Las Vegas Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys

I Was Hit By a Drunk Driver. Can I Sue?

After getting hit by a drunk driver, victims often feel hopeless. The idea of communicating with their own insurance or the other party’s insurance company can induce serious anxiety, particularly if they’re dealing with severe injuries or hospitalization. That’s how insurance adjusters often convince victims to accept a small settlement. They take advantage of a victim’s uncertainty and the fact that most victims do not know what they are entitled to after an accident caused by a reckless, irresponsible driver.

You can stop this process before it even starts by hiring an attorney. If you want to find out how much you may be entitled to after an accident and take legal action against the other driver, do not talk to the other party’s insurance company. No matter how determined you are to fight for your rights, the insurance adjuster’s experience in these situations puts them in a winning position.

Instead, contact our lawyers as soon as possible to find out what your legal options are. In many situations, people involved in car accidents with drunk drivers deserve compensation for their injuries, lost income, and property damage. During your free consultation with Oronoz & Ericsson Injury Lawyers, you’ll get a chance to discuss your case, explain how the accident happened, and get realistic, personalized advice on how to proceed. You don’t have to worry about the added stress of talking to the insurance company or telling your side of the story to an adjuster who is looking for holes in everything you say.

Seeking Compensation After Drunk Driving Accidents

One common question victims ask their drunk driving accident lawyer is, “How much is my case worth?” We cannot answer that question until we look at the specifics of your case. There are all types of drunk driving accidents. Someone could be sideswiped by an impaired driver and suffer a minor case of whiplash and property damage. On the other end of the scale, a drunk driving crash could cause multiple fatalities and lifelong injuries. Obviously, settlement amounts vary widely depending on the severity of the crash. Types of damages we may recommend pursuing include:

• Medical expenses: This includes current medical bills, as well as money to cover future medical care needs
• Lost wages: Victims often seek damages for time they spend away from work, as well as any income lost due to a permanent decrease in earning capacity
• Pain and suffering: There’s no doubt that drunk driving crashes cause a substantial amount of pain and suffering for victims; damages for pain and suffering aim to rectify this
• Wrongful death: Surviving family members may seek damages if a loved one is killed in a drunk driving car accident
• Disability and disfigurement: Accidents that cause permanent disability or disfigurement may entitle victims to additional damages
• Property damage: If a drunk driver totaled your car, a lawsuit is one way to get repair or replacement expenses covered
• Punitive damages: Because drunk driving is especially heinous behavior, you may be able to recover punitive damages, which are geared to punish the defendant instead of simply compensate you.

It’s important to note that most personal injury cases are resolved before they ever reach the courtroom. However, if the case does get in front of a jury, you may be awarded punitive damages. Punitive damages are rarely used, and they’re only awarded in cases where the liable party shows serious malice or neglect in their actions. When the court awards damages, it’s with the hope that it discourages others from making the same errors in the future. The goal is not only to make the victim whole, but to make society a little bit safer.

What to Do After You’ve Been Hit By a Drunk Driver

What you do in the moments after a car accident can completely change the trajectory of your personal injury case. First, you should make sure everyone in the vehicle is safe and call emergency services. Ensure that anyone who is injured seeks medical attention. A personal injury case often requires medical documentation of your injuries and the care you receive.

As soon as possible after the crash, contact a drunk driving accident lawyer. You want to retain an attorney before you speak with the other party’s insurance company, as anything you say to the insurance company has the potential to weaken your case. The sooner you retain a drunk driving accident attorney, the sooner you can take that burden off your shoulders and feel confident that your case is in good hands.