Pursuing Compensation After Being Injured by a Drunk Driver

 Posted on November 14, 2022 in Car Accidents

When someone chooses to drink and drive, they are not only breaking the law but also endangering themselves and others around them. Unfortunately, according to the United States Department of Transportation, around 30 percent of all car accidents in the United States involve drunk drivers. Furthermore, in 2020, 11,654 of our fellow United States citizens were killed in drunk driving accidents. 

These deaths are preventable, which makes them all the more tragic. If you have been injured by a drunk driver, consider consulting with an experienced attorney who is familiar with these cases and is prepared to defend you and your rights while pursuing the compensation you deserve. 

What Does Compensation Cover in Drunk Driving Cases?

When you are injured due to someone else’s negligence, it is only right that the party responsible for your injuries helps cover the costs related to your injury. For example, in drunk driving cases, compensation can help pay for the following:

• Medical bills, including trips to the emergency room, ambulance bills, and any ongoing medical care you may be receiving

• Lost wages caused by missing work

• Reduced earning potential 

• Costs associated with replacing your vehicle or repairing the damaged vehicle 

• Other punitive damages intended to further punish the drunk driver for their wrongdoing 

What To Do After Immediately After the Accident Occurs

Of course, depending on your situation and the extent of your injuries, you may not be able to do anything after the accident occurs. However, if you have a general sense of what is going on and it is safe to do so, immediately dial 9-1-1. Exchange information with the other driver if you can but do not talk to their insurance company until you have met with an attorney. While exchanging info with the other driver, try to determine if you or anybody else needs medical attention. Remember that your health and safety need to be paramount during this period. 

If you believe the driver may be impaired, report these suspicions to the police once they arrive. Make sure you get a police report of the incident, even if you do not feel you are seriously hurt. Remember, your suspicions alone do not prove the other driver is drunk. 

Contact a Metro New York Area DUI Injury Attorney 

Once your immediate medical needs have been taken care of, it is crucial that you contact a personal injury attorney with knowledge of DUI cases. At Ivey, Barnum & O'Mara, LLC, our Greenwich DUI Injury lawyers understand these cases and the complex challenges they can present. Call 203-661-6000 today for a free and comprehensive consultation.

Source:  

https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving