Virginia Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
Driving under the influence of alcohol remains one of the top causes of car accidents throughout the US, so the problem does create significant risks for road users in Virginia. According to the Traffic Crash Facts report published by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, around 4,500 people are injured in alcohol-related collisions every year. Plus, the statistics reveal the disproportionate nature of fatal accidents. Even though drunk driving is linked to just 5 percent of all traffic crashes, it is a factor in about one-third of all deaths.
If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a DUI crash, you do have options for recovering compensation. Because the legal process can be complicated, it is wise to trust our team at the MichieHamlett Law Firm to protect your rights. Please contact our office to schedule a no-cost case evaluation with a Virginia drunk driving accident attorney, and read on for some important information.
How DUI Crash Claims Work
While drunk driving is a criminal offense, your rights as the victim of a crash are civil in nature. Though you may get some closure knowing that the other driver was punished, your goal is to obtain monetary damages from the responsible party. The theory of negligence applies to these cases, so you are required to prove four essential elements:
- You must show that the other motorist had a duty to drive safely;
- You need to establish that he or she breached this duty, which often comes through evidence of blood alcohol content or impairment;
- You must prove that the breach of duty was a direct cause of the drunk driving accident; and,
- You are required to show that you suffered losses because of being injured.
The Legal Process in Virginia Drunk Driving Car Accident Claims
It is true that your remedies are through civil court, but your first step in recovering compensation is filing a claim with the other driver’s insurance company. Even if your rights seem clear after a DUI crash, you may still run into hurdles in dealing with the insurer. If the insurance company refuses to pay a fair, reasonable amount to settle your claim, you will need to go to court to obtain the monetary damages you deserve by law.
Our lawyers at the MichieHamlett Law Firm are prepared to advocate on your behalf during all stages of the legal process. We will fight for your rights by:
- Preparing insurance claims forms;
- Submitting essential supporting documents to the insurer;
- Engaging in settlement negotiations; and,
- Representing you in court.
Our Virginia Drunk Driving Car Accidents Attorneys Will Protect Your Rights
This summary of Virginia DUI crash claims may be helpful, but it should also convince you of the importance of retaining skilled legal counsel for assistance with your remedies. To learn how our lawyers at the MichieHamlett Law Firm can help, please contact our firm to set up a free case assessment. Once we review your circumstances, we can determine how to proceed.
