DUI Accident? You Deserve Compensation For Your Injuries

Nearly one-third of all traffic collisions in the United States are DUI accidents. If you’ve been injured in this type of accident, it can be a confusing and stressful time. The first thing you need to know, though, is that if you’ve been injured by an intoxicated driver, you have the right to sue for damages. The money you receive could help you pay for medical bills, car repair bills, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and more.

Read on to learn more about what to do after being involved in a DUI accident. 

What Steps Should I Take?

If you’ve been injured in a DUI accident, it’s important to act as quickly as possible. The sooner you take action, the sooner you’ll receive the compensation you deserve. Here are some steps you should take:

  1. File a police report – a police report is a key piece of documentation that can help to prove who was at fault and that the driver was intoxicated. If possible, make sure the police take note of your injuries
  2. Get treated for injuries – one of the most important steps is to make sure you get treatment for any injuries sustained in the accident. A doctor can help document your injuries and help you keep track of your medical bills.
  3. Document everything – if possible, talk to witnesses who were at the scene of the crash and gather information like their names and contact info. Take pictures of the scene of the crash and document the injuries you sustained.
  4. Get in touch with a trusted lawyer – an attorney who specializes in DUI accidents understands the complex legal process and how to give you the best chance of receiving the compensation you deserve.

Many personal injury lawyers offer free consultation calls to discuss the basics of your case and explain how they can help you. This can be useful when looking for a reliable DUI accident lawyer. Ask them about their education, experience, and expertise to see if they’re the right fit for you.

Filing a Civil Suit

If you were the victim of a DUI accident and decided to pursue legal action against the perpetrator, this will happen in a civil suit. A civil suit is completely separate from any DUI criminal charges that the perpetrator may face. It is always a good idea to attend the criminal hearings, so you can give a testimony or a victim impact statement.

In a civil lawsuit, the goal is to prove that the other driver’s impairment is what caused the accident.  Sometimes, the result of a criminal case can affect the outcome of your civil suit. It’s important to remember, though, that criminal cases require a greater standard of proof than civil cases do. Even if the criminal case didn’t end in a conviction, that doesn’t mean you won’t win your civil case.

dui accident FAQs

FAQ About DUI Accident Lawsuits

The aftermath of a DUI accident can be a confusing time for victims. You’ll likely have a lot of questions about how to proceed. A legal expert can help to provide any information you may need, but below we’ll discuss some of the most commonly asked questions that DUI accident victims may have.

How Long Will the Lawsuit Take to Resolve?

It’s difficult today how long it will take for the lawsuit to resolve, as this depends on a few factors. Some lawsuits get resolved quickly within a few months, while others can take years. Some DUI accident lawsuits may settle out of court, but there’s no guarantee that yours will be resolved like this.

Will I Need to Appear in Court in Order to Receive Compensation?

The thought of appearing in court and reliving the details of your accident can be overwhelming to some people. But in many cases, a settlement agreement is reached without you ever having to appear in court.

What Kinds of Damages Can I Collect?

Damages refer to the compensation that may be awarded to victims of DUI accidents and their families. If you were seriously injured, you may be able to collect compensation to cover hospital bills, the cost of medical future or ongoing medical treatment, any income you lost while recovering, pain and suffering, and more.

What if I was Partly Responsible for the Accident?

It’s rare for a car accident liability case to be totally black and white. While exact rules and laws vary from state to state, in some states a victim can still be awarded at least partial compensation in a personal injury case even if he or she was shared responsibility. It’s a good idea to talk to a lawyer to discuss your case and see if it’s appropriate to pursue legal action.

If you’ve been the victim of a DUI accident, you deserve compensation for your injuries. Contact an attorney right away to learn more about your options.

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