Please read my disclosure policy to understand how I work with companies and individuals. Linking to a specific site does not imply endorsement of all of their services or content.
Many personal injury lawyers, including Stewart J. Guss Injury Lawyers, handle drunk driving accidents. You’d be surprised to learn just how many auto accidents resulted from drivers that were either drunk or impaired. These types of accidents can cause severe injuries. This guide will provide you with some of the most commonly asked questions regarding drunk driving accidents.
Drunk Driving Accidents FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding drunk driving accidents that you should be aware of:
Is it true that drunk driving accidents typically result in injuries that are more severe than other types of accidents?
Often, whenever drugs or alcohol are to blame for a car accident, injuries tend to be much more severe. Drugs and alcohol affect a person’s ability to function and impair their judgment. For instance, alcohol impacts a person’s hearing, judgment, balance, reaction time, and much more. If you pair this with driving, those consequences can be quite extreme. Drunk drivers may suddenly swerve or lose control of their cars. It is also possible for them to drive the wrong way or even fall asleep behind the wheel.
Are drunk driving accidents fairly common?
Drunk driving accidents are extremely common. In the U.S., a person is injured every two minutes in a drunk driving accident. These are extremely dangerous accidents with concerning statistics. At some point in their lives, 2 out of 3 people will be involved in a drunk driving incident.
Can drunk driving accident victims receive compensation?
In any type of accident, drunk driving accidents included, the person that is at fault can be held liable for damages including lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. Additionally, drunk drivers can be charged and held liable for punitive damages. The purpose of these damages is to reward the victim with compensation and help them recover if they were injured during the accident.
Are drunk driving accidents worth a lot of money?
Many factors play into determining the amount of compensation awarded to victims following a drunk driving accident. It depends on the severity of your injuries, whether you received prompt medical attention, if you have permanent injuries, insurance coverage, and many other factors.
Is a drunk driver automatically liable for damages if they are involved in an accident?
No, there are no laws that state that drunk drivers are automatically liable for injuries that were sustained following an accident, even if they caused it. For instance, if a drunk driver is hurt following an accident with another driver that caused the accident, the drunk driver may qualify to receive compensation. There are different laws depending on the state in which you reside.
Will victims of a drunk driving accident need to hire an attorney?
There are no laws requiring victims of drunk driving accidents to hire an attorney. You don’t need an attorney necessarily to reach a settlement. However, drunk driving accidents are much more difficult to handle compared to typical auto accidents. There are additional factors that must be taken into consideration with drunk driving accidents. Experienced personal injury lawyers are familiar with these types of cases and are familiar with the necessary steps that must be taken.
Is there a certain amount of time I have to file a claim for a drunk driving accident?
In any type of personal injury accident, the victim must obey the statute of limitations in order to file a lawsuit and receive damages. It doesn’t matter what state you reside in. However, most states have a deadline of two years following the date of the accident.
