From severe injuries to financial hardships, drunk driving accidents often leave a lasting impact that no one should endure alone. In Newport News, the law provides clear pathways for victims to seek compensation and hold drunk drivers accountable for their reckless actions.

A skilled Newport News car accident lawyer from Tronfeld West & Durrett can make all the difference in your case. With over five decades of experience handling drunk driving accidents, our team has the knowledge and resources to help build a compelling case and pursue fair compensation on your behalf.

Experienced Newport News DUI Accident Attorneys Committed to Justice

Handling a drunk driving accident case requires both legal knowledge and a commitment to seeking justice. At Tronfeld West & Durrett, here’s what sets us apart:

  • Decades of experience: For over 50 years, our personal injury attorneys have successfully handled various types of motor vehicle accident cases, holding negligent parties accountable and securing rightful compensation.
  • Proven results: Our firm has achieved substantial settlements and verdicts, providing clients with the resources to cover all accident-related costs. To see how we’ve helped others, visit our case results.
  • Personalized representation: We develop customized legal strategies for every case, focusing on each client’s specific needs and goals to maximize their compensation.

During a free consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your case with a skilled attorney from our team. We can explain the steps needed to protect your rights and help you understand what to expect from the legal process. 

Understanding Virginia DUI Laws

Virginia has strict laws to prevent drunk driving: according to Virginia Code § 18.2-266, driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is illegal. 

Additionally, as per Virginia Code § 18.2-270, DUI penalties increase for higher BAC levels and repeat offenses. Penalties include:

  • First offense: Class 1 misdemeanor with a $250 minimum fine. A BAC of 0.15–0.20 adds 5 days in jail, while over 0.20 adds 10 days.
  • Second offense: Within 5 years, a $500 minimum fine and 20 mandatory days in jail. Within 5–10 years, 10 mandatory days and a $500 fine. Higher BAC increases jail time.
  • Third offense: Within 10 years, class 6 felony with a $1,000 fine and 90 days mandatory jail. Within 5 years, 6 months of mandatory jail time.

Do You Have a Valid Case? How to Prove Liability in a Drunk Driving Case

Proving liability in a drunk driving case involves gathering substantial evidence to establish fault. Our attorneys focus on collecting the following:

  • Police reports detailing the DUI incident: These often provide critical details about the driver’s impairment and the circumstances of the accident.
  • Toxicology results confirming intoxication: BAC results from breathalyzer or blood tests help demonstrate the driver’s level of impairment.
  • Witness testimony and surveillance footage: Eyewitness accounts and video evidence can further support your claim by showing the driver’s reckless behavior.

After a drunk driving accident in Virginia, you must also consider the state’s contributory negligence law. This strict rule bars recovery if the victim is found even slightly at fault for the accident.

At Tronfeld West & Durrett, our attorneys aggressively challenge contributory negligence claims by gathering strong evidence, consulting experts, and proving the at-fault driver’s full liability. We’ll build a compelling case that prevents insurers and opposing parties from unfairly blaming you for the accident.

Common Injuries Caused by Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving accidents often result in severe, life-altering injuries, including:

Accurately determining compensation for these injuries requires a detailed assessment of their physical, emotional, and economic impact. Our attorneys collaborate with medical and financial experts to document both immediate and long-term effects, ensuring your claim accounts for the full extent of your damages.

The Impact of Drunk Driving in Virginia

In 2023, Virginia experienced 6,979 alcohol-related crashes, leading to 293 fatalities and 4,400 injuries, according to the Virginia DMV. These alarming statistics illustrate the serious and often tragic consequences of impaired driving and the need for accountability.

Tronfeld West & Durrett is committed to helping victims seek justice. By taking legal action, we not only fight for victims’ rights but also send a clear message that reckless and impaired driving will not be tolerated.

What Damages Can You Recover After a Drunk Driving Accident?

After a drunk accident in Newport News, you may recover compensation to address diverse aspects of your losses, including:

Economic Damages

  • Medical expenses: Covers hospital stays, rehabilitation, and future treatment costs.
  • Lost wages: Compensation for time missed from work and diminished earning potential.
  • Property damage: Includes costs for vehicle repair or replacement.

Non-Economic Damages

  • Pain and suffering: Accounts for physical pain and emotional trauma.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life: Reflects how the injuries have affected your quality of life.

Punitive Damages

In cases of extreme recklessness, such as high BAC levels or hit-and-run incidents, courts may award punitive damages to punish extreme negligence and discourage similar behavior in the future.

Virginia’s Statute of Limitations for DUI Accident Claims

In Virginia, the statute of limitations for filing a DUI-related personal injury claim is two years from the date of the accident. This deadline applies to lawsuits seeking compensation for injuries or wrongful death caused by a drunk driver. 

If you’re pursuing a property damage claim, the deadline is five years from the accident date. Missing these deadlines can bar you from recovering compensation, so it’s crucial to take legal action as soon as possible.

Why Choose Our Newport News Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers?

At Tronfeld West & Durrett, our mission is to provide every client with exceptional legal representation to help them achieve maximum compensation. Our attorneys work to gather comprehensive evidence, file claims on time, and help you effectively navigate personal injury lawsuits. By working with us, you get:

  • Extensive legal experience: Over 50 years of experience successfully handling DUI-related cases.
  • Proven results: Tronfeld West & Durrett has secured significant settlements and verdicts for clients throughout Virginia.
  • Client-focused strategies: We tailor our approach to meet your unique needs, ensuring the best possible outcome.

If you’ve been in a drunk driving accident in Newport News, reach out for a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys will evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and guide you through the next steps. You pay nothing unless we win—contact us today to get started.

What Are the Most Common Types of Personal Injury Claims?

Automobile accidents are, by far, the most common type of personal injury claim. There are more than 17,250 car accidents every day in the United States, and many of those accidents are the direct result of negligence or carelessness on the part of a driver. Auto accidents can cause injuries that result in lifelong medical issues and pain. Therefore, holding the careless driver responsible is extremely important.