There is no excuse for drunk driving in Andover, MA, or anywhere else. Yet, an intoxicated driver can get behind the wheel at any time and cause an accident. If you get hurt in a crash caused by an impaired motorist, it is in your best interests to partner with an Andover car accident lawyer.
At DiBella Law Offices, P.C., we take your case personally. Our Andover drunk driving accident lawyer can review your case and help you hold the at-fault party responsible for their actions. To get started, please reach out to us for a free consultation with our skilled Andover personal injury lawyer.
Why Drunk Driving Accidents Happen
A driver may make a poor decision by choosing to operate their vehicle while intoxicated. This driver puts themselves and others in danger. They may be slow to react to other motorists and pedestrians — and if they cannot stop quickly enough, they can cause an accident.
Massachusetts has drunk driving laws. Drivers who operate a vehicle while intoxicated can receive prison time and fines and have their license suspended or revoked. They can also be required to pay compensation to anyone they hurt during an accident.
The team at DiBella Law Offices, P.C. can answer questions about what to do if you are injured in a DUI accident over Labor Day weekend or any other time of the year. If you move forward with a personal injury claim, our Andover drunk driving accident attorney will help you secure the most compensation possible. For more information, please get in touch with us.
Give us a call today to discover how we can assist you.
What to Do After an Impaired Driving Crash in Andover
In the United States, 32 people die every day in crashes that involve alcohol-impaired drivers, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). You cannot stop an intoxicated driver from causing an accident. Fortunately, there are several things that you can do to respond to an impaired driving collision and protect yourself and others throughout the incident, such as:
Call 911
Report your accident to 911 immediately. The 911 operator will send medical personnel and police officers to the crash scene. Medical professionals can treat you and anyone else who suffered an injury, and police officers can gather information that they will use in an accident report.
Get Medical Care
Do not try to “tough it out” after your crash. Instead, go to a doctor, and they can perform an evaluation. Your doctor can treat your injuries before they escalate.
Take Photos and Videos
Use your smartphone to take photos and videos of any damage to your car and your injuries. You will not have a second chance to get photos and videos from the accident scene. With these photos and videos at your disposal, you can share them with an Andover personal injury lawyer, and they can serve as evidence that helps you get a fair settlement in your drunk driving crash case.
Get the At-Fault Driver’s Contact Information
Ask the at-fault motorist for their first and last name, car insurance information, and driver’s license. You will need this information if you want to submit a claim against this driver. In addition to getting the other motorist’s contact information, request the contact information of any witnesses who saw your crash happen.
Do Not Accept Responsibility for the Crash
Provide the police with as much information as you can regarding your accident. However, you should not take responsibility for the incident. In the days and weeks that follow your crash, you can work with an attorney who can help you hold any at-fault parties responsible for your accident.
Connect with a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Andover
Find a drunk driving accident attorney in Andover who has helped their clients get great case results. This lawyer can take a look at your case and go over your legal options with you. If you decide to file a personal injury claim, your lawyer will make sure that your lawsuit is submitted in accordance with Massachusetts’ statute of limitations.
How Much Time You Have to File an Andover Drunk Driving Crash Lawsuit
In Massachusetts, you have up to three years from the date you suffer an injury to seek damages from anyone responsible for it, per the Commonwealth’s statute of limitations. This means you have a maximum of three years from the date of your intoxicated driving crash to sue an at-fault driver. If you choose not to submit a claim, you are solely responsible for any costs associated with your injury.
You may be able to sue the drunk driver who caused your accident for damages. Also, you may be able to request compensation from a dram shop, i.e. a bar or restaurant that may have served alcohol to the motorist responsible for your crash. Your lawyer can help you figure out who to sue and make sure that you request a fair amount of damages.
There is no cap on economic and non-economic damages in most Massachusetts personal injury cases. You can request economic compensation based on your medical bills, car damage, and other quantifiable losses. Along with this, you can ask for non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and other subjective losses.
What to Do If You Receive a Drunk Driving Accident Settlement Offer
The at-fault motorist in your accident may be inclined to offer a settlement. They will do so in the hopes that you will accept less money than what you could get if you bring your case to trial. Your attorney will notify you about a settlement proposal, and you have the option to approve, reject, or decline any proposal.
Your lawyer will help you weigh the pros and cons of a settlement. If your attorney believes a settlement offer is far less than what you could receive if you go to trial, they will let you know. You have the final say on what to do with a settlement offer.
If you decline a settlement proposal, your lawyer will notify the defendant. Next, you and your attorney can continue with your litigation. You and your lawyer can also keep looking for ways to strengthen your argument and get ready for your trial.
We've offered crucial support and guidance to individuals who have suffered injuries, ensuring their financial and emotional well-being.
Hire an Andover Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
At DiBella Law Offices, P.C., we are a trusted advocate for personal injury claims in Massachusetts. Our drunk driving collision attorney is available to help you get compensation from anyone who hurt you. To find out more or schedule a free case consultation, please contact us today.
We are committed to providing valuable information and resources to assist you.
