Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Resources

A drunk driving crash is not a normal accident case. The fact that the defendant chose to drive impaired transforms both the legal landscape and the way juries perceive the case. Punitive damages, which are rarely available in ordinary negligence cases, are on the table in many states when the defendant's blood alcohol level is documented and the conduct is reckless. That changes settlement dynamics from the first demand letter, because insurers know jurors will not look kindly on a drunk driver.

Criminal proceedings run parallel to the civil case and often produce useful evidence, including BAC results, field sobriety test video, and sometimes a guilty plea that can be used in the civil action. In many states the criminal judge can also order restitution, which is related to but separate from the civil claim. And in states that have some form of dram shop liability, the bar, restaurant, or social host that over-served the drunk driver may be a separate defendant with additional coverage.

George Goldberg has handled DUI injury cases for more than 32 years. Having started on the defense side in 1994 defending airlines, he knows how insurers price these cases and why they often want to resolve them quickly once the BAC comes back above the limit. We use the criminal file, expert toxicology where needed, and dram shop theories to maximize recovery, not just settle for the bodily injury limits.

The resources below explain how DUI cases are built, how punitive damages work, how dram shop liability functions, and how the criminal and civil cases interact. The FAQ covers the most common questions from victims and families.

If you or a loved one was hit by a drunk driver, call us before any insurance conversation. Consultations are free. 1-888-352-9243