When intoxicated with alcohol, drivers are unable to make important decisions on the road and are more likely to make mistakes. They can speed, careen out of their lane, or even drive off the road and hit an unsuspecting victim. Drunk driving accidents are not only a civil issue but also the driver can be charged with criminal activity. This is especially the case if the driver hit someone, resulting in horrific injuries. If you were in a drunk driving accident and were hit by an intoxicated driver, you can seek compensation with the help of your personal injury attorney. Drunk driving accidents can have devastating consequences, leading to injuries, fatalities, and property damage. Here are some examples of the types of accidents that can result from drunk driving:
Head-on Collisions
Drunk drivers may drift into the wrong lane or drive the wrong way on a one-way street, leading to head-on collisions with other vehicles.
Rear-End Collisions
A driver that is abusing alcohol may be slow to react to traffic signals or other vehicles, leading to rear-end collisions.
Intersection Accidents
Drunk drivers may run red lights or stop signs, leading to accidents at intersections.
Pedestrian Accidents
In some circumstances, drunk drivers may fail to see pedestrians or may drive onto sidewalks, leading to pedestrian accidents.
Motorcycle Accidents
Sometimes a drunk driver may collide with a motorcycle, leading to serious injuries or fatalities.
Multi-Vehicle Accidents
In more dangerous accidents, drunk drivers may cause chain-reaction accidents that involve multiple vehicles, massive car accidents.
Damages I Can Receive In A Drunk Driving Accident
If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident, you may be able to claim several types of damages, including:
Medical Expenses
You may be able to recover damages for medical expenses related to your injuries, including hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and the cost of any necessary medical devices.
Lost Wages
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be able to recover damages for lost wages, including both past and future earnings.
Pain And Suffering
You may be able to recover damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and other non-economic losses related to the accident. Nashville car accidents lawyers will help you build this case.
Property Damage
If your vehicle or other property was damaged in the accident, you may be able to recover damages for the cost of repairs or replacement.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, you may be able to recover punitive damages, which are intended to punish the drunk driver for their actions and to deter others from engaging in similar behavior.
If I Was Not At Fault, How Can My Attorney Help?
However, in general, if you were in a drunk driving accident and believe you were not at fault, your attorney may use several strategies to prove your innocence. These may include:
Conducting An Investigation
Your attorney may conduct an investigation to gather additional evidence and uncover any other factors that may have contributed to the accident.
Gathering Evidence
The drunk driving attorney may gather evidence such as police reports, eyewitness statements, and medical records to demonstrate that you were not at fault.
Expert Testimony
Your attorney may call upon experts such as accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals to provide testimony and evidence that supports your case.
Chemical Or Breathalyzer Tests
If the other driver was tested for alcohol at the scene of the accident and found to be over the legal limit, this may be used as evidence that they were driving while intoxicated.
Police Reports
The drunk driving attorney may review the police report to determine if the other driver was cited for any traffic violations or if there were any other indications that they were driving recklessly or irresponsibly at the time of the accident. If the report shows that the other driver was at fault, this can help build a case against them.
Driving Records
Your attorney may request the driving records of the other driver to see if they have a history of reckless driving or DUI convictions. If they have a history of similar incidents, this can be used to argue that they are more likely to have caused the accident.
What Happens If The Victim Died Due To A Drunk Driving Accident?
In the unfortunate situation that the accident victim passed because of the drunk driving accident, their remaining family members can file a claim on their behalf. With an attorney’s help, eligible family members can claim the following damages:
Loss Of Consortium
The surviving spouse can claim damages after their loved one has passed because of catastrophic injuries.
Burial And Funeral Fees
The remaining family members can include their funeral and burial fees in the settlement. This can include the coffin, plot, funeral service, embalming, cremation, flowers, and more.
Loss Of A Guardian
Surviving dependents have to live the rest of their life without a guardian, which means that they can be compensated for these losses.
Lost Benefits
The accident victim may have lost some benefits due to their loved one’s early demise. This includes investments, savings, insurance policies, and more.
Lost Earning Capacity
The future wage earnings of a survivor can also be lost, which will also be included in the settlement.
Pain And Suffering
The pain and suffering of surviving family members and the victim before their passing can be estimated by the attorney.
Get more information about additional damages you can claim after you’ve experienced a disastrous drunk driving accident. To get started, call Meyers Injury Law now for a free consultation.
