Legal Options After Getting Hit by a Drunk Driver
Drunk driving is one of the most reckless actions a driver can make. Alcohol consumption impacts driving skills by slowing reflexes and compromising cognitive and physical functions. Despite the well-known dangers of driving under the influence, many drivers get behind the wheel while intoxicated, making drunk driving a leading cause of car accidents.
Car accident lawyers at Foley Law Firm work with victims of drunk driving collisions. Our legal team helps injury victims in Scranton, Stroudsburg, and Wilkes-Barre, PA, consider their legal options after getting hit by a drunk driver. We assist injured parties in holding liable drivers accountable and collecting maximum compensation for accident damages.
What to Do if You Suspect a Car Crash Is Caused by Drunk Driving
Car accidents are often scary and upsetting experiences. It can be especially frustrating when drunk driving is the cause of a collision, as it is easily avoidable. If the situation allows, car accident victims who suspect drunk driving of causing a collision should take steps after the crash to ensure drunk drivers are held accountable for their reckless actions.
- Call the police to report the crash and inform them you suspect a drunk driver has hit you
- Exchange insurance and contact information with other involved drivers
- Collect contact information from accident witnesses
- Take photographs of the accident scene, involved vehicles, and injuries
- Report the accident to your insurance company
- Contact a car accident lawyer
Can I Sue a Drunk Driver for Causing a Car Accident?
Even if a drunk driver’s insurance company accepts liability for a crash, they often attempt to make a quick settlement that doesn’t account for the full extent of injury losses. Rather than take an insurance settlement, individuals injured in a car accident caused by drunk driving can file a civil lawsuit against the drunk driver. A civil lawsuit allows collision victims to hold drunk drivers accountable for economic and non-economic losses related to the crash.
Potential Car Accident Damages
Drunk driving car accidents frequently have catastrophic and costly consequences. Our lawyers examine all aspects of our client’s losses to pursue maximum compensation for collision losses. Depending on the details of the car accident, damages may include:
- Medical expenses
- Cost of therapy and rehabilitation
- Anticipated future medical costs
- Lost wages
- Diminished wage-earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
Can I Sue if I Received Victim Restitution?
When a drunk driver is convicted in criminal court, they are often ordered to pay victim restitution. Victim restitution compensates victims for financial losses related to the offender’s crime, such as medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages.
Accident victims who receive victim restitution can still file a civil lawsuit. However, individuals cannot be awarded compensation twice for the same losses. For example, if victim restitution covers an injured party’s medical expenses, those losses cannot be included in a civil lawsuit. Filing a civil lawsuit is still beneficial because it allows victims to seek compensation for non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering, that victim restitution does not cover.
Contact Foley Law Firm
Drunk driving car accidents can cause physical, emotional, and financial damages. A civil lawsuit is often the most effective way to hold drunk drivers accountable for the consequences of their actions. If you have been involved in a crash caused by drunk driving and would like to discuss your legal options, contact Foley Law Firm and schedule a consultation at your earliest convenience.
