Drunk Driving Accidents

There are some car collisions that can’t be avoided. Other accidents, like drunk driving accidents, are completely preventable. Drunk driving crashes are caused by negligence, and the victims of such collisions deserve compensation.

If you’ve been injured in your accident, you probably have questions regarding your options for compensation. By working with a car accident lawyer, you will learn about the claims process and can take steps towards getting the money you need for a full recovery.

The Facts About Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving affects drivers throughout the United States. St. Louis is no exception, as there were 4,175 people who experienced personal injuries in car accidents between January and December of 2017. This type of accident tends to be particularly devastating. In fact, about 30 people die in the U.S. every day because of drunk drivers and many of those drivers are repeat offenders.

There are several reasons for the fatal nature of drunk driving collisions. First, there’s the fact that drunk drivers have poor judgment. They are unpredictable and this makes it difficult for other drivers to avoid an accident. Secondly, they lack the coordination needed to drive safely.

All of the following are common types of collisions associated with drunk driving:

Rear-End Collisions

Because drunk drivers have a slow response time, they often find it difficult to stop with the flow of traffic. They are also likely to follow the car in front of them too closely, which makes them more inclined to cause a rear-end accident.

Head-On Collision

A sober driver knows the rules of the road and has the coordination needed to stay in their own lane. However, a drunk driver might go the wrong way down a one-way street or swerve into oncoming traffic. In either case, they can cause a head-on collision — one of the most catastrophic types of accidents.

T-Bone Accident

Most T-bone accidents occur at intersections, which tend to be challenging for drunk drivers. They don’t always stop at red lights and stop signs. By ignoring traffic signals and signs, a driver can collide with another vehicle. At a high speed, a T-bone accident can cause significant damage.

Does Insurance Cover Drunk Driving Accidents?

The medical bills, missed wages, and car repairs associated with your collision could leave you in financial distress. Fortunately, insurance covers drunk driving accidents.

If the other driver is guilty of drunk driving, they are at least partially liable for the collision. Even if you share some of the blame, you can still seek compensation for your accident. You could either go through their insurance company or file a personal injury claim.

However you choose to go about getting your compensation, you are eligible for a few basic damages. For instance, you can recover money for all of your medical bills. This includes physical therapy, surgery, and emergency services. You should be compensated for your past and future medical bills.

You are also entitled to receive money for your lost wages. Typically, accident victims miss time from work as they recover from their injuries. They also cut their hours to attend doctor visits and procedures. In your compensation claim, you can request compensation for all of your missed wages.

How Does the Claims Process Work

Whether you plan on filing a car insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit, the claims process is complex. You need to fight with a powerful insurance company to get the money you deserve. They aren’t eager to payout because it’s not good for their business.

To give yourself an edge, you should work with a drunk driving attorney. Hipskind & McAninch, LLC has the resources and experience needed to get you results. If you want to get started on a claim, call us today.