Drunk driving remains a significant and preventable cause of road accidents and fatalities in the United States.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2019, there were 10,142 fatalities attributed to alcohol-impaired driving. This accounted for approximately 28% of all traffic-related deaths that year.
The data reveals a disturbing trend as it indicates that, on average, approximately 1 person dies every 52 minutes due to drunk driving incidents in the country.
The problem is not confined to fatalities alone; countless others suffer severe injuries and emotional trauma as a result of drunk driving accidents.
The NHTSA also reported that drunk driving disproportionately affects younger drivers, with the 21 to 24 age group having the highest percentage of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes.
Experienced Car Crash Attorneys Handling Serious Injury Cases
We understand that dealing with the aftermath of a car crash caused by a drunk driver can be an incredibly challenging and painful experience. If you or a loved one have been injured or tragically lost their life in such an accident, we extend our deepest sympathies and want you to know that the team at Baxley Maniscalco is here to help you through this difficult time.
Our experienced team of attorneys is dedicated to seeking justice on behalf of victims of drunk driving accidents. We have a proven track record of handling such cases and securing fair compensation for our clients. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that these accidents can take, and we are committed to supporting you throughout the legal process.
PERSONAL ADVOCACY
Our first priority is to provide you with compassionate and personalized legal representation. We will take the time to listen to your story, understand the impact of the accident on your life, and answer any questions you may have about your rights and options.
We are here to be your advocate and guide you through the complexities of the legal system.
COMPREHENSIVE INVESTIGATION
One of the critical aspects of our approach is conducting a thorough investigation of the accident.
Our team will meticulously gather evidence, analyze police reports, interview witnesses, and consult with experts to build a strong case against the drunk driver. Our goal is to establish their negligence and liability, ensuring that they are held accountable for their actions.
MAXIMUM COMPENSATION
We will work diligently to pursue maximum compensation on your behalf. This includes seeking damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other losses you may have endured due to the accident. While no amount of compensation can fully undo the harm caused, it can help ease the financial burden and provide a sense of closure as you focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
At Baxley Maniscalco, we understand that you may be facing significant challenges, both emotionally and financially. That's why we operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you won't owe us any attorney fees unless we recover a settlement or verdict in your favor. This approach ensures that you have access to skilled legal representation without any upfront costs.
If you or a loved one have suffered due to a car crash caused by a drunk driver or another type of distracted driving, don't hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation. Our caring team is here to support you, fight for your rights, and work tirelessly to secure the justice and compensation you deserve. Let us be your allies during this difficult time, and together, we will strive for a brighter future.
Serious Injuries Common After Collisions with Drunk Drivers
Crashes with drunk drivers can result in a wide range of serious and devastating injuries, often leading to long-term consequences for the victims.
Some of the common types of severe injuries that can occur include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): These occur when a sudden impact causes damage to the brain. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, leading to cognitive impairments, memory loss, and motor function deficits.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: A drunk driving accident can cause damage to the spinal cord, leading to paralysis or loss of sensation in various parts of the body. SCIs often result in significant physical limitations and lifelong medical needs.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: High-impact collisions can cause bone fractures and breaks, affecting various parts of the body, such as limbs, ribs, and the pelvis. These injuries may require surgery, immobilization, and extensive rehabilitation.
- Internal Organ Damage: The force of a collision can cause trauma to internal organs like the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs, leading to internal bleeding, organ failure, and life-threatening complications.
- Crush Injuries: In severe accidents, victims may become trapped within the vehicle, leading to crush injuries that can cause damage to muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.
- Amputations: In catastrophic accidents, victims may suffer traumatic amputations, resulting in the loss of limbs or extremities.
- Severe Burns and Scarring: Car accidents involving fire or explosions can lead to severe burns and disfiguring scars, requiring extensive medical treatment and cosmetic surgeries.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Survivors of drunk driving accidents may experience psychological trauma, including PTSD, leading to anxiety, depression, and difficulty coping with the emotional aftermath of the crash.
- Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash is a common injury in rear-end collisions and can cause neck and back pain, as well as damage to soft tissues like muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Emotional and Psychological Trauma: Victims and their families may suffer emotionally and psychologically due to the trauma of the accident, including fear of driving, nightmares, and difficulty returning to normal daily activities.
These serious injuries can have life-altering effects on victims and their families, often resulting in a need for extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Victims may face substantial medical expenses, lost income, and a reduced quality of life.
Seeking legal representation after such accidents is crucial to pursuing fair compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial damages endured.
What Types of Damages Can You Recover After Being Hit by a Drunk Driver?
After being hit by a drunk driver, you may be eligible to seek various types of damages to compensate for the losses you have experienced.
The specific damages you can recover will depend on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of your injuries. Some of the common types of damages that may be recoverable include:
- Medical Expenses: This includes all reasonable and necessary medical costs related to your injuries, such as ambulance fees, hospitalization, surgeries, doctor's visits, medications, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries have caused you to miss work, you can seek compensation for the wages you would have earned during that time, including future lost earning capacity if your injuries result in a reduced ability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: These damages compensate for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the accident and its aftermath.
- Property Damage: If your vehicle or personal property was damaged in the accident, you can seek reimbursement for repair or replacement costs.
- Loss of Consortium: If the accident resulted in the loss of companionship or support of a spouse, you may be entitled to damages for loss of consortium.
- Disability and Disfigurement: Compensation for permanent injuries, disabilities, or disfigurement resulting from the accident.
- Emotional Distress: This includes damages for psychological trauma, anxiety, and other emotional suffering caused by the accident.
- Punitive Damages: In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded in addition to compensatory damages. These are intended to punish the drunk driver for their reckless conduct and deter others from engaging in similar behavior.
It's important to note that the availability and amount of damages can vary depending on the laws of the state where the accident occurred and the specific facts of the case. Additionally, insurance coverage and the financial resources of the at-fault driver can also impact the recoverable damages.
To ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses, it's advisable to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. They can assess your case, calculate the damages you are entitled to, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, represent you in court to seek the compensation you deserve.
How a Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Can Help
If you've been injured in a drunk driving accident, navigating the legal process can be overwhelming, especially while dealing with physical and emotional trauma. That's where a skilled drunk driving accident attorney can be your greatest ally.
At Baxley Maniscalco, we are here to help you during this challenging time and guide you towards the justice and compensation you deserve.
- Legal Expertise: A drunk driving accident attorney has the knowledge and experience to handle complex legal matters associated with these types of cases. They understand the laws and regulations related to drunk driving, insurance claims, and personal injury claims.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, gathering critical evidence to support your case. This may include police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and expert analysis.
- Determining Liability: Identifying who is at fault in a drunk driving accident can be crucial to obtaining compensation. Your attorney will work to establish the liability of the drunk driver and other potentially responsible parties, such as establishments that may have overserved alcohol.
- Calculating Damages: A skilled attorney will assess the full extent of your injuries and losses to ensure that you seek adequate compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other damages.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies may try to minimize payouts or deny valid claims. Your attorney will handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance companies, fighting for your best interests.
If necessary, your attorney will be prepared to take your case to court and present a compelling argument before a judge and jury to seek a fair settlement.
Why Choose Baxley Maniscalco
At Baxley Maniscalco, we have a strong track record of representing victims of drunk driving accidents. Our dedicated team is committed to providing compassionate and personalized legal representation to each client.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents can take, and we are relentless in our pursuit of justice on your behalf.
We Never Settle Cheaply.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a drunk driving accident, don't face the aftermath alone. Contact Baxley Maniscalco for a free consultation to discuss your case.
Our team is ready to listen to your story, assess the details of the accident, and provide you with the legal guidance you need to move forward.
We understand the devastation caused by drunk driving accidents. If you've been injured, you shouldn't have to fight for compensation alone. The Baxley Maniscalco team is here to help.
Our experienced attorneys will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation to build a strong case
- Fight for maximum compensation for your injuries
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Be your tireless advocate throughout the legal process
- Fight mediation
- Never settle cheaply
Don't let a drunk driver get away with their actions. Get the legal help you deserve. Call Baxley Maniscalco now for a free consultation.