Drunk driving car accidents in Crown Point should never occur. Not only does this negligent behavior lead to millions of dollars in financial losses, but all too often it also results in serious injury or the loss of life.
If you have been hurt in a drunk driving accident, you are entitled to seek justice through the legal system. Not only could the other driver be facing criminal charges, but there is the option to sue them in civil court as well. Let a dedicated car accident attorney evaluate your case and advise you on your options.
Drunk Driving Laws
Like all jurisdictions, Indiana prohibits drunk driving. In criminal court, the offense is known as operating while impaired (OWI). State law bars individuals from operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or higher. Alternatively, prosecutors may establish impairment without chemical test results by demonstrating that the driver was under the influence while on the roadway.
Although these laws govern the criminal offense of OWI, a conviction may also serve as evidence in a civil trial. If the court convicts a person of operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, that conviction can help establish negligence in a related civil case.
One of the ways that an attorney could help in the aftermath of a Crown Point drunk driving car accident is by keeping track of the criminal case as it works through the courts. A lawyer can answer questions about how criminal and civil cases might interact.
Damages in a Drunk Driving Accident Claim
Anyone injured in a collision with an intoxicated motorist has the right to pursue damages through a personal injury claim. Every case is unique, but some of the damages awarded following a Crown Point drunk driving car accident include:
Past and Future Medical Bills
Covering the cost of medical treatment is typically a top priority for anyone injured in a collision. These accidents can be especially traumatic, as drunk drivers often fail to slow down or take evasive action designed to avoid the full impact of the crash. Plaintiffs can recoup the cost of care related to their accident, including surgeries, physical therapy, hospitalization, and pain management.
Lost Wages
Serious injuries often prevent a person from working for weeks or months after a collision. In some cases, the ability to earn a living remains impaired for life. An injured person may pursue damages for lost wages during recovery and may also have a claim for reduced future earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering
Physical and emotional suffering are also unfortunately common in the aftermath of a collision with a drunk driver. While there is no way to objectively measure pain, damages are still available with the help of an attorney.
Talk to a Lawyer in Crown Point About Your Drunk Driving Car Accident Case
Drunk driving car accidents in Crown Point can be devastating, and if you have been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. There should be consequences for putting other people’s lives at risk, and the right attorney can hold a drunk driver accountable in civil court.
Before you attempt to handle your claim on your own, speak with an attorney at The Law Offices of David W. Holub. Contact us today for your free consultation.