{"id":62909,"date":"2021-03-29T08:51:57","date_gmt":"2021-03-29T13:51:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.terrybryant.com\/?page_id=62909"},"modified":"2023-08-09T03:40:50","modified_gmt":"2023-08-09T08:40:50","slug":"what-happens-in-a-case-against-a-drunk-driver","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.terrybryant.com\/houston-car-accident-lawyer\/drunk-driver-accident-lawyer\/what-happens-case-against-drunk-driver","title":{"rendered":"What Happens In a Case Against a Drunk Driver?"},"content":{"rendered":"

After most motor vehicle accidents, injured victims may seek damages from the negligent motorists who caused or in any way contributed to their wreck. What happens in a case against a drunk driver? If a driver was negligent because they were intoxicated at the time of an accident, the odds of any damage claims against that driver\u2019s being successful become significantly higher.<\/p>

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Still, in spite of the favorable odds of having a successful outcome, vehicle accident claims against drunk drivers can become quite complicated — and sometimes contentious. If you were in a crash caused by a drunk driver, it can greatly help your case to have an experienced car accident lawyer <\/a> on your side. Lawyers with experience handling personal injury claims against drunk drivers understand the evidence needed to get their clients as much compensation as possible. <\/p>\n

What You Do After a Crash Involving a Drunk Driver Can Help Your Claim<\/h2>\n

The first thing you need to do after a crash is seek medical attention. If you are seriously injured, you\u2019ll be taken to a hospital\u2019s trauma unit and potentially be admitted. Even if you don\u2019t feel you were seriously injured, see a doctor right away. Some injuries don\u2019t show themselves immediately. <\/p>\n

Law enforcement officers arriving at the accident scene will conduct field sobriety tests, searches & seizures, and\/or blood, breath, or urine tests to then file a report that reveals whether the negligent motorist was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the wreck. If the driver is found to be under the influence, they will most likely be arrested at the scene. You can request a copy of the police report showing that the driver had been drinking. <\/p>\n

When you\u2019ve been in an injury wreck caused by a drunk driver\u2019s negligence, you should also speak with a car accident attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can advise you about your options for getting compensation for your injuries. <\/p>\n

As with other types of civil actions, there is a statute of limitations for filing a claim. To understand the exact deadlines that apply to your potential claim, speak directly to an attorney about your unique case. An attorney can also explain the relationship between a criminal action against the drunk driver and a civil action. Even if the drunk driver is being criminally prosecuted, you can still bring a personal injury claim against them. <\/p>\n

How a Lawsuit Filed Against a Drunk Driver Will Typically Proceed <\/h2>\n

When you hire a lawyer to help you with your claim, they will typically begin the claim\u2019s process by reviewing your initial medical treatment to assess the severity of your injuries, as well as injuries to any passengers in your vehicle. Your attorney will also want a complete download of the information you can provide from the scene of the accident. This can include:<\/p>\n