Victims of drunk driving car accidents in Galveston can pursue financial compensation through a personal injury claim. The verdict in a drunk driving criminal case does not provide economic or noneconomic damages, so accident victims must file a civil lawsuit to receive compensation unless a settlement is reached.
Most car accidents begin with a police report that is available to insurance companies. The carriers use the report to negotiate a settlement with injured parties. Negotiations can be challenging, but an experienced car accident lawyer can help injured parties receive an acceptable settlement.
How Can an Attorney Help?
Personal injury lawyers are well-versed in civil litigation and skilled in negotiating with insurance companies. Their experience helps ease their clients’ stress when seeking compensation by performing the following.
Investigate
Lawyers can investigate side-impact collisions and collect witness statements, camera footage, and other information about the accident. They also request all medical records, including physician notes, diagnoses, and prognoses. Attorneys use the data to determine the accident’s cause and individual liability.
Identify
Experienced drunk driving claim litigators look to third parties for possible responsibility. For example, a bar or restaurant that over-served the drunk driver may share liability for the subsequent accident.
Negotiate
Lawyers are skilled negotiators who can help clients reach a reasonable settlement with an insurance company. Insurers try to settle for the lowest amount possible. Accepting a first offer may not provide adequate compensation. Attorneys use the evidence they collected to negotiate the best possible settlement for their clients.
Litigate
If accident victims cannot settle with an insurer, their legal representation can file a lawsuit. Legal counsel also files appropriate paperwork to ensure their clients do not exceed the statute of limitations.
What Compensation Is Available?
Victims of T-bone accidents in Galveston can pursue compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Unlike other injury cases, the accident victims do not have to prove negligence if the driver is guilty of drunk driving; however, they must support their compensation claims. Working with a skilled lawyer can help ensure that injured parties receive the settlement they deserve.
Economic Compensation
Economic compensation covers medical expenses such as emergency services, hospital stays, surgeries, and doctor visits. Other medical expenses are also covered, including medications, physical therapy, and diagnostic tests. If injured parties are permanently impaired, they can receive compensation for future medical costs.
If the injured person cannot work because of the accident, economic compensation may include recovery of lost wages. Damages may include future earnings if the injured individual can no longer work.
Non-economic Compensation
Non-economic compensation is a negotiated monetary value that represents trauma such as emotional distress, reduced companionship, and psychological concerns. If accident victims suffer physical impairment, scarring, or disfigurement, any associated psychological or emotional distress would be covered under noneconomic compensation.
Punitive damages, up to $750,000, are available for egregious negligence, such as drunk driving, if a case goes to trial.
Contact a Galveston Attorney After a Drunk Driving Accident to Discuss Damages
Compensation for injuries received in drunk driving car accidents in Galveston can be overwhelming. As an accident victim, you may have doctor appointments, diagnostic tests, and physical therapy depending on injury severity. Juggling phone calls to insurance companies and talking to investigators can place added strain on a recovering body.
Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP can help navigate the settlement process or pursue damages through a lawsuit to ensure you receive the best possible outcome. Contact them for a free consultation.
