When you are suddenly struck by a drunk driver, your injuries may permanently alter the course of your life. You need access to the compensation you deserve so you can cover your expenses and begin to rebuild your life after this traumatizing event. However, the claims process can be complex, and getting the drunk driver and other liable parties to compensate you fairly could prove more challenging than you thought.
When you need legal health and do not know where to turn, look no further than a respected Stillwater drunk driving accident attorney at BDIW Law. Contact our Stillwater car accident lawyer for a free consultation today and learn more about how much compensation you could be awarded, how the drunk driving accident claims process works, and who are potentially liable parties.
How to Demand Justice After Being Hit by a Drunk Driver in Stillwater
After being hit by a driver who was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you may be wondering how you are going to make them pay. Thankfully, you may have multiple opportunities to recover maximum compensation for your damages and bring the at-fault party to justice. Some examples include:
- Filing a claim with the drunk driver’s insurance company
- Filing a civil lawsuit against the drunk driver with help from a car accident attorney
- Testifying in criminal court if the Stillwater Police Department files criminal charges
However, it is essential to remember that it is not only the drunk driver who could be held accountable for your damages. In fact, multiple parties could share fault for the injuries you sustained. For example, if the drunk driver purchased alcohol from a dram shop while visibly intoxicated, these establishments could be held accountable for their damages.
Similarly, under social host liability laws, hosts can be held accountable for victims’ damages as well. You can rely on your drunk driving accident lawyer in Stillwater, OK, to thoroughly investigate and gather the evidence to reveal all parties contributing to your injuries. That way, you have your greatest opportunity to recover the compensation you are entitled to.
Our Team Is Here To Assist You Every Step Of The Way.
SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY TODAYHow a Stillwater Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help
You may be hesitant to contact a legal professional for help. This is often because injury victims are embarrassed and worried that they will face accusations of frivolous claims.
However, with a drunk driving accident attorney in Stillwater, OK, on your side, you have a chance to focus on recuperating from your injuries while your advocate works on building a compelling case against the defendant. After you hire our team to take on your case, you can rely on us to:
- Evaluate the details of your case to identify liable parties
- Obtain compelling evidence to be used against the defendant
- Interview witnesses, hire experts, and analyze accident reconstructionist reports
- Identify opportunities to file insurance claims
- Negotiate with profit-driven insurance adjusters
- Provide you with regular updates
- Bring your drunk driving accident claim to trial, where necessary
Proving Liability After a Drunk Driving Accident in Stillwater
To prove liability in a motor vehicle wreck, your drunk driving accident attorney will need to introduce evidence that proves the defendant was negligent. To accomplish this goal, we must show that the elements of negligence have been met.
The defendant must have owed you a duty of care. If an impaired driver caused your drunk driving accident, they inherently owe you a duty of care as a motorist. The defendant must have breached this duty of care through action or inaction. The defendant’s conduct must be the cause of the injuries you suffered as well. Your drunk driving accident must have left you with substantial injuries or damages to have grounds for a claim.
Evidence You Can Use
The burden of proof in civil court is unlike criminal court. In criminal court, guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. However, in civil court, the burden of proof is based on a preponderance of the evidence. Examples of evidence that could prove the defendant’s negligence and fault include:
- Copies of the defendant’s chemical blood alcohol test results
- The arresting officer’s statement
- Evidence regarding the defendant’s failed field sobriety test
- Copies of the defendant’s cell phone records
- Copies of the defendant’s medical records
- Statements from the defendant’s healthcare providers
- Bystander and witness statements
- Testimony from expert witnesses
You can rely on your drunk driving accident lawyer at our firm to obtain the evidence needed to successfully prove the defendant’s liability to recover the compensation you are entitled to.
How Much Is Your Stillwater Drunk Driving Accident Claim Worth?
One of your personal injury lawyer’s most important tasks will be calculating the value of your damages. After being hit by a drunk driver, you have the right to compensation for every loss. This includes damages to have a financial value and those that do not.
Some examples of some of the top recoverable damages include:
Healthcare Expenses
Getting your healthcare costs covered by the liable party is crucial. Medical expenses after a drunk driving accident are likely to amount to tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in costs. You do not want to be stuck covering the bill.
Reduced Quality of Life and Emotional Trauma
If your injuries are severe enough, you may have the right to compensation for reduced quality of life. If you find it challenging to complete daily living activities, have relationships with friends and family, or otherwise live your life normally, these losses should be considered accordingly.
Lost Wages and Employee Benefits
The liable party should compensate you for your loss of income as well. This does not only include your salary or an hourly rate of pay. You should also be compensated if you were dropped from your employer’s health insurance coverage, lost out on promotion opportunities or pay increases, or suffered a loss of retirement savings contributions from your employer.
Reach Out to a Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Stillwater for Help Today
You should not be forced to cover the costs of someone else’s negligence. After all, your injuries and the emotional trauma of the incident are enough to bear. Get help making the drunk driver and other liable parties compensate you for your damages.
Contact an experienced Stillwater drunk driving accident attorney at BDIW Law for a no-cost, risk-free consultation. You can reach us through our convenient contact form or phone to start working on your claims as soon as today.
