Being injured by a drunk driver is an unfortunate and traumatic experience. Not only are you left to deal with physical injuries and emotional trauma, but there is also the challenge of seeking fair compensation for your losses. Pursuing legal claims against drunk drivers is often necessary to recover damages like medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering. However, the process can be complex and frustrating if you don’t understand your rights and legal options. This article provides an overview of fighting for fair compensation through insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits after DUI accidents.
Making an Insurance Claim
The first step is filing a claim with your own auto insurance policy if you have relevant coverage like uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This protects you in case the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance or assets to pay for your damages. Provide your insurer with documentation like police reports detailing the other driver was intoxicated and at fault. The insurance company will investigate your claim and make a settlement offer if they determine you are entitled to compensation.
However, insurers don’t always make fair offers—they want to settle claims cheaply. You may need to negotiate firmly for full compensation, especially for difficult-to-quantify damages like pain and suffering. Hiring a personal injury attorney like us can help apply pressure to insurance companies and maximize your payout. An experienced lawyer understands common insurance company tactics and the full value of injury claims.
Suing the At-Fault Driver
If the at-fault driver’s insurance won’t provide adequate compensation (or they have no insurance), your next step is filing a personal injury lawsuit with us. Drunk driving is clear evidence of negligence, so holding the driver accountable in civil court is very feasible. With an attorney’s help, you can sue for full damages the insurance company refused to pay, including punitive damages in applicable states.
The litigation process involves steps like sending a demand letter, filing the lawsuit paperwork, collecting evidence, questioning witnesses in depositions, negotiating possible settlements, and taking the case to trial if no satisfactory settlement is reached. This is a complex process, but we can guide you through it strategically. Suing gives accident victims their day in court to fight for justice.
Proving Damages
The key to maximizing compensation in an injury claim or lawsuit is proving the full extent of your damages. For categories like medical bills and vehicle repair costs, documentation like receipts and estimates makes damages concrete. But losses like lost income and pain/suffering can be trickier to quantify.
We may work with experts like doctors, vocational analysts, and accident reconstructionists to evaluate your condition and ability to work. Testimonies establishing the physical, emotional, and financial impacts of the accident help justify higher damages. Jurors tend to award larger settlements when presented with clear evidence of life disruption.
We leave no stone unturned gathering strong supporting evidence. The at-fault party will try to minimize the perceived damages, so you need persuasive proof of real losses. Consulting and presenting documentation from experienced experts bolsters your position.
Seeking Maximum Recovery
After a DUI crash, many factors are out of your control—except choosing to pursue fair legal compensation against the responsible parties through insurance claims or lawsuits. Sitting back and accepting what the insurance companies offer guarantees you won’t maximize your rightful recovery. Drivers under the influence cause immense damage. Fighting back gives you the best chance of being made whole again.
Focusing only on money seems shallow after a traumatic accident. But seeking full damages can provide real relief as you heal, replacing lost income, paying medical expenses, fixing your car, and bringing a sense of justice. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. With us as your advocate, you gain power, leverage, and a skilled negotiator fighting on your behalf. Instead of anger and helplessness, you can take proactive steps so the at-fault driver, not the innocent victim, pays the price.
While the process takes determination and persistence, the potential rewards are worth it. No accident victim should struggle financially or go uncompensated because a drunk driver irresponsibly shattered their life. Fight for the maximum recovery so you can move forward. With our counsel, you can pursue the compensation you need to heal, restore stability, and continue on your life’s path. The road to fair damages starts with seeking dedicated legal representation.
If you feel like you have a DUI claim, visit our offices at:
- 2005 West Main St. Tupelo, MS 38801
- 406 Galleria Dr., Suite 7 Oxford, MS 38655
- 1671 Lelia Dr Suite B, Jackson, MS 39216
- 5100 Poplar Ave., Suite 2700 Memphis, TN 38137
Call us today for a free consultation, on (888) 484-1476.
