a low settlement—consult a lawyer first.
8. Follow Up with Medical Treatment: Some injuries, like concussions or internal trauma, may not show symptoms immediately.
9. File a Personal Injury Claim: A DUI accident lawyer can help pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

If you or a loved one were seriously injured and unable to take these steps, don’t worry—The Piscitelli Law Firm is ready to handle the legal process for you.

We will fight to hold the drunk driver accountable and secure the financial recovery you deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation.

Gathering Evidence for a DUI Accident Claim

Evidence is critical in a DUI accident claim, as it helps prove the drunk driver’s negligence and establishes the full extent of your damages.

In many cases, victims are too injured to collect evidence at the scene, which is why working with an experienced DUI accident lawyer is essential.

Key evidence, such as police reports, toxicology results, and witness statements, can strengthen your case and help secure maximum compensation.

Because insurance companies often try to dispute liability or downplay the severity of injuries, gathering and preserving evidence as soon as possible is crucial.

Evidence for cases involving drunk driving accidents includes:

• Police Reports – Official documentation of the crash, including officer observations.
• Toxicology and Breathalyzer Results – Proof of the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC).
• Dashcam or Surveillance Footage – Video evidence showing erratic driving or the collision itself.
• Accident Scene Photos – Images of vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries.
• Witness Statements – Testimonies from bystanders who saw the driver’s behavior before or after the crash.
• Traffic Citations or Arrest Records – Any charges filed against the impaired driver.
• Medical Records – Documentation of injuries, treatments, and long-term medical needs.
• Employment Records for Lost Wages – Proof of missed work and reduced earning capacity.
• Expert Testimony – Analysis from accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals.

Damages in a Personal Injury Lawsuit for a Drunk Driving Accident

In a personal injury lawsuit, damages refer to the financial and personal losses suffered as a result of the accident.

Victims of drunk driving accidents often face severe injuries, emotional trauma, and financial hardships due to medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation needs.

Lawsuits against impaired drivers seek to recover compensation for both economic damages (tangible financial losses) and non-economic damages (pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life).

In cases of extreme negligence, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the drunk driver and deter similar behavior.

Because DUI accidents often result in life-altering injuries, accurately assessing current and future losses is critical.

A DUI accident lawyer will work with medical experts, financial specialists, and accident reconstruction professionals to build a strong case for maximum compensation.

Below are some of the most common damages recovered in DUI accident claims:

• Medical Expenses – Hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
• Future Medical Costs – Long-term care, therapy, and assistive devices.
• Lost Wages – Compensation for missed work and lost income due to injuries.
• Loss of Earning Capacity – Reduced ability to work or permanent disability.
• Pain and Suffering – Physical pain, emotional distress, and trauma caused by the crash.
• Loss of Quality of Life – Compensation for permanent injuries affecting daily activities.
• Property Damage – Costs to repair or replace your vehicle.
• Disability and Disfigurement – Compensation for permanent physical impairments.
• Punitive Damages – Additional damages meant to punish the drunk driver for reckless behavior.

Drunk driving accidents can change lives in an instant, and victims shouldn’t bear the financial burden of someone else’s reckless decision.

The Piscitelli Law Firm fights for full and fair compensation, holding drunk drivers accountable for the harm they cause.

In Ohio, drunk driving accidents initiate both criminal charges and civil proceedings.

Criminally, operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) is prohibited under Ohio Revised Code §4511.19, leading to penalties such as fines, license suspension, and potential jail time for the impaired driver.

Concurrently, victims can pursue civil action to recover damages for injuries and losses resulting from the accident.

This dual approach ensures that the at-fault driver faces legal consequences while providing a pathway for victims to seek compensation.

Ohio’s Dram Shop laws (Ohio Revised Code §4399.18) allow victims to hold alcohol-serving establishments liable if they knowingly serve alcohol to an already intoxicated person or to a minor, contributing to the accident.

Additionally, Ohio follows a comparative negligence system, meaning that if a victim is found partially at fault, their compensation may be reduced proportionally.

However, if the victim’s fault exceeds 50%, they may be barred from recovering damages.

Understanding these legal avenues requires a thorough understanding of Ohio’s statutes and the ability to gather and present relevant evidence effectively.

An experienced lawyer can assist in managing both the criminal and civil aspects, ensuring that all parties involved are held accountable and that victims receive the compensation they deserve.

Steps in the Legal Process for a DUI Accident Claim in Ohio:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Prioritize health and document injuries promptly.
2. Report the Accident to Law Enforcement: A police report provides crucial evidence for both criminal and civil cases.
3. Gather Relevant Evidence: Collect photographs, witness statements, and any other pertinent information from the accident scene.
4. Consult with an Experienced Lawyer: Legal guidance is essential to navigate Ohio’s laws and to protect your rights.
5. File Insurance Claims: Notify your insurance company and initiate claims against the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage.
6. Investigate Potential Third-Party Liability: Determine if establishments or other parties contributed to the driver’s intoxication under Dram Shop laws.
7. Negotiate Settlements: Engage in discussions with insurance companies and liable parties to seek fair compensation.
8. Pursue Civil Litigation if Necessary: If settlements are inadequate, proceed with filing a lawsuit to recover damages.
9. Participate in the Criminal Justice Process: Stay informed about the criminal proceedings against the impaired driver, as outcomes may influence civil claims.
10. Secure Compensation: Upon a successful claim, ensure the collection of awarded damages to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs.

Will I Have to Go to Court for a Drunk Driving Accident Claim?

Most drunk driving accident claims are resolved through insurance settlements, meaning victims do not always have to go to court.

However, if the at-fault driver’s insurance refuses to offer fair compensation or disputes liability, filing a lawsuit may be necessary.

While your civil claim is separate from the criminal case against the drunk driver, a conviction can strengthen your lawsuit and increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

If your case does go to trial, an experienced DUI accident lawyer will handle the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact the Piscitelli Law Firm today to discuss your options.

Victims of drunk driving accidents have the right to seek compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering.

If you were injured by an impaired driver, you likely qualify to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver and their insurance coverage.

Ohio law allows victims to pursue compensation even if the driver is also facing criminal charges, as civil claims are separate from the state’s prosecution.

Under Ohio’s Dram Shop laws (ORC 4399.18), bars or restaurants that overserved alcohol to an intoxicated person or a minor may also be held responsible for damages.

To qualify for a DUI accident claim, you must demonstrate that the other driver was intoxicated and that their reckless actions directly caused your injuries.

Police reports, breathalyzer results, witness statements, and medical records serve as relevant evidence in proving liability.

Even if the at-fault driver was not convicted in criminal court, you may still have a valid civil claim based on their negligence.

Drunk driving accidents leave victims with devastating injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens that can last a lifetime.

Holding the at-fault driver accountable is not just about seeking compensation—it’s about demanding justice for the harm they caused.

At The Piscitelli Law Firm, we fight aggressively for DUI accident victims, ensuring they receive the financial recovery needed for medical care, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation.

We understand the challenges victims face, and we are committed to providing strong legal representation every step of the way.

With years of experience handling drunk driving accident cases, our legal team knows how to take on insurance companies that try to minimize claims.

We gather relevant evidence, work with accident reconstruction experts, and pursue maximum compensation for our clients.

Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI accident, contact the Piscitelli Law Firm today for a free consultation.

You can also use the chat feature on this page to find out if you qualify for a personal injury claim instantly.

Let us fight for the justice and financial security you deserve.