What Are The Recovery Options For Drunk Car Accident Victims?

Drunk driving accidents are a significant road problem, often causing severe injuries and fatalities. You may wonder about your recovery options if you or someone you know has been injured in a drunk driving accident. In such cases, it will be ideal for you to hire an attorney. 

The good news is that legal options are available to help you get the compensation you need to cover your injuries and other damages.  It will help if you know some recovery options available to drunk car accident victims, including filing an insurance claim, filing a personal injury lawsuit, and pursuing punitive damages.

Exploring the recovery options for drunk car accident victims: 

1. File a personal injury claim

Drunk car accident victims can file a personal injury claim against the intoxicated driver. Such a lawsuit seeks compensation for the victim’s losses, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. 

Victims must prove that the drunk driver was negligent and caused the accident. If successful, the victim can receive a settlement from the driver’s insurance company or a court judgment. A personal injury attorney can assist the victim in navigating the legal process and securing the best possible outcome.

2. Seek compensation from the insurance.

Drunk car accident victims can seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance. Insurance coverage can help cover the victim’s medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage caused by an accident. 

However, it is essential to note that insurance companies may try to minimize the amount of compensation they pay out. Victims may benefit from the assistance of a personal injury attorney to help them negotiate with the insurance company and maximize their recovery.

3. Pursue a criminal case.

If a drunk driver causes a car accident, they may face criminal charges for their actions. In addition to the criminal case, the victim may pursue a civil case to recover damages for their injuries and other losses. 

The civil case is separate from the criminal case and involves seeking compensation from the drunk driver, their insurance, or other responsible parties. The victim’s attorney may work with law enforcement and prosecutors to gather evidence from the criminal case to support the civil case.

4. File a civil lawsuit.

If the drunk driver’s insurance coverage is insufficient to compensate for the victim’s losses, filing a civil lawsuit may be an option. The victim can sue the drunk driver for damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. 

Additionally, suppose the drunk driver was over-served at a bar or restaurant before the accident. In that case, the victim may also be able to sue the establishment for their role in the accident.