According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, around 30 people in the United States die each day in a drunk driving accident, or about one person every 50 minutes.
Whether you’re heading out for an evening commute or spending time on a long-distance road trip, this is a frightening fact. These accidents can happen without warning, and the fallout can blindside us just as badly.
Most of us have little knowledge of the legal aftermath of a drunk driving car accident, and this ignorance can cause us to miss out on thousands of dollars in compensation if we aren’t careful. If you’re injured in a drunk driving accident, here are the five key ways an attorney can help.
1. Access to Legal Knowledge About Compensation
Getting hit by a drunk driver can be traumatic in itself, but it can be even worse to realize that you don’t know how to navigate the aftermath on your own. It’s easy to feel tempted to accept a quick check from the party who wronged you, or to settle for a lowball offer from an insurance company, just to get some of the money you need upfront.
That’s where a good personal injury attorney comes in. An experienced attorney will be able to help calculate the amount of compensation you deserve based on your injuries.
It’s worth noting that car accidents caused by drunk driving don’t just deal with physical damage. Though your bodily injuries may be extensive, it’s also crucial to consider additional damages, including mental health and disfigurement. With assistance and evidence from your doctor, a lawyer can evaluate the damages and offer advice about the compensation you should expect.
However, as you search for the right attorney, you should ensure that you’re working with someone with experience in the area where the accident happened. Just as different areas may have slight variations in their legal processes, there may also be minor differences in the type of compensation to expect—and in how you get it. If you’re searching for a car accident lawyer in Milwaukee, for example, you should consider grothlawfirm.com lawyers for your needs.
2. Acting as a Point of Contact
After a car accident, it’s not uncommon for both parties to point fingers at each other, even if it seems clear that one driver is in the wrong. This happens less often with car accidents due to drunk driving, but even these incidents aren’t without frustrating accusations at times. When you’re also dealing with legal battles and medical bills, this can be stressful.
When you partner with a car accident attorney, however, you can opt-out of dealing with these hot-tempered accusers. One of your attorney’s jobs is to speak on your behalf in matters related to the accident, so all you need to do is direct the other driver to them.
This is also helpful when it comes to handling the insurance company. If you’re navigating a car accident’s aftermath alone, you’re forced to use your limited knowledge to speak with the insurance company alone. Unfortunately, doing or saying the wrong thing can help them build the evidence they need to lower their settlement offer.
With a lawyer’s expertise, you’ll be able to use them as a point of contact instead. This means you can even let them handle the verbal and written statement as well as other minor details of the negotiation.
3. Proving Your Injuries
When it comes to claiming compensation, the hardest things you’ll have to do are prove who caused your injuries and demonstrate the extent of the damage.
When you work with an attorney, you’ll have someone to investigate the incident in full. They’ll help guide you to the documentation you’ll need as proof, and they can even advise you on the kinds of medical evidence you’ll need as well. Expert attorneys may also consult with medical personnel in person, help you get a copy of the accident report, and interview any witnesses.
4. Negotiating Your Settlement
Insurance companies are notorious for tossing out initial settlement offers that are so low they’re almost insulting. If you’re not aware of the type of compensation you can expect, you might jump at this first offer without negotiating further.
Because an attorney understands the full extent of the law about your case, however, the insurance company can’t take advantage of them. They’ll be able to help with the negotiations to settle on a fair price—or to move your case to the next step.
5. Filing a Case, if Needed
Though the majority of car accident cases will settle out of court, there are times when the settlement negotiations don’t offer a fair deal or outright deny your claim. When this happens, a car accident injury lawyer can help you file a case.
One other factor to consider is that many attorneys who have a great deal of experience in a specific area will cultivate a working relationship with judges, prosecutors, and other legal workers. Through them, you can draw on this network for a legal process that may move much more smoothly than it would if you tried to file a case yourself.
Hire a Drunk Driving Car Accident Lawyer
The bottom line is this: if you aim to get fair compensation for damages suffered, you need a drunk driving car accident lawyer. These professionals have the experience and insights to evaluate your case and fight for your rights as needed. What’s more, partnering with the right expert ensures you aren’t dealing with the stressful aftermath on your own.
Looking for more of the critical legal tips you need in life? Check out our other tips for more insights.
