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Have You or a Loved One Recently Been Injured in a Drunk Driving Accident?
Goldberg & Loren, the leading drunk driving accident lawyers, are here to help you seek justice and compensation for your pain and suffering. With years of experience and a track record of successful cases, we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of victims like you.
By choosing Goldberg & Loren, you can have peace of mind knowing that you have a team of highly skilled and dedicated attorneys on your side. We will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation you deserve and hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Contact Goldberg & Loren today for a free consultation to discuss your case and start the process of getting the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait, justice awaits.
How Do You Know if the Person Who Caused Your Accident Was Drunk?
Signs of Intoxication:
- Slurred speech and difficulty articulating words
- Bloodshot, watery, or glassy eyes
- A strong odor of alcohol on their breath or clothing
- Unsteady and uncoordinated movements
- Confusion, disorientation, or altered behavior
- Aggressive driving behavior or erratic lane changes
Impaired Driving Behavior:
- Swerving or erratic lane changes
- Excessive speeding or driving well below the speed limit
- Failure to obey traffic signals or signs
- Delayed reactions or poor judgment
- Aggressive or reckless behavior on the road
About 31% of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers (with BACs of .08 g/dL or higher). In 2021, there were 13,384 people killed in these preventable crashes. In fact, on average, over the 10-year period from 2012-2021, about 10,850 people died every year in drunk-driving crashes.
In every state, it’s illegal to drive drunk, yet one person was killed in a drunk driving crash every 39 minutes in the United States in 2021. [1]
Types of Drunk Driving Accidents
- Rear-End Collisions: Drunk drivers often struggle with maintaining a steady focus on the road and may fail to notice stopped or slowing traffic, resulting in rear-end collisions.
- Head-On Collision: One of the most catastrophic types of drunk driving accidents is head-on collisions. Intoxicated drivers may lose control of their vehicles, swerve into oncoming traffic, and impact other vehicles head-on.
- Side-Impact Collisions: Also known as T-bone accidents, side-impact collisions occur when an intoxicated driver crashes into the side of another vehicle.
- Single-Vehicle Crashes: Drunk drivers are more prone to losing control of their vehicles due to impaired coordination and judgment. As a result, they may veer off the road, collide with fixed objects like trees or utility poles, or rollover.
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents: Drunk drivers pose a significant risk to pedestrians and cyclists, who are more vulnerable on the road. Impaired drivers may fail to see them, misjudge distance or speed, and strike them with force.
Common Drunk Driving Accident Injuries
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
One common injury sustained in a drunk driving crash is traumatic brain injury (TBI). When a collision occurs, the impact can cause the brain to hit the skull, resulting in bruising, bleeding, or damage to the brain tissue. TBI can lead to cognitive impairments, memory loss, changes in behavior, and even permanent disabilities.
Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries are also prevalent in drunk driving accidents. The force of impact can cause fractures, dislocations, or compression of the spinal cord, leading to paralysis or loss of sensation in different parts of the body. These injuries can have devastating consequences, impacting a person’s mobility, independence, and quality of life.
Broken Bones and Fractures
The violent nature of a drunk driving collision can cause the bones to break or shatter upon impact. Victims may sustain fractures in their arms, legs, hips, ribs, or other parts of the body. Recovery from these injuries often involves extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, immobilization, and rehabilitation.
Soft Tissue Injury
Soft tissue injuries are also frequently seen in drunk driving accidents. These injuries involve damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons, often resulting in sprains, strains, or tears.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a common soft tissue injury, occurring when the head is jerked suddenly upon impact, causing strain in the neck muscles and ligaments. Soft tissue injuries can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility and can take a considerable amount of time to heal fully.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a drunk driving accident, seek medical attention and consult with our qualified personal injury attorney. Our experienced personal injury attorney can help you pursue a personal injury claim, seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. They will fight for your rights, holding the drunk driver accountable for their actions, and helping you navigate the legal process during this challenging time.
Automobile Accidents
What to Do if You Are Hit by a Drunk Driver
Prioritize Your Safety: After the accident, the first and most important step is to ensure your safety and the safety of others involved. If you can, move your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights and, if necessary, contact emergency services for assistance.
