Oxford Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Common Damages After a Drunk Driving Accident

While not always fatal, drunk driving accidents can have a significant impact on the lives of those injured and their families. The most common damages following a drunk driving accident are:

• Physical injuries. This can include broken bones, internal injuries, damage to the spinal cord or brain, and many others. These injuries can be severe and may need lasting and extensive medical treatment, including hospitalization, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing care.
• Emotional trauma. Victims of drunk driving accidents can experience a range of emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression.
• Financial loss. Financial losses come in many forms. On top of the loss of property, an injured person may find themselves under a mound of medical bills. They may have lost wages due to an inability to work during treatment. They may also need ongoing care, which can be incredibly expensive and financially devastating for those involved.
• Fatalities. Drunk driving accidents do unfortunately result in many deaths every year. Families that have lost a loved one due to the actions of a drunk driver may be able to file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for the loss.

Who is Liable in a Drunk Driving Accident?

It may seem obvious that the drunk driver would be the liable party, but in some instances, other parties can be held responsible, as well. These can include:

• Bars, restaurants, and liquor stores. If a business or establishment served a minor or overserved an already drunk individual, they may be held liable for the accident.
• Host of a party. Similar to what can happen to businesses, if someone serves alcohol to a minor within a social setting, they may be held liable for damages caused by a drunk driver.
• Vehicle/parts manufacturers. There are instances where a drunk driving accident occurs due to a vehicle malfunction. Manufacturers may be held partially liable if something goes wrong with the vehicle during an accident.

Damages and Compensation

If you or a loved one were injured in a drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to significant compensation. This can include:

• Lost wages: If you were forced to miss work due to the accident and healing process, you may be able to recover damages for the wages you lost.
• Reduced earning potential: In some cases, injuries due to a car accident might mean you are unable to work at the same level as before your accident. This can affect your ability to grow within your career and advance your salary.
• Medical bills: Medical bills will pile up due to hospital visits, medications, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing care. Even if you have health insurance, these expenses add up quickly. You shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for injuries sustained due to someone else’s carelessness. We can help make sure you are taken care of financially so that you can focus on healing.
• Pain and Suffering: In some cases, you might be able to receive compensation for your pain and suffering, both physical and emotional. This can be more difficult to prove, so it’s important to contact one of our attorneys to learn about your options.
• Personal property damage: More than likely, if you were involved in a drunk driving accident, you sustained damage to some personal property. Car insurance may cover the loss of a vehicle, but they may not give you enough to fully repair or replace the vehicle you lost.
• Punitive damages: Drunk driving is illegal. In some cases, you might be awarded punitive damages. If you were seriously injured or lost a family member due to the illegal actions of another, it is possible that you will receive damages meant to punish the responsible parties for their illegal behavior. This can be difficult to pursue, so having Mama Justice there to represent your case gives you the best chance at receiving the maximum possible compensation.

What Should I Do After a Drunk Driving Accident?

If you’ve been involved in an accident caused by a drunk driver, it can be difficult to stay calm and know what to do. Here is a list to help you in case of an emergency:

1. First, call emergency services. This will bring police and medical professionals to the scene. Your safety and well being is your top priority, so you should always seek emergency services immediately.
2. Document the scene. In the age of the smartphone, it’s easy to take pictures and videos of the scene of the accident, including your injuries and any damage done to your vehicle. If your injuries leave you unable to document the scene yourself, see if another passenger or witness to the accident can do so.
3. Gather the name and insurance information of the other driver, as well as the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses to the accident. This will all be important as you file your insurance claim and even more important if the case goes to court.
4. Make sure you seek medical care. Even if you don’t believe you have any serious injuries, adrenaline often masks pain, and you may have injuries you don’t realize. It’s important to get checked by a doctor and keep any records of injuries to give to insurance companies and to use as evidence in a court case.
5. Don’t speak to any insurance companies before you speak with a lawyer. It can be easy to accidentally agree to a settlement that may not be in your best interest. You will want to know what compensation you are entitled to before accepting an insurance company’s offer.
6. Call MW Law Firm – Mama Justice and speak to one of our drunk driving accident attorneys. We can handle your claims process and ensure the best possible outcome for you.