Hit by a Drunk Driver? Average Settlement Amounts & 6 Things You Must Know
Recent Posts Hit by a Drunk Driver? Average Settlement Amounts & 6 Things You Must Know If you or a loved one has been hit by a drunk driver in San Bernardino County or Riverside County, California, you may be facing a difficult road to recovery. Drunk driving accidents can result in severe injuries, extensive medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. It’s crucial to understand your legal rights and the steps you should take to pursue fair compensation for your losses. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the average settlement amounts for drunk driving accident cases and provide essential information to help you navigate the legal process. Here are the 6 things you must know if you’ve been hit by a drunk driver. 1. Seek Medical Treatment Immediately and Follow Your Doctor’s Advice After a drunk driving accident, your health and well-being should be your top priority. Even if you feel fine, it’s essential to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent. Prompt medical attention not only ensures that you receive the care you need but also creates a record of your injuries, which can be crucial for your personal injury claim. Once you begin treatment, follow your doctor’s advice closely. Attend all follow-up appointments, take prescribed medications, and participate in recommended therapy or rehabilitation. Failing to adhere to your treatment plan may not only jeopardize your health but also provide the insurance company with an opportunity to argue that your injuries are not as severe as claimed. 2. Report the Accident to the Police and Obtain a Copy of the Police Report Calling 911 after a drunk driving accident is crucial. The police will respond to the scene, assess the situation, and create an official report. This report will contain important information, such as the date, time, and location of the accident, the parties involved, witness statements, and the officer’s observations. In some cases, the police may also administer field sobriety tests or arrest the drunk driver. Be sure to obtain a copy of the police report for your records. This document can serve as valuable evidence in your personal injury claim, helping to establish the drunk driver’s liability and support your case for maximum compensation. 3. Gather Evidence from the Accident Scene If you are able, collect evidence from the accident scene. This may include: Photos of the damage to the vehicles involved Photos of your injuries Photos of the surrounding area, including skid marks, traffic signs, or road conditions Contact information for any witnesses who saw the accident occur This evidence can help paint a clear picture of what happened and support your claim for damages. If you are unable to gather evidence due to your injuries, ask a trusted friend or family member to do so on your behalf. 4. Keep Detailed Records of Your Injuries, Medical Treatment, and Expenses Throughout your recovery process, keep detailed records of all aspects related to your injuries and treatment. This includes: Medical bills, medical records, and receipts Prescription medication costs Travel expenses for medical appointments Documentation of missed work and lost wages A daily journal detailing your pain, symptoms, and the impact of the injuries on your daily life Having organized records will make it easier for your attorney to calculate your damages and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. 5. Be Cautious When Communicating with Insurance Companies After a drunk driving accident, you may be contacted by the at-fault driver’s insurance company. It’s essential to be cautious when communicating with insurance adjusters. Remember, their goal is to minimize the amount they pay out on claims, and they may use tactics to get you to say something that could be used against you. Avoid providing a recorded statement or signing any documents without first consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney. Your attorney can handle communications with the insurance company on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you don’t inadvertently jeopardize your claim. 6. Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Navigating the legal process after a drunk driving accident can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to focus on your recovery. An experienced personal injury attorney can provide the guidance and support you need during this challenging time. Your attorney will: Thoroughly investigate your case and gather evidence Handle communications with insurance companies and other parties involved Calculate the full extent of your damages, including future medical expenses and lost earning capacity Negotiate aggressively to secure a fair settlement on your behalf Represent you in court, if necessary, to fight for the compensation you deserve Don’t hesitate to seek legal representation after a drunk driving accident. The sooner you involve an attorney, the better protected your rights will be, and the more time your attorney will have to build a strong case on your behalf. Understanding Drunk Driving Accidents The Dangers of Drunk Driving Drunk driving poses a significant threat to public safety. When a person operates a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, their judgment, reaction time, and coordination are severely impaired. This increases the risk of drunk driving accidents and can lead to devastating consequences for innocent victims. Liability in Drunk Driving Accidents In most cases, the drunk driver is considered at fault for the accident. However, establishing liability can be complex, especially if the driver refuses to cooperate or if there are multiple parties involved. An experienced personal injury attorney can help gather evidence, such as police reports and field sobriety tests, to prove the driver’s negligence. Average Settlement Amounts for Drunk Driving Accidents Factors Influencing Settlement Amounts The settlement amount for a drunk driving accident claim can vary significantly depending on several factors, including: The severity of the injuries sustained The extent of property damage The available insurance coverage The strength of the evidence against the drunk driver The jurisdiction where the accident occurred Typical Settlement Ranges While each case is unique, the
