Hit By a Drunk Driver? Here’s What You Should Know

Being involved in a car accident is always traumatic, but when the other driver is under the influence of alcohol, it can be even worse than a typical collision. Unfortunately, DUIs are also quite common: Drunk drivers remain a leading cause of motor vehicle accidents in the United States, and the Sacramento area is no exception.

Despite the publicity, danger, and consequences of DUI collisions, they still happen every day, and those injured are often bereft of options for pursuing necessary compensation, not just punishment for the other driver’s recklessness. The Tiemann Law Firm knows that more is required, and this blog is just one of the ways we’re trying to correct the imbalance. Read on to learn what you should know about DUI collisions in Sacramento.

Why You Should Consult an Attorney

While the drunk driver may face criminal charges, pursuing compensation for your losses requires an experienced personal injury lawyer. They can help you navigate complex legal procedures, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you receive fair compensation for:

• Medical Expenses:This covers all costs associated with your treatment, including hospitalization, medications, and physical therapy.
• Lost Wages:If your injuries prevent you from working, you are entitled to compensation for lost income.
• Pain and Suffering:This includes compensation for any physical or emotional pain inflicted by the accident.
• Property Damage:This covers repairs or replacement of your damaged vehicle. You should also consider whether any rental fees for a car you’re forced to lease might be compensated as well.

What Makes DUIs Different?

Any accident that causes injury and involves a negligent party might include compensation for the victim, but DUIs are more likely to involve “punitive damages,” which go beyond straightforward compensation and seek to punish the defendant for particularly grievous or negligent wrongdoing.

• Punitive damages are typically awarded when the at-fault driver knowingly consumed alcohol with full knowledge that they would later be operating a motor vehicle.
• They can make the difference when severe injury or damages are incurred beyond the scope of what standard compensation might cover.

Legal punishments and penalties for the negligent drunk driver who injured you do little to restore your health, wealth, or personal well-being in the aftermath. Compensation, however, does quite a bit. If you’ve been injured in a DUI accident, we hope that the information above gets you one step closer to the restitution you deserve.

Injured by a drunk driver in Sacramento? We can help! Our personal injury attorneys will bring more than 25 years of experience to bear and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free, same-day consultation by calling (916) 999-9000 or toll-free: (800) 712-2000.