A car accident can be a stressful and disorienting experience. It can be especially frightening to find out that the person who struck your vehicle was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you’ve been injured in an accident with an intoxicated driver, it is very important that you get in touch with an attorney, as this type of situation presents legal issues that differ from other types of car accidents.
There are a number of parties that can potentially be liable for a drunk driving accident. The first and most obvious is the driver of the vehicle. However, dram shop liability can also be pursued if the at-fault driver was overserved at a bar or other establishment. Alternatively, if the driver was driving a work vehicle, it may be possible to hold his or her employer liable for any damage their employee caused.
Drunk drivers can be held both civilly and criminally liable for an accident they caused because they were intoxicated. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may either be able to file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company or file a lawsuit to recover damages related to the accident, which may include medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A civil lawsuit can be filed at any time; you do not have to wait until the at-fault driver has been convicted of DUI before taking legal action. However, an insurance company whose policyholder was convicted of DUI will likely bend over backwards in order to avoid litigation, increasing the victim’s chance of receiving an equitable settlement offer.
Burnett Wilson Law is prepared to review the circumstances of your case to determine which legal avenue will bring you the best results. Our goal is to help you obtain the highest amount of compensation that you are entitled to by law. We regularly handle car accident cases involving serious injuries, including neck injuries and back injuries. No matter how complex your situation, you can trust that our attorneys have your best interests at heart.
To schedule a free consultation with our firm, please call us as (402) 810-8611.