Suing a Drunk Driver After a Crash

When you’re hurt in a car accident, your crash may have been more painful and devastating when the other driver is drunk. But you may be unsure where to start with your claim. Drunk driving accidents can be complex as the at-fault party may be facing criminal charges as well. 

Our law firm has a successful track record of suing drunk drivers after a crash. When you’re hurt in a car accident because of a drunk driver, reach out for guidance on your claim and how to take action. The Law Offices of Gary S. Greenberg are ready to help you recover. 

When You Can Sue a Drunk Driver

The first step is figuring out whether or not the drunk driver was at fault for your injuries. To prove that the person who hurt you was at fault, you’ll need to show that:

  • They were driving under the influence when the accident occurred
  • They caused or contributed to your accident by drinking and driving
  • You were injured by their negligence

Negligence includes reckless behavior like not looking before making a turn, cutting off another driver, speeding through a caution light, or running a stop sign. If you’re not sure you have the evidence you need for your claim, reach out for help from your lawyer. 

Who You Can Sue After a Crash With a Drunk Driver

Determining the at-fault party can be complex depending on the details of your case. Possible parties that could be named as defendants in your lawsuit include:

  • The drunk driver that caused the accident
  • The restaurant or bar that served alcohol to the intoxicated person
  • The alcoholic beverage distributor that makes and sells alcohol

Damages That You May Recover From a Drunk Driver

When you’re hurt in a car accident, you should receive compensation for the suffering you’ve experienced, both economic and non-economic. The damages you can recover for a car accident caused by a drunk driver include:

  • Medical Expenses – One of the main reasons drunk driving victims sue is because of the huge medical bills they’re forced to pay. These are the costs of treatment, medication, therapy, and any services related to your injuries.
  • Lost Wages – This includes past and future income that you’ve lost as a result of the crash.  It’s important to keep track of how much money you lost due to not being able to work after the car accident occurred. That way, we can properly calculate what they owe you in damages.
  • Punitive Damages – You can only recover punitive damages against a drunk driver if that driver engaged in intentionally reckless behavior. In other words, the driver must have purposefully and knowingly engaged in unlawful behavior.

Filing a Lawsuit Against the Drunk Driver

Suing a drunk driver after a crash can be intimidating, but it’s not just about receiving financial compensation to prevent your own financial ruin or bankruptcy. You’ll help us get dangerous individuals off the streets so they can’t cause harm to someone else.

The Law Offices of Gary S. Greenberg can help you determine the best course of action. Reach out for a free consultation by calling 414-271-7007 or by completing the online contact form below.