Richmond Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Drunk and impaired driving is a devastating problem in the United States, causing serious fatalities and devastating injuries. If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed in an accident caused by a drunk or impaired driver, you should retain an attorney experienced in drunk driving cases. Our Richmond drunk driving accident lawyers can protect your interests and assist you in obtaining the maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Drunk driving cases in Virginia may involve an award for punitive damages. However, the statutes and case law involved require analysis by a seasoned legal professional who is well-versed in this area of law. The skilled Richmond car accident attorneys at the Halperin Law Center has the proven legal experience and knowledge to help you get justice!
Drunk Driving Statistics in the U.S.
According to FBI crime statistics, there are 300,000 instances of motorists driving drunk on any given day in the U.S. Shockingly, fewer than 4,000 are arrested. Similarly disturbing, staggering 29.1 million people admitted they drove under the influence of alcohol in a recent year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drunk drivers are responsible for almost 1/3 of all traffic-related deaths in the United States. Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is dangerous and often times deadly. Lives can be lost or changed forever by serious and debilitating injuries, medical expenses, and loss of income.
The Richmond drunk driving accident lawyers at the Halperin Law Center are experienced in the legal complexities involved in representing the victims of drunk or impaired drivers. With decades of experience in and out of the courtroom, we are prepared to fight for just compensation for injured victims and their families. By pursuing every avenue of justice available, including seeking monetary damages in civil court, you are holding the negligent and reckless driver accountable for the harms they have caused, which may make them think twice before driving under the influence in the future.
What to Expect in a DUI Injury Claim
Some of the issues that may come up in making a claim against a drunk or drug-impaired driver involve establishing the level of intoxication of the negligent driver, determining what drug or substance the driver ingested, proving that the defendant’s level of impairment or intoxication was too high to allow for the safe operation of a motor vehicle, and convincing the insurance company (or a jury) that the defendant failed to exercise reasonable care for the public’s safety.
Evidence that may be necessary in cases like these may include:
- Police investigation
- Resulting reports
- Eyewitness testimony
- Accident reconstructionist reports
- Toxicology experts
A knowledge of the laws surrounding operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated in the particular jurisdiction where the accident occurred is critical, as is understanding how those laws are interpreted and implied.
How Our Richmond Car Accident Attorneys Can Help
Having on your side who is experienced with drunk driving cases and has been successful in obtaining punitive damage awards is critical. We have attorneys for car accidents ready to help. To get an award for punitive damages in a Virginia drunk driving case, you must prove to a jury that the defendant’s conduct was intentional, or that the defendant’s conduct was so bad that it rises to the level of “willful and wanton negligence.” Our personal injury firm knows the laws surrounding these cases and can explain them to you in detail.