Drunk drivers are a serious hazard to others on the road. A drunk driver’s limited judgment and delayed reaction times can cause accidents that result in serious injuries or fatalities. If you have been hit by a drunk driver, you should consult a Petersburg drunk driving victim accident lawyer to understand your legal options, so you’re protected, can recover your losses, and get justice.
The Pendleton Law Team is composed of Heavy Hitters® who take your circumstances seriously and can fiercely fight for you so the impact on your future is minimized. Our team has been helping and empowering clients for 15 years, and when you hire a Petersburg car accident lawyer from our team, you can rest assured that you are in good hands. Our team is committed to you and getting results.
Talk to a Drunk Driving Victim Accident Lawyer in Petersburg About Your Rights After a Collision and How Liability Works
If you’ve been in an accident involving a drunk driver, you have suffered a serious injustice. Drivers owe you a duty of care to make sure that you do not suffer harm, and when they get behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated, they breach that duty to you and cause an accident that results in damages. This is known as negligence and is what Petersburg personal injury lawyers must show in drunk driving personal injury cases in Virginia.
As a victim of negligence, you have the right to hold the driver responsible for their actions and liable for the losses you suffered. By doing this, you do not have to suffer further by also paying for your losses out of your own pocket. If the accident involved gross negligence, then you may also have the right to pursue punitive damages as extra compensation. These are designed to punish and deter wrongdoers.
When pursuing a drunk driving accident claim, it’s also important to be aware of contributory negligence laws in Virginia. These state that if you’re even 1% at fault for an accident, you can’t recover compensation for your losses. Virginia takes a strict approach to fault, so if you contributed to the accident by speeding or running a red light, for example, then you may have to pay for your own losses.
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Data Reflects the Dangers of Drunk Driving
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 11,904 people were killed in drunk driving accidents in the U.S., according to the most recent data. The higher a driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC), the less control they have over their faculties and the more likely they are to cause an accident. The NHTSA estimates that approximately 32 people die daily due to drunk driving.
While Virginia has seen some decline in drunk driving fatalities, the most recent data on drinking and driving from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VADMV) shows that there were still 1,005 alcohol-related deaths in the state. They also estimated 19 crashes, 11 injuries, and 1 fatality every day.
Because of the dangers drunk drivers pose throughout the state and in Petersburg, Virginia is tough on drunk and drugged drivers. Penalties for drunk drivers are serious, and they can face both criminal and civil charges.
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Take Prompt Action After Being Involved in a Drunk Driving Accident
Given the potential severity of a drunk driving accident, it is essential to receive medical assistance and take proactive steps so you can hold the drunk driver at fault. As such, call 911 after an accident to file a police report and receive prompt medical treatment. Paramedics can determine if you need emergency care or if you should schedule an appointment with a doctor within 72 hours of the crash.
You should also make sure to be proactive about gathering evidence to support your future claim. Your medical records and the police report are two primary forms of evidence, but they are not the only ones. Photos, videos, and witness information and statements also play a vital role. Lawyers can also help you secure additional forms of evidence like traffic surveillance cameras, dashcam footage, and much more.
Additionally, you are generally required by your insurance company to report any accident you are involved in within a certain period of time. This is often listed in your policy. However, before submitting a claim to the drunk driver’s insurance company, you should talk to The Pendleton Law Team. We have extensive experience handling these cases and can optimize your case for favorable and fair results.
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Offset Drunk Driving Accident Losses With the Help of a Drunk Driving Victim Accident Attorney in Petersburg
Drunk drivers can cause extensive injury and damage that can have a significant financial impact on you and your family. This burden can also cause a lot of stress and overwhelm, which can also adversely affect your recovery. By filing an accident claim, though, you can recover compensation from the drunk driver, so their insurance company has to pay for your losses, which may include:
- Cost of medical care, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care
- Accommodations, medications, and medical equipment
- Loss of wages or earning capacity
- Property damage expenses
- Cost of funeral and burial arrangements for fatal accidents
- Reduction in quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional and mental trauma
- Loss of consortium
It’s important to work with a drunk driving victim accident attorney in Petersburg to recover compensation for your losses, because the at-fault driver may resist taking responsibility, and their insurance company may try to lowball you. We ensure that you have an advocate and someone who can present an accurate assessment of your losses and negotiate a settlement that covers your losses.
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Let The Pendleton Law Team Get Justice for You
The Pendleton Law Team is here for you when you have been the victim of a drunk driving accident. Our team fights for accountability and justice while we pursue compensation to offset your losses.
A Petersburg drunk driving victim accident attorney keeps your needs and interests at the forefront at all times. Contact our firm today to schedule your free consultation.
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