Given the fact that every motor vehicle accident with a drunk driver is a unique and terrible occurrence, assigning an average dollar amount can be nearly impossible. Many factors can impact the outcome of your case, even if the driver who hit you is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Because every case is different, retaining legal representation can be an essential ingredient for an ideal outcome.
Interviewing witnesses, obtaining police reports, and conducting investigations are just a few of the ways the team at DiBella Law can assist you in recovering any damages to which you are entitled. Once we know the particular circumstances of your case, we can advise you on the course of action most appropriate for your situation. Consulting with a Boston drunk driving accident lawyer can be an excellent resource that enables you to receive the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
The Severity of Your Injuries and Damages Could Impact the Value of Your Claim
Certain injuries that you may have endured from the accident may not manifest themselves until after the crash occurred. Making sure that you have been examined by medical professionals can ensure that any injuries you may experience after the collision can be attributed to the accident. Some injuries that you may have suffered include:
- Neck injuries
- Head injuries
- Broken bones
- Loss of limbs
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Disfigurement
- Partial or complete paralysis
- Bruising and contusions
Sustaining injuries after being struck by a drunk or drugged driver can be a traumatic and life-altering experience. Assuring that your injuries are documented by emergency services and doctors at the hospital can aid your Boston car accident lawyer in building your case. You may also want to contact police to investigate if you suspect that the driver who struck you is under the influence.
Emotional Trauma Can Be Just as Devastating as Physical Injuries
DUI accident injuries can be difficult to predict and diagnose immediately after a crash. Emotional trauma can require months or even years of therapy after a motor vehicle collision. After enduring a DUI accident, some of the emotional traumas that our clients have reported can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental trauma
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship
- Fear of driving or riding in a car
Even though physical injuries usually entitle you to financial reimbursement, other maladies are less prominent but still harmful. Many mental and emotional damages may sometimes be even more difficult to recover from than physical wounds. Having all detrimental conditions affirmed by professionals may help your legal advocate build a strong case.
Give us a call today to discover how we can assist you.
Demand Drunk Drivers Be Held to Account for Their Actions
For your DUI car accident lawyer to prove fault, we will need to demonstrate that the injuries you suffered from the collision were caused by the defendant’s negligence. Four elements will need to be proven for your case to be successful. These elements are:
- Duty of Care – All drivers in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are legally obliged to follow all traffic laws under Mass. General Laws c.90.
- Breach of Duty – Violations of traffic laws by driving under the influence (DUI) is a clear breach of these laws.
- Causation – Your lawyer will need to prove that the offender’s drunkenness caused the accident.
- Damages – The associated costs for all injuries and losses suffered from the accident, including both economic and non-economic damages.
Holding the drunk driver accountable for drinking alcohol or using drugs and then driving could be considered your civic duty. Many drivers that have been convicted of DUI are not first-time offenders. Drunk drivers are often habitual offenders who continue to put other motorists at risk of severe bodily injury or even death through poor judgment, diminished reflexes, and impaired driving.
Should You Pursue a Lawsuit, File an Insurance Claim, or Both?
Choosing to file a lawsuit or an insurance claim can have differing consequences. Because Massachusetts has no-fault laws, an insurance claim with your insurer can increase your premiums or cause your provider to not renew your policy by designating you as too risky. Unfortunately, your payout may be insufficient to cover all of your expenses.
Filing a DUI accident lawsuit against the drunk driver could give you the opportunity to maximize your settlement. Otherwise, you may be stuck covering your own medical bills, vehicle repairs or replacement, and other extreme financial losses. Hiring a powerful and highly experienced car accident attorney who can advise you on the best course of action for your case may be in your best interests to ensure you are getting the most out of your claim.
It may be well-advised to file both an insurance claim and a personal injury lawsuit so you can get the most out of your claim. While this may be a difficult and taxing proposition, it could very well produce the financial restitution you are entitled to. After suffering a DUI accident, you should pursue every possible chance for financial restitution to ensure maximum reimbursement for your injuries and damages.
We've offered crucial support and guidance to individuals who have suffered injuries, ensuring their financial and emotional well-being.
How to Maximize Your Claim’s Value After Being Hit by a Drunk Driver
If you are traveling North on I-495 and were struck by a drunk driver after crossing the state line into New Hampshire, how you approach your claim may differ from your home state. New Hampshire is one of only two states in the country that does not require drivers to have car insurance, provided the driver has proven they meet the financial responsibility requirement of New Hampshire law. Fortunately, your legal advocate with DiBella Law also offers legal services for accidents that occur over the border, and we will ensure every loss is accounted for when calculating the total value of your claim, some of the damages of which may include:
- Medical expenses
- Vehicle damages
- Lost wages
- Household services
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of activities
- Worsening of prior injuries
- Future medical and therapeutic costs
While plaintiffs may not request punitive damages in New Hampshire, if a drunk driver caused a fatality in Massachusetts, punitive damages may be applied to a wrongful death under MGL chapter 229 §2 when reckless or malicious behavior applies. No amount of money can replace the loss of a loved one, but seeking restitution for the damage caused by a drunk driver’s negligence may be appropriate. With legal services spanning both New Hampshire and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, we can guide you through the complexities of your DUI accident lawsuit.
Get in touch with us today to get a free consultation.
Maximize Your Financial Compensation After a DUI Accident, and Turn to Massachusetts’ Leading Personal Injury Law Firm for Help
Your dedicated DUI accident attorney at DiBella Law knows how difficult recovery can be when you have been injured by a drunk driver. While there may not be an average settlement for a DUI accident, we will work tirelessly to protect your rights and ensure you receive the fair and reasonable compensation you deserve. Call our law office or fill out our contact form now to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation and find out how much you could be awarded for damages caused by your drunk driving accident.
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