Did you know that approximately one in three traffic deaths in the U.S. are caused by individuals driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI)? Further, these drivers frequently make a habit of driving impaired, and their actions impact more than just themselves. Furthermore, younger drivers are more likely to drive impaired, and even though they usually have a lower blood alcohol content, they are less likely to respond to anti-drunk driving public service announcement. In other words, even when they have heard all about the dangers of driving drunk, young drivers are just as likely to drive impaired, and will continue to do so even after they get a DUI or DWI conviction. If you have been involved in an accident with an individual who was driving impaired, you should consult with a knowledgeable attorney near you who can explain your options and help you chart a course of action. If you’re considering filing a lawsuit against the drunk driver, call the attorneys at Walton Telken toll free at 844-307-7349.
Negligence Isn’t Limited To Drivers
Although someone who drives under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol is absolutely considered negligent, other individuals may be found liable for the accident; this may include those individuals who provided the drugs or alcohol to the person they knew would soon drive themselves home (such as a bartender or parent). If you’re considering filing a lawsuit against a drunk driver, you may want to hire an attorney to investigate whether you should include any other parties in your lawsuit.
In cases where a driver has been found negligent for driving under the influence or while intoxicated, there may exist some third party who may be partially liable for the accident as well as the driver. It’s important to name them in the lawsuit and bring awareness especially to those younger drivers who are statistically more likely to drive after they’ve had alcohol.
Bars and restaurants should be held accountable for providing liquor responsibly; when a customer is obviously drunk, businesses that dispense alcohol should stop serving that customer. Obviously, as a business, owners and employees would naturally want to continue serving customers in order to make more money, but as members of a community, they are required to focus more on public safety. Business owners and employees aren’t the only ones subject to this law, however; party hosts, for example, may also be found liable for providing their guests an excessive amount of alcohol.
Drunk Driving Accident Injuries
Were you injured in a car accident where the other party was driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated? If so, you should take clear pictures at the accident scene with your camera phone, if you have one. Take pictures of your car, the other car(s), and anyone who was injured; make a record of everything you can, to the extent that you can. If possible, document your healing process; take pictures and make notes regarding your doctor’s appointments, physical injuries, and how you feel on certain days. These things will help your attorney build your case, which could help you get more money in compensation for your injuries.
Wrongful Death Cases
If your loved one was killed in a car crash caused by a drunk driver, you should seriously consider hiring an attorney to handle your court case for you. An experienced attorney will help you understand your options and help you decide which actions you would like to take in seeking compensation for the loss of your loved one. If you fail to hire an attorney, you could risk missing out on the compensation you deserve; the attorneys at Walton Telken will take cases on contingency, and if you’re unable to do so, they will travel to meet with you. Call us today for a free consultation.
What To Do If You Are Injured By A Drunk Driver In St. Louis, MO
First and foremost, the most important thing for you to do any time you’re involved in a car accident, regardless of whether or not you think the other driver was negligent or drunk to any extent is to take care of yourself. That’s why it’s so important for you to consider hiring an attorney to take care of all of the legal implications resulting from the accident – your mental and physical well being should be your primary focus.
Another important decision you should make as soon as possible is whether you want to get an attorney to help you through this very complicated, weighty process of filing a personal injury lawsuit. As soon as you decide to do so, hire an attorney with the knowledge and experience necessary to effectively communicate with you so that you can decide what actions you want to take. It’s important that you refrain from agreeing to anything (whether in a verbal or written agreement) until you have thoroughly discussed your options with a knowledgeable attorney.
The Other Party’s Attorney May Contact You
Because they know that the sooner they contact you, the more likely it is that you will accept their settlement offer, the other party’s attorney may contact you; this first offer will definitely not be in your best interest, or all that you deserve, so if you want to pursue seeking damages for all that your case is worth, you should not accept this offer. Insurance companies will do their research and have some approximation of what your case is worth; because they want to save money, they will use their knowledge to their advantage. If you reject their first offer, there is still the option of negotiating to reach some harmonious settlement between you and the other party.
Call today to consult with one of our attorneys; even if you decide to pursue your case without an experienced attorney by your side, at least you will gain some knowledge and insight as to your rights, your options, and what you can expect when you file a lawsuit.
Why You Should Choose An Attorney With Walton Telken
If you have been involved in any kind of car accident, or more specifically if you have been injured in a car accident with a drunk driver, the attorneys at Walton Telken Injury Attorneys will be able to educate you about the process and your options; they will make things much simpler for you, especially when you consider all of the complications that easily and frequently arise.
The information provided by Walton Telken, LLC in this Blog is not intended to be legal advice, but merely provides general information related to common legal issues. This Blog, and the information contained within it, is Attorney Advertisement. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements. Past results afford no guarantee of future results. Every case is different and must be judged on its own merits.
