People who have too much to drink before driving break the law when they get behind the wheel. If they get caught, the state may prosecute them for a driving under the influence (DUI) offense. In some cases, intoxicated drivers get arrested because they cause collisions while under the influence.
Frequently, drunk drivers walk away from the crashes they cause with minimal injuries compared to the people in the other vehicle. Intoxication may prevent people from tensing up prior to a crash, which influences the severity of the injuries that they sustain. The sober people in the other vehicle may not be as fortunate. They could break bones, sustain spinal cord injuries or hurt their brains.
Families affected by drunk driving collisions may have tens of thousands of dollars or more in expenses to address. They need to understand their rights and may require support while responding to the situation.
Drunk drivers are typically liable after crashes
Given that people know they shouldn’t drive after drinking, those who choose to do so usually have to accept legal and financial responsibility for their choices. The people affected by drunk driving crashes usually have the option of filing an insurance claim.
However, drivers with policies that barely meet legal requirements may have $30,000 of coverage available if they hurt one person or $60,000 in bodily injury coverage per collision where multiple people get hurt. That mediocre coverage is far from adequate when considering the combination of medical expenses and lost wages a drunk driving crash could cause.
Frequently, families need to pursue civil litigation against drunk drivers. Doing so is typically an option regardless of whether the state successfully prosecutes the drunk driver or not.
Injuries have lasting consequences
Drunk driving incidents can cause a variety of challenges for families. The people involved in the incident may have physical injuries and mental trauma that they need to treat. They may have lost wages because they cannot work while recovering or reduced long-term earning potential if their injuries cause lasting functional limitations.
The home where they live and the vehicles that they drive may require costly modifications to make them accessible. Their loved ones may need to take over the household tasks they previously performed. Families often need help accurately quantifying the economic impact of a drunk driving crash, negotiating with insurance and then developing a personal injury lawsuit to seek reimbursement for any losses beyond what insurance covers.
The team at Cohen, Snyder & Eisenberg, P.A. helps support those who want to take legal action after a drunk driving crash. Our team offers free initial consultations with compassionate legal professionals who care about the outcome of their cases. Reaching out to our team could be the first step toward justice and compensation.
