How to Protect Your Rights as a Victim of a Drunk Driver

Being involved in a drunk driving accident can have long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. The legal process can be confusing and intimidating, but with the right information and guidance, you can navigate it successfully.

By taking the necessary steps to protect your rights, you can hold the responsible party accountable and secure the help you need to heal and move forward.

Learn the steps you can take to protect your rights as a victim of a drunk driver. From seeking medical attention to gathering evidence and consulting with a Phoenix drunk driving accident lawyer, we will provide valuable information to help you through this challenging time.

Protecting Your Rights After an Accident With a Drunk Driver

Being involved in a car accident is already a traumatic experience, but being a victim of a drunk driver can make it even more devastating. It’s important to know your rights and take the necessary steps to protect yourself in this situation.

Here are some steps you can take to protect your rights as a victim of a drunk driver:

Call the Police

After the accident, the first thing you should do is call the police. They will document the scene, gather evidence, and file a report. This report can be crucial in proving that the other driver was intoxicated at the time of the accident. 

Timely police reports establishing intoxication are key evidence against the other driver. Officers can also assist any injured parties and clear the scene promptly.

Get Medical Help

Seek medical treatment following a vehicle collision regardless of whether you feel seriously hurt. Even if your injuries don’t seem serious at first, it’s smart to keep track of them just in case.

Even minor injuries from major accidents warrant examination. Doctors will document your condition objectively. Left untreated, small issues can worsen.

Gather Evidence

If you are in a condition to do so, document the accident site with photographs, being sure to capture both your injuries and the damage to your vehicle. Collect any evidence that can support your argument, including the contact details of any witnesses.

Retain all relevant information about the collision itself and other driver’s behavior. This can help strengthen your civil claim.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

A car accident lawyer with our firm can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected. We can help you file a claim against the drunk driver and their insurance company, for any medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering you’ve experienced as a result of the accident.

The legal process can feel dizzying alone. A drunk driving accident lawyer knows insurance companies’ tactics and can fight to maximize your claim.

Know Your Rights

As a victim of a drunk driver, you have certain rights under the law. These may include the right to compensation for your injuries and damages,  and you may even have the right to hold the establishment that served the driver alcohol accountable if they were over-served.

Make sure you understand your rights and work with an experienced Phoenix personal injury lawyer who can help you protect them.

By following these steps, you can protect your rights as a victim of a drunk driver and ensure that you get the help and compensatory damages you deserve.

For a free legal consultation, call 866-499-8989

Protect Your Rights When Dealing With the Insurance Company

Knowledge is power. Many injury victims involved in drunk driving accident claims are not aware of the tactics the insurance adjusters may use to reduce or even deny fair compensation. 

Here are common tactics insurance companies may use to try to minimize compensation in drunk driving accident cases:

• Blame the victim: They may try to argue the injured party was partially at fault by claiming they were speeding, distracted, etc. even if the other driver was legally drunk.
• Question the severity of injuries: Insurance medical examiners could downplay injuries to avoid higher payouts for things like lost wages or pain and suffering.
• Delay settlement talks: Prolonging negotiations make it more likely the victim will accept a lower settlement offer out of frustration or need.
• Intimidate without representation: Victims may feel overwhelmed by legal jargon and be coerced into agreements without understanding their rights.
• Lowball initial settlement offers: Starting far below real value sets an artificially low reference point hard to walk back from.
• Claim victims contributed to their own harm: for example, they may try to blame you for part of the accident by claiming you were driving distracted or traveling over the posted speed limit. 

An experienced car accident attorney can recognize and outmaneuver these tactics to ensure you are treated fairly. Our team can make you aware of these tactics and help protect your right to recover fair compensation in an injury claim.

Damages You May Recover in a Drunk Driving Accident Claim

It’s important to be aware of the damages you can recover, and our personal injury lawyers can calculate your damages fully so none of your losses are overlooked. Here are some of the key types of damages you may be able to recover in a drunk driving accident claim:

• Medical expenses: This includes all past and future costs for things like hospital bills, surgery, prescription drugs, rehabilitation, prosthetics, and lifelong care.
• Lost wages: If the accident prevented you from working, you can recover pay for time already missed as well as potential future lost income.
• Pain and suffering: This compensation is for physical and emotional hardships experienced as a result of your injuries, like chronic pain, scarring, PTSD, anxiety, and more.
• Property damage: If your vehicle or other personal property was destroyed in the crash, you can collect its repair or replacement value.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: You may be eligible for damages if injuries will have a long-term impact on your hobbies, activities, and quality of life.
• Disfigurement: Scarring or permanent disabilities may warrant additional compensation.

An attorney familiar with drunk driving claims can help thoroughly document all monetary impacts to maximize your recovery through insurance claims or a trial if necessary.

Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today

Contact a Drunk Driving Car Accident Attorney for a Free Case Evaluation

At Zanes Law, our dedicated attorneys will guide you every step of the way as you pursue compensation through an insurance claim or lawsuit. We understand that this process adds stress during an already difficult time.

Our team is here to support you and make sure your rights are protected. Contact us for a free consultation so we can start helping you get the justice you deserve.

Call or text 866-499-8989 or complete a
Free Case Evaluation form

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