Tragically, 13,524 people died in crashes caused by drunk drivers in 2022. That’s 37 people each day who lost their lives, which costs the US economy around $123 billion. Men are far more likely (300%) to be caught drunk driving, with Montana boasting the highest DUI score, closely followed by South Dakota and Wyoming.
Being involved in a car accident is bad enough, but when the other driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it adds another layer of complexity. According to a team of Laredo car accident lawyers at Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers, “An experienced attorney can help you protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve after getting injured in a motor vehicle accident by a drunk driver.” Here’s an overview of how a lawyer can assist you after a DUI accident.
Contents
Gathering Evidence Against the Drunk Driver
More than one million people are arrested each year for drunk driving and required to take a breathalyzer test, but some experts say the results can’t be trusted.
So, a key role of a car accident lawyer after a car accident is to gather evidence to build a strong case against the drunk driver who caused the crash. This includes obtaining police reports, breathalyzer or blood test results showing intoxication levels, witness statements, video footage if available, and records of where the driver had been drinking prior to driving drunk. Establishing clear evidence of intoxication and negligence is crucial. MHandling Your Insurance Claim
The lawyer will handle negotiations and communications with insurance companies, including both your own insurer and the drunk driver’s. They will make sure your insurance company does not try to lowball your claim. If the drunk driver was uninsured, the lawyer can assist in accessing uninsured motorist coverage.
Filing a Lawsuit Against the Drunk Driver
If warranted, your attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit against the drunk driver on your behalf. This legal action can pursue damages like past and future medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering damages, and punitive damages in applicable cases. An experienced lawyer knows how to build a strong case and demand fair compensation.
Examining Other Potentially Liable Parties
Besides just the drunk driver, a lawyer will examine if any bars or social hosts overserved the driver before the crash. If so, it may be possible to include them in the lawsuit under dram shop or social host liability laws. Widening the net of responsible parties can increase the potential compensation.
How Long does a DUI Case Take to Settle?
A DUI crash case can take anywhere from several months to over a year to settle, depending on the complexity of the case. Factors that impact the timeline include the severity of injuries, disputes over liability, and how many parties are involved.
Being injured by a drunk driver can turn your life upside down. An accomplished car accident attorney has the right skills and experience to handle the legal complexities, thoroughly investigate your case, deal with insurance companies, and fight to maximize your compensation after the crash. With an attorney as your advocate, you can focus on healing while they pursue justice on your behalf.
