You have been involved in an accident with a drunk driver. You have suffered injuries and damages. You filed a personal injury claim against the drunk driver and his or her insurance company to recoup compensation for your losses.
To have a successful personal injury claim, you must demonstrate that the other party acted negligently and that caused the crash. If a driver was driving drunk, then it is easy to show negligence and prove liability.
Insurance companies, of course, are in business to make money and not pay out money for crashes, so they aren’t going to offer you the true value of your claim. They will try to get you to settle to avoid going to court and a higher payout.
Determining the Value of Your Claim
The amount of your damages, the severity of your injuries, and several other things should be considered when determining the value of your claim. You should consult with a personal injury attorney before trying to negotiate a settlement for a claim against a drunk driver.
For example, you might have suffered injuries in the accident. These injuries might cause you problems later, which will lead to more time off from work and more medical bills. Those expenses should be considered before you agree to settle a claim against a drunk driver because usually, after a claim has been settled, you cannot go back and recoup compensation for other damages.
The Damages You Have Suffered
A personal injury lawyer will help you assess your damages. The total economic losses must be calculated. You will need to keep copies of medical records, medical bills, proof of missed work and lost wages, and repair estimates for fixing your damaged vehicle.
Here are some of the common damages suffered after having been hit by a drunk driver:
- Medical expenses – past and future
- Lost wages – past and future
- Pain and suffering
- Property damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Disabilities
In some states, courts award punitive damages to punish a driver for his or her behavior and to deter that behavior from occurring in the future. In some states, an accident caused by a drunk driver might lead to punitive damages being awarded as well. Your accident injury lawyer will know the state laws and how to proceed when you have been involved in a crash with a drunk driver.
Consult With a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been hit by a drunk driver, it is advisable that you consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney will handle the entire claims process, ensuring your claim is handled properly and that all documentation is filed in a timely manner.
Your lawyer will handle the negotiations process, and ensure you are treated fairly. Your lawyer will know when you should settle a claim against a drunk driver. To get your claim on track and your case reviewed by a personal injury attorney who practices in your area, complete the Free Case Evaluation Form today!
