If you have been involved in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you should consult with a personal injury attorney. Such claims can be complicated, and you want to make sure you are fairly compensated for all the damages that you suffer because of the crash.
You will need to maintain documentation and evidence to support your claim, so you can recover compensation for your losses. You will file a personal injury claim against the other party and their insurance, as you would with any auto accident. Their insurance is liable for the damages that they caused in the crash that resulted from driving drunk.
Determining the Damages That You Suffered After Being Hit by a Drunk Driver
If you have been hit by a drunk driver, you will need to determine which damages you suffered because of the crash. Your personal injury attorney who is helping with the auto accident injury claim will assist you with this. You will need to have documentation that shows your losses.
Here are some of the documents that might show your losses and support your claim:
- The police report
- Medical records and invoices
- Prescription bills and records
- Receipts for any medical equipment or devices
- Written repair estimates
- Photos of the accident scene
- Photos of damages or injuries
- The tow bill
- Receipts for use of a rental car
- Proof of missed work and lost wages
There are many damages that you might suffer from such an accident. Here are some damages that you might claim in such situations.
- Medical expenses – past and future
- Lost wages – past and future
- Pain and suffering
- Property damages
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Long-term or permanent disabilities
Some states allow the courts to award punitive damages. Punitive damages are done to punish the driver who was negligent and to deter such behavior in the future. Some states award punitive damages for accidents caused by drunk driving, especially if the driver has been charged with DUI in the past.
Your personal injury lawyer will be able to assess the situation and determine if you are eligible for punitive damages because of your accident and the behavior of the other driver. Your attorney will investigate the accident further and will be able to provide additional information that might not be revealed in the accident report completed by police.
Consult With a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been hit by a drunk driver, a personal injury attorney can help determine which damages you are entitled to receive. There is a strict statute of limitations or time limit for pursuing such claims, so don’t wait until it is too late to recover your damages. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form today so an attorney in your area can review the details of your claim and determine how to proceed.
