Many people think of drunk driving as a criminal activity, and it is. A drunk driver can go to jail, especially if they cause a vehicle crash that injures someone or destroys property. However, in addition to criminal penalties, drunk drivers can face civil penalties. That means they can be sued for the damage they caused.
Of course, no amount of compensation can help you fully recover if you’ve been injured by a drunk driver. But holding the driver accountable by filing a personal injury lawsuit can go a long way toward helping you move forward with your life.
You may feel better knowing that you held someone accountable, that you sought justice, and sent a clear message to the person that what they did was unacceptable.
In many ways, drunk driving cases are similar to other motor vehicle accident lawsuits. There are specific legal terms but, generally, the injured person’s lawyer must prove that the other driver had the duty to drive responsibly, that they did not, and that their failure caused injuries.
Insurance company defense attorneys will often use legal strategies to keep drunk driver cases from going before a jury. And they may try to minimize the amount they have to pay out by minimizing the injured person’s injuries. They may claim you are exaggerating your injuries or force you to be examined by certain doctors.
Because of these challenges, it’s critical to have an experienced personal injury attorney by your side.
Evidence of drunk driving is often present in police records. If there was a crash, it’s very likely that police were at the scene. They likely conducted sobriety tests and have records of the driver’s blood-alcohol level.
Witnesses can also help support your case. People who witnessed the car accident can testify as to how the driver looked and whether they seemed sober. It’s also possible to discover where the person was drinking and, if relevant, hear what the bartender has to say.
If you’ve been hurt by a drunk driver, contact our office to schedule a free initial consultation with an attorney. You can reach us by phone at 877-Ted-Lyon / 877-833-5966 or send us a message.
Home and hospital consultations are available if you are unable to visit our office. We handle personal injury cases on contingency, which means that you do not need to pay for our services upfront.
