Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys

Fighting Tirelessly for Victims of Drunk Drivers

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), someone dies in a drunk driving accident in the United States about every 50 minutes. While drunk driving fatality rates have been on the decline in the past 30 years, this still amounts to 10,000 lives lost every year—or 30 Americans killed by drunk driving every day.

There is never an excuse for getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle while intoxicated, yet people continue to make this choice every day. For others on the road, the effects of this decision can be catastrophic.

If you or someone you love was involved in an accident with a drunk driver, Dunk Law Firm can help. Since 2004, our drunk driving accident lawyers have been aggressively advocating for the rights of injured victims, as well as the families of those wrongfully killed. We can help you seek justice and financial compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Contact Dunk Law Firm online or call us at (800) 674-9339 to schedule a free consultation. We have several locations and serve clients nationwide.

Drunk Driving Amounts to Negligence

Generally speaking, a successful car accident injury claim is dependent on the issue of liability—a negligent driver who causes an accident can be held legally liable for the victim’s damages. In cases involving drunk driving, the intoxicated driver is typically liable, as driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a crime in all 50 states and is, therefore, a clear example of negligence.

However, the drunk driver might not be the only party that can be held liable. In most states, dram shop laws prohibit bars, restaurants, and other establishments from over-serving alcohol to customers, patrons, and guests. If a state also has social host laws, individuals who over-serve others (usually minors) at parties and in private homes could also be held liable when the intoxicated individual causes injury or harm.

Our drunk driving accident lawyers can help you determine how the laws in your state may apply to your case and whether anyone other than or in addition to the drunk driver could be held liable for your damages.

What Compensation Can Victims of Drunk Drivers Receive?

Drunk driving accidents generally lead to some of the most horrific damage, often leaving victims with catastrophic or even fatal injuries. As a result, victims of drunk driving accidents are likely to face extensive medical treatment, lifelong care, disability, and permanent disfigurement. This can be exorbitantly expensive, not to mention traumatic for victims and their loved ones.

While every case is different, if you were injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you could be entitled to compensation for:

• Emergency medical care
• Ongoing medical treatment
• Rehabilitation therapy
• Future medical expenses
• Lost income/wages
• Lost future earnings
• Lost earning capacity (disability)
• Counseling services
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

Additionally, if your loved one died due to a drunk driving accident, you may be able to recover compensation for the following damages:

• Medical costs associated with final treatment
• Funeral/burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of future income the deceased could reasonably have been expected to earn
• Loss of inheritance
• The value of household and/or childcare services provided by the deceased
• Loss of love, companionship, support, guidance, etc.

In some cases, victims of drunk driving accident can also recover punitive damages, which are intended to punish the drunk driver (or another liable party) for egregious negligence.

How Is a Drunk Driving Accident Claim Different Than a Criminal DUI Case?

A drunk driving accident claim is a civil action, as opposed to a criminal action. This means that a drunk driving accident lawsuit does not result in the liable party receiving criminal penalties, such as jail time or traffic fines. Rather, the person who brings the claim (known as the plaintiff) seeks financial compensation for his or her damages.

Whether or not the drunk driver faces criminal charges does not necessarily have an effect on the outcome of a civil case, nor does the outcome of the criminal trial. You may file a civil lawsuit against a drunk driver even when they do not face any DUI charges. However, a criminal conviction could be a benefit to your civil case, as it helps establish that the defendant was, in fact, driving while intoxicated and this is clear evidence of negligence.

Injured by a Drunk Driver? Contact Dunk Law Firm Today

Our drunk driving accident attorneys understand just how overwhelming and stressful this time is for you and your family. We are here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the justice you deserve. We are committed to helping victims of negligence in our local community and strive to be the voice you need.

We are always available to take your call and provide legal services in English and Spanish. Because we offer contingency fees, we only get paid if you do. There are no out-of-pocket expenses for you.