At Tronfeld, West & Durrett, our personal injury lawyers represent victims of drunk driving crashes in Norfolk and throughout Virginia who are facing long recoveries, steep medical bills, and the emotional impact of entirely preventable collisions. If a drunk driver hurt you or someone you love, our team is here to hold them and any other liable parties fully accountable.
Hurt in a Drunk Driving Crash? Our Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help
Drunk driving crashes are some of the most devastating cases we handle, not just because of the injuries involved, but because they never had to happen. In a split second, one person’s reckless disregard for the law can upend the lives of innocent drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
At our law firm, we’ve been standing up for injury victims since 1972. From our Norfolk office and beyond, we bring more than five decades of experience to every case we handle. That includes strategic case planning tailored to the facts of your accident, relentless pursuit of compensation from insurers and negligent parties, and direct support from an expert drunk driving attorney throughout the process. And because we work on a contingency fee basis, you don’t pay anything unless we win.
Drunk Driving Accidents in Norfolk – An Ongoing Concern
Despite years of public awareness campaigns, drunk driving continues to be a major cause of death and injury in Virginia. According to the Virginia DMV’s 2024 Traffic Crash Facts, over 6,700 crashes in the state involved alcohol, accounting for more than 5% of all reported accidents. In urban centers like Norfolk, with high traffic volume and nightlife activity, impaired driving remains a significant safety threat.
Our attorneys understand the local dynamics of DUI crashes in Norfolk. We know how to investigate the scene, identify every potential defendant, and build a case that reflects the full scope of your loss.
If you are unfortunately part of these statistics, we invite you to reach out for a free consultation to discuss your options with an expert attorney.
For answers to your questions about a drunk driving accident in Norfolk, call:
800-321-6741
What Damages Can You Recover After a Drunk Driving Crash?
Victims of drunk driving accidents in Norfolk are often left with a long road to recovery, not just physically, but financially and emotionally. At Tronfeld, West & Durrett, our car accident lawyers work to ensure that every loss is accounted for and fully valued before we even consider a settlement.
We don’t push for quick resolutions unless they’re in your best interest. Instead, we fight to recover everything the law allows, using a combination of hard evidence, expert testimony, and strong legal strategy.
Here are the types of damages you may be eligible to recover:
Economic Damages
Economic losses reflect the direct, measurable financial consequences of your injury. These can include:
- Emergency medical care, hospital stays, and surgeries
- Follow-up treatment and physical therapy
- Prescription medication and assistive devices
- Lost wages and future earning potential
- Property damage, including your vehicle
- Transportation to and from medical appointments
Non-Economic Damages
Just as important are the personal, intangible losses that follow a crash, especially one caused by someone’s reckless decision to drive drunk. You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma
- Loss of companionship or support (in severe injury or fatality cases)
- Loss of enjoyment of life if injuries prevent you from returning to hobbies, relationships, or everyday activities
Punitive Damages in Drunk Driving Cases
Virginia law allows for punitive damages in certain drunk driving cases. These are awarded not to compensate you directly, but to punish the driver for egregious misconduct and send a message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
Under Virginia Code § 8.01-44.5, punitive damages may apply when:
- The driver’s BAC was 0.15 or higher, and
- The driver knew or should have known that their condition posed a clear risk to others
We have successfully pursued punitive damages in numerous personal injury cases, using toxicology reports, criminal evidence, and expert analysis to show the court how reckless and preventable the crash truly was.
Common Injuries Sustained in Drunk Driving Collisions
Every case we handle is different, but the physical harm caused by DUI crashes is often severe. These are high-impact, high-speed collisions, especially when the impaired driver was speeding, ran a red light, or drove the wrong way. As a result, victims often suffer injuries that require months or years of recovery.
Common injuries we see include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
These can range from concussions to permanent cognitive damage. We work with neurologists and brain injury specialists to assess the long-term impact and calculate lifetime care costs.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
When spinal damage occurs, the effects are life-altering. Partial or complete paralysis, chronic pain, or the need for in-home care must be accounted for in any settlement.
Orthopedic Injuries and Internal Trauma
Broken bones, internal bleeding, and organ damage frequently occur in DUI crashes, often requiring multiple surgeries and extended hospitalization. Victims can seek compensation for these serious injuries.
Psychological Trauma
Even after the body heals, many victims experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder. We make sure your claim reflects the emotional cost of the crash as well.
Click to contact us today
Statute of Limitations for Drunk Driving Injury Claims in Virginia
Under Virginia Code § 8.01-243, most personal injury claims, including those involving drunk driving, must be filed within two years of the date of the accident. Waiting too long can result in a complete loss of your right to recover damages, no matter how strong your case is.
There are certain exceptions, such as for minors or in wrongful death claims, but you should never assume more time is available. Early legal intervention allows us to gather evidence while it’s fresh, locate witnesses, and preserve crucial records like BAC tests and dash cam footage.
If you’re unsure about your filing deadline, we encourage you to speak with a lawyer at our firm right away. Our team will review your timeline and protect your rights before the statute of limitations expires.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Why You Need a Norfolk Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
You’re not just going up against the driver who hit you, you’re facing their insurance company, defense attorneys, and possibly a corporation if a commercial vehicle or employer was involved. With so much at stake, you need an advocate who knows how to investigate thoroughly, argue persuasively, and anticipate the defense’s every move.
We bring more than 50 years of trial-tested experience to the table. That includes:
- Full case investigation, including analysis of toxicology reports, vehicle data, and driver history
- Negotiation with insurers who may try to lowball your settlement or dispute liability
- Filing lawsuits and going to court when justice demands more than a settlement
- Personal guidance and support, so you understand what’s happening at every step
We don’t treat drunk driving victims like just another file. We treat your case like what it is: a fight for justice, safety, and accountability.
Contact a Norfolk Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one was injured by a drunk driver in Norfolk, don’t face this battle alone. Our firm is here to give you the legal support, clarity, and firepower you need to recover and move forward.
We offer free consultations, work on a no-fee-unless-we-win basis, and serve clients across Norfolk and surrounding communities.
Contact us today to speak with a Norfolk drunk driving accident lawyer who’s ready to take your case seriously.
Call or text 800-321-6741 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form