When a drunk driving accident shatters your life in Richmond, you have the option to pursue compensation that covers the full extent of your physical and emotional injuries. However, from establishing negligence to understanding the types of damages you can recover, it’s important to have a legal expert by your side during this whole process.
At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we have over 50 years of experience handling personal injury cases in Virginia, and we have helped many car accident victims all over Virginia recover millions in compensation as you can see in our case results.
How Can a Richmond Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Help You Find Justice
Pursuing justice after a drunk driving accident is necessary to hold the negligent party accountable and recover the compensation you deserve. In this whole process, a personal injury attorney can help you guide your decisions and protect your rights.
Firstly, an attorney versed in drunk driving cases can help you understand how you are covered by Virginia’s law. For example, according to the Virginia Code § 18.2-266 driving under the influence (DUI) is a criminal offense, and a conviction can significantly bolster your civil case. Additionally, your lawyers can build a compelling case by meticulously gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and collaborating with experts to establish the negligence of the offending party.
With this information, we will also calculate the full extent of your damages, which often go beyond immediate medical expenses and lost wages to include long-term rehabilitation costs, emotional trauma, and diminished quality of life.
Moreover, our team will negotiate assertively with insurance companies, ensuring you receive the compensation you’re rightfully entitled to, thereby leveling the playing field against entities that often have significant resources at their disposal.
For answers to your questions with a drunk driving accident serving Richmond, call:
800-321-6741
Proving Negligence in Drunk Driving Accidents
According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Highway Safety Office, the number of people killed in crashes on Virginia roadways reached a 15-year high in 2022, with 1,005 fatalities. Sadly, the roads of our city are not out of this statistic, as we see many injured people crossing the doors of our law firm, often harmed due to others’ negligence.
In the case of a drunk driving accident, negligence can be established by showing that the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident and that this impairment caused the accident. But in practice, determining who is at fault in a drunk driving accident involves a meticulous examination of evidence and circumstances.
So, to prove negligence in a drunk driving accident case, you will need to gather evidence that proves that the driver’s impairment was the direct cause of the accident and that you suffered damages as a result.
How to Hold the Negligent Accountable
To hold someone accountable for their negligence, you’ll need to establish four key elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages. This involves gathering irrefutable evidence, from police reports to eyewitness accounts, that not only proves the defendant’s fault but also quantifies your losses.
At Tronfeld West & Durrett, our personal injury lawyers follow a comprehensive approach that involves gathering evidence to establish liability and working with professionals to reconstruct the accident if necessary. After building a strong case, we can start negotiating or taking your case to court for you to get justice.
Damages You Can Recover After a Drunk Driving Accident in Virginia
If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident in Virginia, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages, such as:
Recovering Medical Expenses After a Drunk Driving Accident
Medical expenses can quickly add up after a drunk driving accident, especially if you have suffered serious injuries. Recovering these damages means covering everything from emergency room visits to long-term rehabilitation, ensuring you don’t bear the financial strain of someone else’s negligence.
Seeking Compensation for Lost Wages
If the accident has disrupted your ability to work, you’re entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes not just immediate losses but also future wages and any future earning capacity that may have been compromised as a result of your injuries.
Setting a Precedent
By pursuing a lawsuit, you’re not just seeking justice for yourself; you’re setting a precedent and sending a message that drunk driving will not be tolerated in Richmond or anywhere in Virginia. This can help prevent future accidents and hold those who choose to drink and drive accountable for their actions.
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The Process of Filing a Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit
Filing a personal injury lawsuit can be a complex and time-consuming process, but it’s essential to recovering the compensation you deserve. Here’s a roadmap of what this process entails:
Step 1: Gathering Evidence
The foundation of any successful lawsuit is robust evidence that supports your case. This includes police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any other documentation related to the accident.
Step 2: Filing the Lawsuit
Once you have gathered the necessary evidence, the next step is to formally file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party. This involves drafting a complaint that outlines your case, serving it to the defendant, and filing it with the appropriate court.
Step 3: Discovery Process
During the discovery process, both parties will exchange information and evidence related to the case. This is crucial for building your case and preparing for trial and can involve depositions, interrogatories, and requests for the production of documents, among other tasks your lawyer will handle on your behalf.
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Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer in Richmond
If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident in Richmond, it’s essential to seek legal help from an experienced personal injury lawyer.
At Tronfeld West and Durrett, we can provide you with extensive experience, a deep knowledge of Virginia’s law, legal resources (including access to expert witnesses and other professionals), and, most importantly, peace of mind to focus on your recovery while we handle your case.
Our goal is to help you find justice and recover the compensation you deserve. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule a free consultation! We’ll discuss your case and review your legal options without any obligations attached.
Call or text 800-321-6741 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form