Contact the Police: Even if the drunk driver insists on settling the matter without involving the authorities, contact the police and file an official report. The police report will serve as an important piece of evidence when seeking compensation for your damages and injuries.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if you believe you’re not seriously injured, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately after the accident. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away, and prompt medical examination can help diagnose and treat any underlying injuries. Having a medical report documenting your injuries will be valuable when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action.
Gather Information: Exchange information with the drunk driver involved in the accident. Obtain their name, contact details, driver’s license number, and insurance information. It’s essential to gather as much information as possible to facilitate the insurance claim process.
Document the Scene: If you’re physically able, gather evidence from the accident scene. Take photos of the vehicles involved, the damage sustained, and any skid marks or road conditions that may have contributed to the accident. If there are any witnesses, collect their contact information as well.
Notify Your Insurance Company: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Provide them with all the relevant information and documentation, including the police report, medical records, and any evidence you gathered at the scene. They will guide you through the claims process and help you understand your coverage.
Consult with an Experienced Attorney: Due to the complex nature of drunk driving accidents, it’s advisable to consult with our skilled drunk driving accident attorney. We will review your case, assess your potential for compensation, and guide you through the legal process. Our experienced personal injury lawyers will protect your rights and help you obtain fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Legal Options for Drunk Driving Victims
One of the first legal options available to drunk driving victims is filing a personal injury lawsuit. This type of lawsuit seeks compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial damages suffered as a result of the accident.
Drunk driving victims may also be entitled to punitive damages. Punitive damages are additional monetary awards that are meant to punish the at-fault party for their reckless behavior and deter others from engaging in similar actions in the future.
These accidents can have long-lasting effects on accident victims, including physical injuries, emotional distress, and even the loss of a loved one. In cases where the accident results in death, surviving family members may have the option to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This type of legal action seeks compensation for the financial and emotional losses incurred due to the untimely death of a loved one.
Criminal charges can also be pursued against the drunk driver by the state. However, while criminal charges might lead to a conviction and potential jail time, they do not provide compensation to the accident victims. Therefore, victims should explore their civil legal options in order to obtain the financial support they need to cover medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and other related expenses.
Benefits of Retaining a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
- Expert Legal Knowledge:
Drunk driving accident cases involve a unique set of laws and regulations. Our specialized lawyers who focus on these types of cases possess in-depth knowledge and understanding of the legal intricacies and will guide victims through every step of the process. We are well-versed in state-specific drunk driving laws, insurance policies, and the tactics used by insurance companies to undermine victim claims. - Efficient Investigation:
Our drunk driving accident lawyer has the resources and expertise to conduct a thorough investigation. We work diligently to collect vital evidence such as police reports, witness statements, blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test results, and surveillance footage. By promptly gathering this evidence, our lawyer can build a strong case on behalf of the victim. - Determining Liability:
Determining liability in a drunk driving accident can be complex, especially when multiple parties are involved. Our skilled legal team will analyze the circumstances of the accident, assess the fault, and pinpoint all liable parties. This is key for ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable and that victims receive the maximum compensation they are entitled to. - Negotiating with Insurance Companies:
Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting, as they often attempt to minimize settlements or deny claims altogether. Hiring our drunk driving accident lawyer means having a knowledgeable advocate who will negotiate with insurance adjusters on your behalf. Our lawyers are well-versed in the tactics used by insurance companies and will work to secure a fair settlement that covers medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other related expenses. - Litigation Representation:
In some cases, insurance companies may refuse to offer a fair settlement, leaving victims with no choice but to file a lawsuit. Goldberg & Loren's drunk driving accident lawyers are prepared to take the case to court if necessary, representing your best interests.
Retaining a Goldberg & Loren drunk driving accident lawyer gives victims peace of mind and assurance that their rights and best interests are being protected. By seeking legal representation, victims can focus on their physical and emotional recovery while leaving the legal complexities in the hands of a skilled professional.
Have you or a loved one been injured in a drunk driving accident?
Goldberg & Loren is here to help. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a drunk driving accident can have on your life. With our expertise and commitment, we will fight for the compensation you deserve to help you recover and move forward.
Contact Goldberg & Loren today to schedule a free consultation. Let us be your advocate and guide you through this difficult time.
Source:
[1] Drunk Driving | NHTSA. (n.d.). NHTSA. https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving
If you or someone you care about was hurt in a car crash caused by a drunk driver, you might be eligible for compensation for your injuries. Reach out to us to determine if you have a valid case.
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