If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, contact the experienced Minnesota drunk driving accident lawyers of Robert Wilson & Associates at (612) 334-3444 today. The accidents that drunk drivers cause can result in bodily injury, loss of income, loss of earning capacity, financial difficulty, emotional or mental distress, or even loss of life. Drivers have a legal and moral duty to protect the safety of others while out on the road, and when people violate this duty by driving while intoxicated, they can be held legally and financially responsible. At Robert Wilson & Associates, we are dedicated to helping drunk driving victims recover money to pay for their injuries and expenses via personal injury lawsuits. Contact us at (612) 334-3444 to get the compensation you deserve.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer?
When a drunk driver is at fault in an accident, there are two different “arenas” in which their case will be prosecuted and compensation will be awarded. In criminal court, the driver at fault will be sentenced with a fine and/or jail time. However, in criminal court, damages to the victim are not distributed. To receive compensation, victims of drunk drivers must take their case to civil court.
A personal injury lawyer will develop a compelling case, complete with extensive documentation of your injuries, then use this information to represent you and fight for the financial compensation you deserve in civil court. A lawyer will keep you organized as you seek compensation, answer all of your questions, and be your fiercest and most skilled ally in the courtroom. It is important to note that even if the driver is found not guilty in criminal court, you can still recover financial compensation through a civil claim.
Why Choose Robert Wilson & Associates?
At Robert Wilson & Associates we treat our clients like family. After an accident, the last thing you need is the often intimidating, cold environment of civil court. Our team recognizes that you are a brave survivor of a harrowing accident, and that this time in your life is extremely difficult. Maybe you are going through painful recovery treatments, are feeling the pressure of financial burdens, or are emotionally and mentally scarred from the event. It is our goal to make the process of receiving compensation as easy and stress-free as possible. Our legal team has years of experience keeping clients cool, calm, and organized, not to mention years of experience earning them the fair and generous compensation they deserve. In civil court, our team of experienced lawyers at Robert Wilson & Associates will fight for you.
What Should I Do After a Drunk Driving Accident?
If you are the victim of a drunk driving accident and have sustained injuries from the event, seek medical attention immediately. Do not delay treatment. As you attend doctors appointments, receive medicine, therapy, and treatments, be sure to keep all forms of documentation including voicemails, prescription slips, and handwritten notes about the injuries you sustained and your path to recovery. This documentation is absolutely essential to developing a strong case. Documentation of your injuries will help determine how much money you will be awarded as compensation. You should also hire a lawyer as soon as you can. While you focus on recovering, they can start investigating your accident to gather evidence and develop compelling legal arguments on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident, you are likely overwhelmed by your injuries, expenses, and your claim for compensation. To alleviate some stress, we have compiled the answers to some of the most common questions we hear at our office below.
How Do I Help My Attorney Obtain Compensation For Me?
The most important thing you can do to help your attorney is to obtain and keep documentation about the accident, your injuries, and any treatment you receive. Beyond this, it is important that you are as clear and detailed as possible when recounting the accident, as this is key to assembling a strong claim that the defendant cannot poke holes in. Finally, asking questions is recommended. Our team is happy to help you understand all you can about your claim and its status in the court system.
What Can I Receive Compensation For?
Through a personal injury claim, you can recover compensation for a variety of harms, including:
- Medical Expenses: Every medical expense you incur as a result of an accident caused by a drunk driver is eligible to be compensated. This includes the ambulance ride to the hospital, the cost of your stay in the hospital, the treatment you received, the medicine you take, and any surgery costs.
- Rehabilitative Services: Long-term rehabilitation, like physical therapy is an often overlooked expense that is eligible to be compensated.
- Lost Income: While you are in recovery and receiving treatment for your injuries, you might not be able to work. The income you could have earned during this time can also be recompensed.
- Emotional or Mental Trauma: Your pain and suffering, though not always documentable or tangible, can be compensated for.
Furthermore, if you tragically lost a loved one in a drunk driving accident, you can file a wrongful death suit to recover compensation for their final expenses, as well as your loss of support, income, inheritance, and more.
What If the Drunk Driver is Not Insured?
There are several parties from which you can receive compensation. If the drunk driver at fault is insured, your compensation is likely to come from their insurance policy. But if the driver is not insured, the compensation you receive could come from your own insurance company, via your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. In this case, you will file a claim with your own insurance company – a process best mediated by an attorney. There are other, less common ways to be compensated. For example, the driver at fault might pay installments out-of-pocket over a longer period of time. Hiring an attorney will ensure no stone is left unturned in the fight to rectify your financial situation after an accident.
Contact Us
If you or a loved have been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, call Robert Wilson & Associates at (612) 334-3444 today. It is imperative that you receive the financial compensation you deserve so you can continue treatment, and return to doing what you love in life. Trust our skilled team of auto accident attorneys to swiftly return you and your family to health and financial security.