At Tronfeld West & Durrett, our Petersburg personal injury lawyers bring over 50 years of experience to cases involving DUI crashes. Over the decades, our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for clients harmed by reckless drivers, and we continue to fight so that impaired motorists – and the corporations or establishments that enabled them – are held fully accountable.
We invite victims and families in Petersburg to schedule a free consultation to discuss their case and learn how we can help.
What Makes a Drunk Driving Crash Different & How It Affects Your Case
Drunk driving accidents in Petersburg and across Virginia are among the deadliest crashes on the road. In 2024, there were 6,767 alcohol-related crashes statewide, causing 318 fatalities and 4,306 injuries – alcohol was involved in more than one-third of all traffic deaths in Virginia. These numbers confirm what our clients already know: when a driver gets behind the wheel impaired, the risk of catastrophic outcomes skyrockets. Speeding, swerving between lanes, running red lights, or failing to react in time are common patterns we see in DUI cases, and they are often the direct cause of devastating injuries or wrongful deaths.
How a Drunk Driving Attorney at Tronfeld West & Durrett Can Help
Unlike ordinary car accidents, DUI crashes carry both criminal and civil consequences. Under Virginia Code § 18.2-266, it is unlawful to operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. While prosecutors may pursue criminal penalties, victims must file a civil claim to recover compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and suffering.
Our attorneys at Tronfeld West & Durrett use the evidence generated in the criminal investigation to strengthen civil claims, including:
- Blood alcohol concentration tests
- Field sobriety results
- Police reports
To discuss the eligible evidence and your options further, we invite you to schedule a free consultation at no cost to you.
For answers to your questions about a drunk driving accident in Petersburg, call:
804-862-1234
Identifying Liability in a Petersburg DUI / DWI Accident
The Virginia DMV reports show that alcohol remains one of the most consistent contributing factors in serious and fatal collisions statewide. Proving liability in these cases goes beyond demonstrating that the driver was impaired – it requires connecting their impairment to the exact chain of events that caused the crash.
Holding the Drunk Driver Accountable
The most direct party responsible is the impaired motorist. Your drunk driving accident attorney will build these claims by securing and analyzing:
- Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test results that prove the driver exceeded legal limits.
- Field sobriety test documentation and officer testimony that confirm impairment at the scene.
- Eyewitness accounts describing swerving, speeding, or failure to yield.
- Police crash reports and any related criminal court records that bolster the civil claim.
When Third Parties May Share Blame
Not every DUI crash stops at the impaired driver. In certain cases, other parties may bear legal responsibility as well:
- Bars or restaurants that overserve intoxicated patrons who then drive.
- Vehicle owners who knowingly allow impaired individuals to operate their car.
- Event hosts or establishments that fail to monitor alcohol service and create unsafe conditions.
- Local entities if inadequate signage, broken traffic lights, or poorly maintained roads aggravated the severity of the crash.
Our team carefully investigates these potential factors, working with experts to uncover whether negligence extended beyond the driver. In some situations, pursuing multiple liable parties is the only way to ensure victims receive full and fair compensation.
Types of Compensation You Can Seek After a DUI Crash
The damages caused by a drunk driving crash are rarely limited to the initial hospital stay. At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we structure claims to capture both the immediate and the long-term impact of these crashes, ensuring no category of loss is overlooked.
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses including emergency room care, surgeries, ICU stays, physical therapy, and prescription medication.
- Lost wages from time away from work during recovery, as well as diminished earning potential if you cannot return to your previous job.
- Future care costs such as rehabilitation, adaptive equipment, or long-term medical monitoring.
- Property damage including the repair or replacement of your vehicle and any personal items destroyed in the crash.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering for the physical pain that persists long after the accident.
- Emotional trauma including anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress that victims of DUI crashes often report.
- Loss of enjoyment of life, which can mean being unable to engage in the activities, sports, or family responsibilities you once enjoyed.
- Scarring or disfigurement, particularly in high-speed crashes that cause burns or permanent physical changes.
During your free initial consultation, we can discuss the potential value of your case, including the average drunk driving settlement amounts for injuries similar to yours. While every case is unique, our experience with countless DUI accident claims gives us valuable insight into what constitutes fair compensation in Virginia.
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Contact Our Petersburg Team for a Free Consultation
We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Whether your claim involves medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering, our attorneys will build a comprehensive case designed to maximize recovery. With more than 50 years of trial-tested experience, we have secured millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements, and we are prepared to put that knowledge to work for you.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a drunk driving accident, contact us today to schedule your free consultation and begin protecting your rights.
Our Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys
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FAQs About Drunk Driving Accident Claims in Petersburg
How long do I have to file a drunk driving accident claim in Virginia?
Most personal injury claims in Virginia, including those involving DUI crashes, must be filed within two years of the accident under Virginia Code § 8.01-243. If you miss this deadline, you could lose the right to pursue compensation.
Can I recover compensation if the drunk driver is also facing criminal charges?
Yes. The criminal case focuses on punishing the driver, but it does not provide financial recovery for victims. A civil claim, which our attorneys pursue on your behalf, is where you can seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What if I was partially at fault in the crash?
Virginia follows a strict contributory negligence rule, which means if you are found even 1% at fault, you may be barred from recovery. This is why detailed accident reconstruction and legal representation are critical in DUI cases.
Can I sue a bar or restaurant for overserving a drunk driver?
In some cases, establishments that overserve alcohol to visibly intoxicated patrons may share liability. These claims are fact-specific and require detailed investigation into serving practices and witness testimony.
What types of compensation can families pursue in a wrongful death DUI case?
Families may recover damages for funeral costs, medical expenses prior to death, lost household income, and the emotional loss of companionship and support. Our attorneys handle these cases with the utmost compassion while aggressively pursuing justice.
Petersburg Office
3321 South Crater Rd
Petersburg, VA 23805
Phone: 804.862.1234
Toll Free: 800.321.6741
Call or text 804-862-1234 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form