A car accident caused by a drunk driver can turn a person’s life upside down, leading to serious injuries, costly medical care, and even job loss. The impact often extends beyond the victim, affecting their family and future prospects. When someone else’s recklessness causes this kind of harm, fair compensation isn’t just reasonable—it’s essential.
Filing a personal injury claim can help victims get this compensation. This is where drug-impaired-driving-accident lawyers from Tucker Lawyers come in. They can help people navigate the claims process and record all the damages so that they can recover from the accident.
What to Do Right After the Accident
Your safety should be your priority after a car crash. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance. If you’ve been injured seriously, it’s important to get treated first. If you feel safe enough to move, though, you should document the scene of the crash, like taking photos and videos of the scene and getting the insurance information of those involved.
Don’t waste your energy getting into arguments with the driver at fault; it isn’t going to help your case. Stay calm and trust the law to bring them to justice. Don’t admit fault for the accident either, as it can affect the outcome of your claim.
Liability in Car Accidents
In car accidents involving impaired drivers, negligence plays a central role in determining liability. When a driver chooses to operate a vehicle while under the influence, they violate their legal duty to drive safely, leading to injuries and even death in some cases. Such behavior can serve as the basis for a lawsuit, providing victims a means to seek justice and compensation.
Typically, it is the driver who is held liable in such cases, and their insurance company will cover the damages for the victims. In some cases, other parties, such as the owner of the vehicle or a bar that served the impaired driver, can also be held liable for the accident.
Damages You’re Entitled To
Here are a few of the damages victims are entitled to:
Lost wages: If the victim is unable to work due to injuries from the accident, they may be entitled to recover the income they would have earned during that period. This includes not only missed regular wages but also lost bonuses, overtime, and other employment benefits directly affected by their inability to work.
Pain and suffering: Victims can also claim compensation for the emotional trauma and physical pain they faced because of the accident. For example, some victims are known to develop PTSD, anxiety, and other disorders after an accident. These damages are usually hard to quantify and vary based on the circumstances of the accident.
How a Lawyer Can Help
A personal injury lawyer can significantly impact the outcome of your case. They will know how to obtain and interpret crucial evidence, such as toxicology reports, police records, and witness statements, to clearly establish the driver’s impairment and negligence. They can also bring in accident reconstruction experts or medical professionals to support your claim.
Legal guidance in the aftermath of a car accident means you can focus on healing your injuries and mental trauma while your attorney fights to secure fair compensation.
