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How Much Compensation Can I Get For My DUI Accident Claim?

Getting hit by a drunk driver can turn your life upside down. You might deal with injuries, hospital bills, or miss work for weeks. It’s unfair, and you might wonder how much money you can get to compensate for your loss.

Every DUI accident is different, but if someone was driving under the influence and caused the crash, you could be entitled to compensation. It’s best to consult a drunk driving accident lawyer from Suits & Boots to know how much your case may be worth.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 37 people die every day in the U.S. due to drunk-driving crashes. In many other cases, victims survive but suffer injuries that have an impact on their entire lives.

Going deeper:

What Counts as a DUI Accident?

A DUI accident happens when someone drives under the influence of alcohol or drugs and causes a crash. This could involve cars, motorcycles, or even trucks. DUI drivers are breaking the law, which can help your claim.

In a regular car crash, proving the other person was careless can be hard. But with DUI accidents, the driver is often charged with a crime. This can make it easier to show they were at fault and owe you money.

Types of Compensation You Can Get

You may be able to get three kinds of compensation:

1. Economic Damages
These are costs you can count on money for:

Medical bills

Physical therapy

Lost wages

Repairs to your car

2. Non-Economic Damages
These cover the pain that doesn’t come with a price tag:

Pain and suffering

Stress and anxiety

Loss of enjoyment of life

3. Punitive Damages
These are special. They punish the drunk driver for their actions. Not every accident case includes them, but many DUI claims do, especially if the driver has done it before.

What Affects the Amount of Compensation?

The money you can get depends on many things:

How badly you were hurt – Broken bones and surgeries often lead to bigger payouts.

The duration of your injuries, as well as Long-Term problems or disability, can lead to higher costs.

What kind of insurance is available? If the drunk driver has no insurance, your payout might be smaller unless your policy helps.

Your actions – If you were also partly at fault, your amount might be reduced.

State laws – Some states limit how much you can get for certain types of damage.

Why You Should Work With a Lawyer

Filing a DUI claim can be tricky. Insurance companies may try to pay you less. A lawyer can:

Collect strong evidence

Handle the insurance companies.

Show the full impact of your injuries.

Fight for the best outcome through negotiation in court.

An experienced lawyer also knows how to demand punitive damages, which can significantly increase your compensation.

Mistakes That Could Affect Your Case

Some victims don’t get the money they deserve because they:

No proper medical records

Talk to the drunk driver’s insurance without legal help.

Accept the first offer

Wait too long to file a claim

Each choice can lower your amount, or even stop you from getting anything.

What You Should Do After a DUI Accident

To protect your right to fair compensation:

Call the police right away

Get medical help, even if you feel okay.

Take pictures of the scene and your injuries.

Keep bills and records.

Talk to a lawyer as soon as you can

These steps help build a strong case.


Conclusion

A DUI accident can leave you with lasting pain and bills, but the law gives you the right to ask for fair compensation. The amount you can get depends on many things, including how bad the accident was and how the case is handled.


author

Chris Bates



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