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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.