If you have been involved in a drunk driving accident, you may have several options to recover compensation for your injuries. The first step is to contact 911 and obtain medical attention if possible. The next step is cooperating with the police to gather information to build a case. Finally, you can get a personal injury lawyer once you have gathered enough evidence.
Contacting a lawyer
The consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol are severe and can affect your life for years. Even if you didn’t hurt anyone else or damage their property, a drunk driving conviction could result in jail time, a suspended license, and other penalties. Fortunately, several legal options exist to protect yourself against these harsh penalties. The first step in fighting a drunk driving charge is to contact an experienced accident lawyer. This attorney can make a plea bargain on your behalf, saving you a lot of money by avoiding trial costs. Often, DUI attorneys can negotiate a lesser charge for their clients and help them avoid the legal costs of a criminal trial.
Investigating the accident
If you’re seriously hurt or are the driver of a vehicle involved in a drunk driving accident, there are several essential steps to take to establish liability. The first step is to gather evidence. This may include interviews with witnesses or authorities involved in the crash. These people can be constructive in determining fault. However, these interviews can take a significant amount of time and resources. The next step is to take photographs or videotapes of the scene. These photos or videos should show everything from skid marks to debris, signage, and traffic control devices.
Punitive damages
Punitive damages for drunk driving are awarded to punish a person who has caused harm to another. The injuries are often significant, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain, and we wonder how long you must drive; cases are around $65,000. In addition to compensatory damages, a jury can award punitive damages. The state sets the time limit state sets this time limit, which caused harm to drunk or under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident. An automobile insurance company typically covers punitive damages for drunk driving. In addition, a civil court can also award punitive damages. On the other hand, an uninsured motorist policy does not cover punitive damages. As a result, it is essential to carefully review your policy to determine if you have coverage for punitive damages.
Statute of limitations
If you’ve been charged with drunk driving, you may wonder how long you must wait to file a lawsuit. In most states, you have three years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. The state sets this time limit and protects you and the other people involved. However, after that period has expired, you can no longer bring your case. If you’re arrested for DUI, you must go to court immediately. Often, police cannot wait 90 days before filing charges because they have to make an arrest and gather evidence. So if you fail to appear for your court date, you’ll be arrested and charged with DUI.
Getting compensation
In the United States, drunk driving accidents can result in a civil lawsuit. These suits allow victims to seek restitution for their damages. The amount of damages that can be awarded depends on the extent of the harm and whether the at-fault driver has sufficient insurance coverage. In moderate cases, a victim may recover up to $80,000 in damages. This amount will pay for medical costs, vehicle repairs, and pain and suffering. In more severe cases, a victim may recoup as much as $125,000. In addition to filing a claim with the other driver’s insurance company, passengers may also receive compensatiofromor the other driver’s insurance company; passengers may experience the accident, other factors could have contributed to the accident, and the victim may have a legitimate claim against other parties.