Your Legal Options when Struck by a Drunk Driver
Despite nationwide efforts to curb the practice of drunken driving, it still persists and is still number one on the list of public safety threats throughout America. These efforts have included a critical review of the laws surrounding drunken driving and also making the consequences for drunk driving offenders even graver.
The attempts have resulted in a marked decrease in the numbers with respect to the number of drunk driving accidents and drunk driving deaths as per drunk driving accident lawyers, but the fact is that people are still affected by drunk driving every single day. This is why an incredible website like this was built and has been a life saver for so many honorable Americans, it is…..http://accident.usattorneys.com/.
When a drunk driving suspect is convicted of the crime, state prosecutors will file criminal charges against the driver. The consequences of a driving under the influence charge may include but is not limited to prison or jail terms, hefty fines, mandatory installation of ignition interlock devices, ankle bracelets, mandatory completion of alcohol or drug counseling courses, probation, and community service, to name a few.
This may hold well, but what about the victims of drunk driving accidents who need a drunk driving accident lawyer? Thousands of innocent motorists or pedestrians have paid with their lives just because someone else had a lapse in judgment and decided to get behind the wheel whilst inebriated. What sort of compensation do these victims and their families get? You can rest assured that no matter what they receive, they will never be able to get back the loved one that they lost.
The difference between criminal charges and a civil lawsuit in a drunken accident case
After a drunk driving accident, state prosecutors will file charges against the suspect deemed to have been driving drunk. Even if they are successful in prosecuting the suspect and convicting him of his crime, this does not essentially mean that the victims will receive compensation for the economic and non-economic damages inflicted upon them.
In order to receive damages, the victim or his/her estate will have to also file a civil lawsuit against the drunken driver to recover damages. Filing a civil lawsuit is not exactly a walk in the park. It takes a lot of diligent paperwork, planning, and thorough knowledge of the laws and other regulations surrounding personal injuries. It is therefore best to hire an experienced drunk driving accident attorney to take care of all the legal requirements and intricacies.
What you need to know about out of court settlements in drunk driving accidents
The drunk driver’s insurance company is liable to pay for your damages. However, it is common practice for them to send insurance adjustors in order to settle the case out of court by paying you off. This way, they are spared the extra legal fees, time, and effort that a lawsuit requires.
However, beware and know that the insurance adjustors that may approach you are highly trained individuals that will try to manipulate you to agree to a meager settlement when your case is probably worth a whole lot more. Never make the mistake of agreeing to the first offer and this is why you need legal help in this matter. If you think you are smarter than a lawyer that could be true but you do not know this arena better than they do.
You do not know this world better than a drunk driving legal representative
Consult a drunk driving accident lawyer and find out how much your case is worth. You can do that right here. This way you will have some sort of a reference when discussing about settlement terms with an insurance adjustor.
