Drunk driving can lead to catastrophic road accidents and significant injuries. The collisions can also cause fatalities on the spot or severe bleeding and organ damage that contribute to a fatality. If you suffered injuries caused by a drunk driver, you can pursue compensation from the party at fault.
A Savannah drunk driving accident lawyer can help you collect evidence to prove fault. They will then evaluate your damages and claim a given amount from the liable party. Continue reading to discover injuries sustained in such crashes, how to file a claim, and ways an attorney may help.
Filing a Claim for Savannah Drunk Driving Accident
You must prove various elements when you file a claim for a Savannah drunk driving accident. These are a duty of care, breach, causation, and damages. A personal injury lawyer can help you gather evidence proving that the motorist had a duty to ensure your safety.
After that, they can prove the driver breached this duty by driving when drunk. The next item your attorney will establish is causation. Here, the lawyer will provide proof indicating that a DUI led to the accident in question. They will then establish the last element, damages, by showing that the crash led to specific and significant injuries.
Evidence You Can Use in a Savanna Drunk Driving Accident
When you file a claim against another party, you must provide evidence of each damage you seek. The insurer or court will require proof the motorist was liable for the crash. One item a Savannah lawyer may use as evidence in your case is an accident report.
This document may contain alcohol breath test results showing the other motorist was under the influence of alcohol during the crash. It can also include photographs of alcoholic drinks in their vehicle.
Video surveillance footage from traffic cameras and buildings near an accident scene can serve as crucial evidence. For instance, it may show that the driver was not observing road regulations before the collision. The footage can also prove that the motorist drove you off the road or hit your car. Other proof a Savannah drunk driving accident lawyer may use is:
- Witness statements
- Image of vehicle damages
- Skid marks
Debris at an accident scene can help a lawyer determine how the crash occurred. They can also liaise with an accident reconstructionist and use the items to predict each event leading to the collision.
A medical report is another item you can use as evidence in a Savannah drunk driving accident case. This document may prove the physical injury you want the other party to compensate resulted from the crash. You can show that the accident led to secondary health issues like depression.
Injuries sustained in a Savannah drunk driving accident may lead to various medical costs. You can present invoices and receipts as evidence when you request compensation for the expenses.
How a Savannah Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Will Help
A Savannah drunk driving accident attorney will advise what to do after the crash. For example, they may ask that you contact your insurer and inform them about the accident. They will also mention the mistakes you should avoid, such as providing excess details about your injuries.
Gathering evidence for drunk driving accidents may involve various processes. Such are:
- Interviewing witnesses and the police
- Getting court orders
- Sending subpoenas to witnesses
A Savannah drunk driving accident lawyer will handle all these processes and ensure they collect satisfactory evidence. They will also update you regarding meetings with insurers, witnesses, and the police.
When an insurance company receives your claim, they may offer a settlement. A Savannah personal injury lawyer will determine if the amount is satisfactory based on sustained damages. They may then advise you to accept it and prepare a release of liability to end the case.
However, if the amount is meager, the lawyer will recommend rejecting it. They will then negotiate with the insurer for a better offer or file a lawsuit if the company fails to increase the settlement. More ways a Savannah drunk driving accident attorney will assist are:
- Assessing non-economic damages
- Liaising with an attorney to determine your future medical needs
- Answering your inquiries
- Ensuring you understand laws affecting your case
- Filing a claim against multiple parties
Deadline to File a Savannah Drunk Driving Accident Case
Georgia statute of limitations provides victims of drunk driving accidents a maximum of two years to file a claim. You must gather evidence and present your case to insurers within this duration.
A Savannah car accident lawyer can present your case before the deadline elapses. This measure may protect your rights to reimbursement and prevent significant losses.
Damages Recoverable After a Savannah Drunk Driving Accident
You may recover many medical expenses when you file a drunk driving accident claim. These include:
- Surgery
- Buying assistive medical devices
- Doctor consultation fees
- Home nursing care
- Emergency medical care
Since some injuries caused by a Savannah accident may have long-term effects, you may need to seek an additional amount. A lawyer will typically work with a doctor to assess whether your current health status will affect you in the future. After that, they will include expected future medical expenses in your claim.
If an accident leads to the wrongful death of your spouse or loved one, you may seek other damages from the liable party. Some recoverable injuries are:
- Grief
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Mental health injuries resulting from trauma
- Burial and funeral costs
Consult a Savannah Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
A Savannah drunk driving accident lawyer can handle all the legal work of filing a claim as you recover. They will also ensure they have enough evidence to build a strong case before presenting it to insurers. At Dolman Law Group, we can represent you as you seek compensation for various damages.
Call Dolman Law Group to book a free consultation with a Savannah lawyer.