A drunk driving accident can be devastating. If you’ve been injured in one, a Richmond car accident lawyer can help you seek justice.
A drunk driving crash can leave you with severe injuries, costly medical bills, and uncertainty about your future. During this challenging time, the prospect of filing a claim can be daunting.
Since 2011, The Pendleton Law Team has helped thousands of clients pursue justice. If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, a Richmond drunk driving victim accident lawyer from our team can take on your case and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
How a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help
A skilled attorney can make a world of difference in the aftermath of a drunk driving accident. Here are some ways they can assist:
- Investigating the accident: Your lawyer will gather evidence (including police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage) to build a strong case.
- Proving liability: Your lawyer will work to demonstrate that the drunk driver’s negligence directly caused your injuries.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. An experienced lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to ensure a fair settlement.
- Representing you in court: If necessary, your attorney can take your case to trial and present a compelling argument.
A Richmond personal injury lawyer can handle the legal process so you can focus on your recovery.
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Types of Compensation You Can Recover
Victims of drunk driving accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation. These can include:
- Medical expenses: This includes hospital bills, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical needs.
- Lost wages: You can be compensated for income lost due to time away from work.
- Pain and suffering: You can receive compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Property damage: You can be reimbursed for the repair or replacement of your damaged vehicle and other belongings.
- Punitive damages: In some cases, courts may award punitive damages to punish the drunk driver and deter similar behavior.
A drunk driving victim accident lawyer in Richmond can calculate your damages to make sure you’re fairly compensated.
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What Is the Average Drunk Driving Accident Settlement?
Since every case is different, there is no average drunk driving accident settlement. While minor accidents may settle for a few thousand dollars, cases involving severe injuries or fatalities can result in settlements worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.
Factors that can affect the value of a settlement include the severity of the victim’s injuries, the extent of the property damage, and the insurance coverage available. A drunk driving victim accident attorney in Richmond can fight for a fair settlement on your behalf.
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How Long Do I Have to File a Drunk Driving Accident Claim in Virginia?
Virginia’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including drunk driving accidents, is typically two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline could prevent you from pursuing compensation. However, there are exceptions, such as in cases involving minors or incapacitated victims.
An attorney can make sure you file on time.
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How Do You Prove Liability?
Proving liability in a drunk driving accident involves establishing that the other driver was intoxicated and that their actions caused your injuries. Key evidence can include:
- Police reports: These often document the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and any citations issued.
- Witness testimony: Statements from those who saw the accident can corroborate your account of it.
- Field sobriety tests: Results from tests conducted at the scene can demonstrate the driver’s impairment.
- Toxicology reports: Laboratory results can confirm the driver’s BAC level.
Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents often result in severe injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries (such as organ damage or internal bleeding)
- Emotional trauma (including post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety)
If you’ve sustained any of these injuries in a drunk driving accident, a car accident lawyer in Richmond can help you pursue damages.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident
Taking the right steps after a drunk driving accident can strengthen your case. Here’s what to do:
- Call 911: Report the accident to law enforcement.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the vehicles, injuries, and any other relevant details.
- Exchange information: Exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver and gather any witnesses’ contact information.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, get checked by a medical professional to document your injuries.
- Avoid discussing fault: Don’t admit fault or downplay your injuries, no matter who you’re speaking to.
- Contact an attorney: Call a drunk driving accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Drunk Driving Laws in Virginia
Virginia has strict laws aimed at preventing drunk driving and holding offenders accountable. Key statutes include:
- Legal BAC limit: The legal BAC limit for drivers aged 21 and over is 0.08%. For commercial drivers, it’s 0.04%, and for drivers under 21, it’s 0.02%.
- Implied consent law: By driving in Virginia, you consent to BAC testing if lawfully arrested for suspected DUI.
- Penalties for offenders: Convicted drunk drivers face penalties such as fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and jail time. Repeat offenders and those who cause injuries or fatalities may face harsher consequences.
Contact a Richmond Drunk Driving Victim Accident Attorney Today
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. An experienced Richmond drunk driving victim accident attorney from The Pendleton Law Team can help you recover the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Don’t wait to take action. Schedule a free consultation today to begin pursuing justice.
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