Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Approximately 28 people die in drunk driving accidents every day. In both Virginia and West Virginia, even though drunk driving accidents have fallen in recent years, the number of fatalities caused by drunk driving accidents is on the rise.
According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, 2019, 32% of all traffic fatalities in Virginia were caused by alcohol-related crashes. In West Virginia in 2018, around 19.4% of all motor vehicle fatalities were caused by drunk driving accidents.
Virginia Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
In Virginia, a drunk driver causing an accident affects how the accident claim is handled. Many times, when a drunk driver causes a crash, the insurance company is less likely to try to deny liability. This is because if the insurance company denies liability, this will then open the door to the evidence about the drunk driver’s alcohol use and level of intoxication.
In Virginia, someone who has been injured at the hands of a drunk driver may ask for punitive damages on their claim if the drunk driver had a blood alcohol content level (BAC) of more than 0.15 grams per 210 milliliters of breath. Specific details about how and when punitive damages might be available in Virginia should be discussed with a Virginia drunk driving accident lawyer. An experienced drunk driving accident lawyer can determine all of the parties who should be held liable and make certain that you recover for all of your damages.
In West Virginia, you may be able to receive punitive damages if you’ve been hurt in a drunk driving accident, but West Virginia caps the amount at $500.00.
Drunk driving accident cases are not the same as the run of the mill fender bender case. Many times, evidence will need to be gathered to make sure you receive all of the damages and compensation you are entitled to. Because of this, more proof gathering and fact finding becomes necessary.
How Do Drunk Driving Accidents Happen?
There are many scenarios under which drunk driving accidents happen. Some common fact patterns include:
- Reaction times are slowed and they rear-end another car
- Crossing over lane markings and hit another vehicle
- Disregarding road signs and traffic signals
All of these traffic safety violations can cause catastrophic injuries and possibly a lifetime of problems for the injured person.
Read more about recent drunk driving car accidents in our blog.
Time and Place of Accidents
While drunk driving accidents can happen at any time, they are most likely to take place in the late evening or overnight hours. These car accidents usually occur on the weekends or around holidays and other special events.
Like the time of day, drunk driving accidents can happen absolutely anywhere in Virginia and West Virginia. But, areas that tend to see more drunk driving accidents include areas where there is a higher concentration of bars, restaurants, dance clubs, and other places where large amounts of alcohol are sold.
Why Hire A Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer?
If you’ve been seriously injured by a drunk driver, you are likely extremely stressed and overwhelmed. In the months after your injury, you will be forced to deal with medical bills, insurance companies, work, and family matters all while you’re trying to recover from your injuries.
How Is the Ritchie Law Firm Different?
At the Ritchie Law Firm, we believe those responsible for your injuries should be held accountable. But, holding all of the negligent parties liable and negotiating with an insurance company can be difficult and frustrating. A lack of experience in determining the value of your case can result in a lower settlement than your accident and injuries warrant. Retaining an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer can help ensure that you are fairly compensated. We will make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.
In our half-century of practice, the car accident lawyers at the Ritchie Law Firm have handled thousands of drunk driving accident cases on behalf of our clients. Such experience gives us an advantage in preparing cases for clients, as nothing comes as a surprise to us and we are always thoroughly prepared for even the most challenging cases. We have a track record of success and a strength that is unmatched.
Source: Virginia Department of Transportation
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What Should You Do If You Were Seriously Injured In A Drunk Driving Car Accident?
Make sure you or someone you know gets photos of the accident scene and your vehicle following the collision. When we handle your accident case, we obtain the accident report, your medical information and interview any witnesses for you.
Your first priority should be your health and recovery. If a family member has been injured, be sure they have your full support and the details of everyday life handled for them. Get the medical treatment you need. Let the doctors treating you know exactly what happened to your body during the accident, including what portions of the body were struck, locations of bruises, areas of soreness, whether you lost consciousness, and problems with vision or memory. You should also be prepared to describe pain, kind of pain you experience, including the location of the pain; whether it’s sharp or dull; whether it involves burning, tingling, or numbness how long it lasts; what kinds of activities seem to aggravate the pain; and, whether medication helps.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Claims adjusters work for insurance companies and must act in the best interest of the insurance company. It’s that simple. They have lawyers to protect their interests, and you need the same protection. You need an experienced team of personal injury lawyers to make sure you receive a full settlement for all of your damages — your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What Our Clients Say
“The truck came across the center line and side-swiped my car. My wife and I were both injured in the accident. The Volvo was totaled. My wife needed surgery on her knee. I was suffering from post-traumatic stress as a result of the accident. It affected me far more seriously than I would have expected. I needed legal help and I went to the Ritchie Law Firm. This was a very difficult case because of complicated medical issues and the Ritchie Law Firm was able to handle the problem. They worked very hard for me. I was very satisfied with the outcome. They were a great help to my wife and I. If you’ve been injured, I recommend you call the Ritchie Law Firm.”
Scheduling Your Free Case Evaluation with an Personal Injury Lawyer
When you schedule a free case evaluation, we’ll ask you to bring your accident reports, documentation, and medical papers. We’ll go over all of the specifics about the accident and witnesses.
You’ll have the opportunity to meet the legal assistant handling your case, and go over the process, timeline, and contact process for working together.
Still need a little more information? Download our auto accident brochure for more.
Tell Us What Happened
Get in touch with us today so we can evaluate your case. We’ll take a look at your case for free, and we handle most cases on a contingency fee basis, which means we’re only paid if we win. You’ve got enough to deal with, let us handle your injury claim.