Drunk driving accidents raise unique issues around evidence, insurance coverage, and fault. In these cases, a strategic legal approach is essential to evaluate liability and maximize the injured person’s chance of full financial recovery.
At Tronfeld West & Durrett, our attorneys focus on building strong, evidence-based claims for clients injured by impaired drivers. With more than 50 years of experience handling personal injury cases across Virginia, we’re equipped to build strong cases and pursue fair compensation through settlement or trial.
Experienced Alexandria Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Fighting for Your Justice
A serious crash caused by an impaired driver can leave victims struggling with painful injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and lost income. Partnering with a lawyer familiar with DUI-related claims can protect your rights and help secure fair compensation.
At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we represent personal injury victims throughout Alexandria and across Virginia. Since 1972, our attorneys have built a strong reputation for results-driven advocacy, recovering hundreds of millions of dollars for clients injured by reckless drivers or other negligent parties.
Every case we take on receives personalized attention, with strategies tailored to each client’s specific circumstances and long-term needs. You can schedule a free consultation with an Alexandria car accident lawyer from our team to discuss your legal options and learn what your case may be worth.
For answers to your questions about a drunk driving accident in Alexandria, call:
800-321-6741
Understanding Virginia’s Drunk Driving Laws
According to Virginia Code § 18.2-266, it’s unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Drivers can also be arrested and charged if they exhibit signs of impairment, even if their BAC is below the legal limit.
The penalties for DUI are designed to deter repeat offenses and reflect the danger drunk drivers pose to others. In civil cases, this criminal conduct can be used as a basis for seeking compensatory and punitive damages.
Penalties for DUI Offenses
As per Virginia Code § 18.2-270, penalties escalate with each offense:
- First offense: Class 1 misdemeanor, fines of $250 to $2,500, and possible jail time if BAC is 0.15% or higher.
- Second offense (within 5 years): Minimum 10-day jail sentence and higher fines.
- Third offense: Class 6 felony with a 90-day mandatory jail term and license revocation.
- Fourth offense: Felony with a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 1 year.
Convictions can also result in ignition interlock devices, license suspension, and mandatory alcohol education programs. For crash victims, these DUI convictions can strengthen civil claims by establishing fault and justifying additional compensation, including punitive damages in severe cases.
At Tronfeld, West & Durrett, we help injured clients use this criminal evidence to build stronger personal injury cases, hold drunk drivers accountable, and pursue the maximum compensation allowed under Virginia law.
Common Injuries from Drunk Driving Accidents
These are some of the most common and devastating injuries we help clients recover compensation for after a drunk driving crash. In our experience handling these cases, we’ve seen how impaired drivers cause violent collisions that leave victims with life-altering trauma, both physically and emotionally.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord trauma
- Fractures
- Severe burns
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Psychological trauma, such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression
When we take on a case at Tronfeld, West & Durrett, we go beyond surface-level documentation. Our team coordinates with neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, pain specialists, and mental health professionals to understand the full extent of your injuries and how they’ll affect your life.
This allows us to pursue compensation that reflects not only your current medical bills but also future care, emotional distress, and the loss of normal life you never asked for.
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Proving Liability in a Virginia Drunk Driving Accident Case
In Virginia, personal injury claims hinge on proving negligence. When a driver is intoxicated at the time of a crash, that conduct is considered inherently negligent under civil law. Additionally, to build a strong case, your attorney will gather key evidence, including:
- Police reports detailing DUI charges or citations.
- BAC test results or toxicology screens showing intoxication levels.
- Witness statements from bystanders, passengers, or responding officers.
- Surveillance footage or dash cam recordings of the crash or driver behavior.
Establishing liability with appropriate evidence strengthens your claim during negotiations or trial. Tronfeld West & Durrett can ensure nothing is overlooked and present the facts clearly to support your right to compensation under Virginia’s civil standards for negligence.
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Recoverable Damages in Alexandria DUI Accident Claims
One of the most important steps after a drunk driving crash is understanding what your injuries and losses are truly worth. We help victims in Alexandria carefully evaluate the full scope of damage, from hospital bills and income loss to the emotional impact that often lingers long after physical wounds begin to heal.
Your attorney will guide you to recover these types of damages:
Economic Damages
- Medical bills, including emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential due to time off work or permanent injury
- Vehicle repair or replacement and other property damage costs
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and psychological trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring, disfigurement, or permanent disability
Punitive Damages in DUI Cases
Under Virginia Code § 8.01-44.5, punitive damages may be awarded when the defendant’s conduct is particularly egregious. In DUI cases, this may apply if the driver had a BAC of 0.15% or higher, was speeding excessively, or had a child in the vehicle.
Time Limits to File a DUI Accident Claim in Virginia
As per Virginia Code § 8.01-243, individuals injured in a DUI-related crash have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. In cases involving property damage, the deadline extends to five years.
This legal deadline, known as the statute of limitations, is strictly enforced. If a claim isn’t filed within this timeframe, the injured party may lose the right to pursue compensation entirely, regardless of the severity of their injuries or the strength of the evidence.
What If the Drunk Driver Was Uninsured or Underinsured?
Even in cases where the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance coverage, compensation may still be available through your own policy. Virginia requires insurers to offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM), which can step in when the at-fault driver can’t cover your losses.
How Our Alexandria Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Can Help
After a DUI accident, our Alexandria lawyers can help you by:
- Conducting a thorough investigation into the crash and the impaired driving evidence
- Calculating your damages to include long-term costs and non-economic harm
- Negotiating with insurance companies to avoid undervalued offers
- Litigating in court when insurers fail to pay what your case is worth
Schedule a Free Consultation with Tronfeld, West & Durrett Today
For over five decades, Tronfeld West & Durrett has stood up for injured Virginians. No matter how complex the case, our team brings the legal experience and practical insight needed to pursue full and fair compensation in DUI-related claims.
Timing is important. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the better positioned we are to assess liability, respond to insurers, and build a claim that complies with Virginia law and anticipates potential disputes.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. You’ll speak with a professional who understands the process, takes your concerns seriously, and is ready to help you move forward.
Call or text 800-321-6741 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
