It is estimated that 30% of Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash during their life. Drunk driving can have horrific effects, taking the lives of loved ones and severely injuring others. In a court of law, alcohol is generally classified as an aggravating factor in motor vehicle accidents. An aggravating factor is used to give a guilty party a harsher sentence.
When a claim is filed with aggravating factors, you are filing for punitive damages, which are rewarded in order to punish the defendant responsible for the injury.
In filing a case, it is important to determine who is liable. While it is obvious that the drunk driver is a liable party, in some circumstances the case might qualify for dram shop liability. Under this type of liability, the party which supplied the alcohol is held responsible. If this is the case, then multiple claims could be filed.
Drunk drivers can face not only civil charges but criminal as well. Through state victim assistance and compensation programs, you may be able to receive compensation. These programs exist to assist victims of crime by offering them some reimbursement. An experienced attorney will be familiar with programs in your state.
Be aware that insurance adjustors want to establish liability and limit damages paid out. Therefore, it is best to have an attorney speak with the insurance company to ensure your rights are being upheld. You attorney will be able to help you receive the greatest reimbursement for your injury.
If you or a loved one is a victim of a drunk driving accident, contact the Minneapolis drunk driving victim lawyers at Terry, Slane & Ruohonen, P.L.L.C. by dialing 612-362-0000 today. Our partners have years of experience with cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents and they are the recipient of the 2008 MADD Choice Award.
