Drunk driving car accidents in Richmond are a serious and ongoing problem, leaving victims and families to cope with devastating injuries and losses. Year after year, impaired driving contributes to preventable crashes that often result in severe harm or fatalities. Beyond the tragic statistics, these accidents affect innocent people whose lives are forever changed by another driver’s reckless decision to drink and drive.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving crash, it is important to seek legal guidance. An experienced car accident attorney at MichieHamlett can handle your personal injury case, protect your rights, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
Unfortunately, drunk drivers often fare better than the victims they hit. According to Live Science, a recent study found that intoxicated people are more likely to survive traumatic injuries than those who are not inebriated. In fact, “at the upper bounds of intoxication, mortality rates were cut by nearly 50 percent.” While a drunk driver will essentially suffer the same injuries in a wreck as a non-drunk driver, according to the study, the drunk driver is more likely to survive those injuries, while the sober party is more likely to die. The spouse, children, and parents of victims killed by DUI drivers have the right to file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party, which our attorneys can handle.
Depending on your injuries and the projected outcome of your recovery, you may be able to file a lawsuit that seeks damages for the following:
While it may seem harmless, as the intoxication of the other driver may be a clear sign of negligence, you should never discuss your case with the other party directly, or with their insurance company. The insurance adjuster may use two methods to reduce your claim’s value or stop the claim altogether. The first is to attribute partial blame, or liability, on you via Virginia’s pure contributory negligence doctrine. The second way that an adjuster can reduce your payout is to claim that your damages are not as serious as you say. This can be done by downplaying your injuries, pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost wages, and other financial and non-financial damages.
Drunk driving car accidents in Richmond often leave victims with devastating injuries and mounting expenses. You should not assume that waiting patiently will lead to fair compensation. At MichieHamlett, our attorneys work tirelessly to pursue justice and the financial recovery you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Richmond drunk driving accident lawyer.
