Accidents are inevitable, and they happen now and then. However, sometimes these accidents may occur as a result of drunk driving. The involvement of alcohol in this case makes the whole scenario different.
For better understanding, you can contact a drunk driving accident lawyer today. In this article, you will understand your legal options for accidents, the impact of drunk driving, and more.
The Impact of Drunk Driving Accidents
Understanding the impact of drunk driving is important because it gives you a better understanding of the legal options. In this case, drunk driving can cause severe injuries and even fatalities.
According to statistics, more than 60% of accidents in the United States occur due to drunk driving. Thus, with this understanding, you can get the gravity of the situation.
Legal Options to Take After an Accident with a Drunk Driver
After an accident with a drunk driver, you should do the following:
Consult an Attorney
You must seek professional advice from a lawyer to guide you on the next steps. However, you must consult an attorney who only specializes in accidents involving drunk drivers.
This will give you the upper hand when taking the next steps in the case.
Contact Law Enforcement
After an accident with a drunk driver, you should call the nearby law enforcers. In most cases, these should be the police nearby.
In this case, the traffic police will assess the accident scene and prove fault.
File a Personal Injury Lawsuit
A personal injury lawsuit is essential if you have suffered injuries during the accident. A lawyer who specializes in drunk driving accidents helps in filing a personal injury lawsuit. This lawsuit also covers other damages related to the accident.
How Drunk Driving Accident Settlement Works
After a drunk driving accident, there is usually an extensive process that takes place for a successful settlement. These steps are:
Investigation by the Insurance Company
The insurance company begins conducting an in-depth investigation into the accident. In this case, they will perform a deep assessment of the liability.
They also look at the police reports and witness testimonies. All this information helps them determine liability and compensation.
Evaluation of Damages
Further investigations may also be done to assess any damages from the accident. These additional damages may cut across:
- Property damage
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering Medical Evaluation and Treatment
Medical evaluation is another crucial step in drunk driving claims. In this case, the medical records are some of the leading pieces of evidence.
Sending a Demand Letter
Your lawyer will draft this letter and outline your case. They will also include the amount you demand in the demand letter.
Negotiation
After the insurance company gets the demand letter, they will respond in various ways. For instance, they may send a counteroffer with a value close to what you have requested.
If the offer in the letter is insufficient, representatives from the insurance company may meet for negotiations. During negotiations, your lawyer must also be present to help reach a mutual agreement.
Arbitration and Mediation
Mediation and arbitration come in when the negotiations fail. In this case, a third party comes in to help in reaching an agreement. In this scenario, they will find a binding decision that suits everyone.
Filing a Lawsuit
When mediation fails, you can file a lawsuit for legal action on your accident claim. In most cases, this move usually initiates the legal process.
Conclusion
In summary, when you are involved in an accident with a drunk driver, you must understand the impact and legal processes. This way, you will know what to do depending on the damage and the options in place. In other words, proper knowledge ensures fairness when it comes to compensation.
