The only safe attitude towards drugs, including alcohol, and driving, is not to combine the two at the same time. The consequences of being under the influence of any type of drug and driving can be colossal. If you, or a family member, have been injured by a driver who was DUI at the time you have every legal right to file a personal injury claim against that driver.
The laws against driving while under the influence (DUI) are strict right across the nation. The actual penalties imposed on a DUI driver may vary a little from state to state, but the message is more or less the same. Those who are convicted of driving while under the influence may lose their license, face fines, even imprisonment, and have to attend courses on being a sober driver. Any driver who is responsible for an accident while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is even more likely to be severely punished by the state’s law enforcement authorities.
This is all very well, but how does this help you in any practical sense if you were the one who was run over or hit by a driver who was DUI at the time? You may get some satisfaction sometime down the track that the person who inflicted your injuries was convicted, but this is not going to pay your bills.
Car Accidents May Cause Serious Injuries
Car accidents of any kind are likely to lead to substantial injuries. Some car accidents cause horrific injuries, especially those that paralyze the accident victim because of serious damage to the spinal cord, cause serious damage to internal organs like the lungs, heart, liver or kidneys or cause TBI (traumatic brain injury). These injuries will mean huge bills that you and your family have to pay for as well as potentially face a loss of earnings as the result of the accident.
Whatever the cause of your car accident, if you were not to blame, then you should contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible after the accident. Obviously how soon this is depends on the treatment you have to get for your injuries. However, the sooner a claim is initiated, the more likely it will be successful. If you were hit by a driver who is subsequently convicted of DUI, then this will make your case for a claim against the driver all the more likely to be successful.
Personal Injury Claims Cover Medical Costs And Loss Of Earnings
Personal injury claims usually include amounts to cover your immediate and future loss of earnings as well as medical expenses. You may also be awarded an amount to cover what is termed “psychological and emotional” damages. A good car accident attorney will make a very thorough assessment of your total needs, projected into the future if you are likely to have long term complications and present this to the insurance company representing the driver at fault.
In most cases, but especially when a successful conviction for DUI against that driver has already been made, an out of court settlement can be reached without the need for you to go to court yourself. You are most likely going to find that the personal injury attorney who will represent you will do so on a contingency fee basis and defer any legal fees until a successful settlement is made in your favor.