It’s well-known that drinking and driving is dangerous. But sadly, drunk driving remains a serious problem, one that often has life-changing consequences.
The Indiana car accident attorneys at Vaughan & Vaughan help victims of drunk driving accidents in Indiana get the compensation they need to help rebuild their lives. We know the games insurance companies play, and we don’t put up with them.
Our firm has been fighting for the injured since our founding in 1913. We focus on building strong cases that insurance companies have to take seriously and on recovering the compensation you deserve.
Car Accident Injuries We Commonly Claim
Alcohol affects a driver’s judgment, concentration, and reaction time. This greatly increases the risk of getting into a car accident that can leave someone with catastrophic injuries. The most common injuries we claim after a drunk driving accident include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Lacerations and cuts
- Internal organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries
- Amputations
Medical expenses can very quickly become overwhelming. Your life has suddenly become more complicated. You know you deserve compensation, but you aren’t sure what to do next. All you have are questions.
If a drunk driver hits you, call the police. Get medical attention; even if you think you aren’t hurt, some injuries like concussions and internal bleeding may take a while to show symptoms. Then contact an Indiana car accident lawyer to get the guidance and legal advice you need to preserve your claim.
Collecting Compensation for an Auto Accident Isn’t Easy
Determining fault in a drunk driving accident seems like it would be pretty straightforward, but it’s not always so simple. The other driver may fight any criminal charges that were filed and deny any responsibility for what happened. The driver may even blame you for causing the accident.
That puts you in a position to prove the other driver’s negligence caused the crash that left you injured but can you legally prove it? Insurance companies are supposed to help victims injured in drunk driving accidents, but they will likely try to pay you as little as possible.
They may even question the extent of your injuries and demand that you be examined by one of their doctors. Or they may pressure you to accept a lowball settlement offer, claiming it’s the best they can do. Your drunk driving car accident attorney in Indiana can help protect you and help you to overcome these obstacles.
How a Drunk Driving Car Accident Lawyer in Indiana Can Help to Protect and Maximize Your Claim
When it comes to safeguarding your rights, hiring an attorney early on is crucial. A personal injury lawyer will make every effort to ensure that you receive the highest settlement available to fully compensate you for your losses.
Your attorney’s assistance in your claim will involve the following tasks:
- Examining the incident to establish liability
- Investigating the accident with the help of accident scene professionals to gather further evidence
- Obtaining the other driver’s BAC
- Checking for prior driving under the influence (DUI) convictions
- Making sure the accident victim’s injuries get taken care of properly
- Conduct all communications and negotiations with the defense counsel and insurer
- Conduct a complete accounting for all of your losses, financial and otherwise
- Securing the highest possible payment on your behalf
- We may also pursue other possible sources of compensation, including from the bar or restaurant that served the drunk driver under Indiana Code section 7.1-5-10-15.5.
- Taking legal action if an adequate settlement is not reached through negotiation
An Indiana drunk driving accident lawyer can investigate your crash to get the facts. This involves gathering evidence, including any video from traffic cameras near the accident scene. We carefully review information in accident reports and medical records.
We interview witnesses about what they saw and consult accident reconstruction experts if needed. Our investigation is thorough to ensure that your claim is on solid legal ground.
What does It Cost to Work With a Drunk Driving Car Accident Attorney in Indiana?
There are no upfront costs when you work with Vaughan and Vaughan Law Firm. We offer our legal services at no expense to you from the outset. Once we have successfully resolved your claim or won your case in court, only then will we receive payment.
Our payment is contingent on securing compensation on your behalf, and we will receive a percentage of the settlement or award.
What Is My Car Accident Claim Worth?
The best way to learn what your claim is worth is to consult an Indiana car accident lawyer specializing in drunk driving cases. Your personal injury claim will be examined, and your lawyer will use available evidence and previously resolved cases to determine the total amount of damages you have suffered.
Damages in a drunk driving accident insurance claim or lawsuit can include
Current and future medical expenses for treating your accident-related injuries
- Property damage
- Lost wages while you were unable to work
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Loss of Benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of Enjoyment
- Scarring and Disfigurement
This list is not comprehensive, and your claim may also include other damages, such as disability and emotional distress. Your personal injury attorney can help you to calculate an accurate estimate of the amount you could expect.
Contact a Drunk Driving Car Accident Law Firm in Indiana to Find Out More
Indiana law allows you to take legal action for two years from the date of your accident. That sounds like plenty of time, but that can be misleading. If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, it’s important to get legal advice as soon as possible. Over time, evidence can be lost, and the memories of witnesses can fade.
At Vaughan & Vaughan, it’s all about the client. That means that we will fight to get you the best possible outcome in your case. This means holding the drunk driver responsible and demanding that the insurance company and all liable parties provide compensation.
Take steps today to protect your rights. Contact us for a free consultation with an Indiana car accident attorney. We can review your case, answer your questions, and discuss your options.
