What to Know About Memorial Day Weekend Drunk Driving Accidents

You are likely seeking financial compensation if you have been injured in an accident with a drunk driver. Compensation will help cover the cost of your medical bills, lost wages, in-home care, and more. Our firm has experienced assisting victims of accidents for over 40 years. We are prepared to handle your case with care. Do not hesitate to reach out to The Law Offices of Brian J. O’Grady today to discuss what we can do for you. Continue reading to discover what you should do if you are injured in a drunk driving accident, how to pursue a case, and what dram shop laws are.

What should I do if I am injured in a drunk driving accident?

If you have been injured by a drunk driver, you should take the following steps to maximize your chances of winning a personal injury claim, should you choose to take legal action in the future:

  1. Call the police. They will be able to document the incident by completing a police report. They will also send any medical assistance to the scene.
  2. While you wait for medical assistance and the police to arrive on the scene, ask anyone who witnessed the accident for their contact information including their name, phone number, and email.
  3. Take photos of the scene of the accident including any damage to the vehicles or property. Also, take photos of your injuries.
  4. After you have been treated medically, ask your doctor for all documentation concerning your injuries. This should include the date, time, and severity of your injuries.
  5. Retain the services of an experienced attorney who will help you navigate the legal process ahead should you choose to take legal action.

How can I pursue a drunk driving accident case?

It is possible to be awarded compensation for physical and emotional trauma in a personal injury lawsuit. The injured party will recover compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and noneconomical damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the loss of enjoyment of life.

What are dram shop laws?

Dram shop laws are put into place to hold third parties responsible by those who were injured by drunk drivers. Dram shop laws give the injured party the right to sue an establishment for serving an individual who was a habitual drinker, or someone who is already visibly intoxicated.

However, this is not the case in California. It is not possible to sue the establishment that served the drunk driver unless the individual in question was a minor. If you can prove that the establishment knew the individual was a minor and served them anyway, resulting in them causing your accident, you may be able to successfully sue for your injuries.

CONTACT OUR FIRM

When someone is wrongly injured in an accident, they often require financial compensation to heal. That’s where we come in. Contact the Law Offices of Brian J. O’Grady today to learn more about what our firm can do for you.