Drunk Driving Car Accidents in Arlington
Car accidents of any kind can be devastating for all parties involved. However, the effects can be catastrophic when another person causes a motor vehicle collision while under the influence of alcohol. Often, these crashes have a reputation for causing long-lasting injuries that require extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
If you were the victim of a drunk driver’s negligence, a dedicated car accident attorney could help you recover the compensation you need to get your life back on track. Contact a lawyer today to find out how you can hold a reckless driver accountable for the harm they caused you in a drunk driving car accident in Arlington.
Determining Liability for Drunk Driving Crashes
It is often evident who is at fault for a drunk driving collision. These wrecks typically occur after a person leaves a bar or party. When intoxicated drivers get behind a vehicle’s wheel, they cannot function as they would when sober. Because of this, a drunk motorist’s senses are lowered, delaying their reaction time in the event of an accident.
To determine liability for an intoxicated driving collision, a legal representative could gather relevant evidence, including video surveillance, eyewitness accounts, and police reports that could help a plaintiff.
Can Two Drivers Share Fault for a Drunk Driving Accident?
In rare situations, both drivers involved in a collision could be drunk. However, they do not have to share civil liability for the crash. For example, if a drunk driver stops at a stoplight and is hit by another intoxicated motorist, the stopped driver would bear no civil liability for the accident. In fact, the stopped driver’s financial recovery would not be diminished due to their intoxication since it did not play a factor in the crash.
If one of the drivers sues the other for the injury, the jury can reduce a plaintiff’s compensation by their percentage of negligence. As long as the plaintiff is no more than 50% negligent, they can still recover financial payments from the defendant. However, both drivers would likely face criminal charges for driving drunk.
Recoverable Damages After a Drunk Driving Collision in Arlington
Even if liability is apparent in a drunk driving crash claim, an injured motorist must still prove their damages to ensure they obtain the maximum payments for their injuries. Following a drunk driving crash, a plaintiff can recover financial compensation for the following losses:
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Medical bills and rehabilitation costs
- Lost income or diminished earning capacity
- Home renovations necessary to accommodate an injury
Depending on several circumstances, injured drivers may be able to recover punitive damages, which are meant to punish a person for their careless conduct. For example, if law enforcement criminally charges a drunk driver with intoxicated driving, a civil court could impose severe punishments on the negligent motorist, increasing a plaintiff’s potential recovery. A skilled lawyer can work toward recovering those damages for an individual by gathering evidence and handling all communication with a driver’s insurance company.
Get in Touch with a Drunk Driving Car Accident Attorney in Arlington
Dealing with the repercussions of a drunk driving car accident in Arlington can be frustrating and overwhelming. However, you do not have to face these obstacles alone. With help from a skilled attorney, you could file a civil lawsuit to hold a careless driver accountable for the damage they caused.
A lawyer could work to recover the maximum amount of compensation you deserve. Call today to get started on your claim.