Drunk Driving Injuries

Cole Tait represents the victims of Drunk Driving Accidents.

The consequences of drunk driving to the victimized drivers, passengers and families can be devastating.  All accidents are bad, but drunk driving is a reckless and inexcusable act that can lead to serious injuries or even death.

Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident

If you’ve been involved in an accident with a drunk driver, it’s crucial to promptly take certain steps to protect yourself and to preserve your legal rights:

  1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately – Even if you feel fine, injuries from drunk driving accidents can sometimes take time to appear. Get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible.
  2. Report the Accident – Call the police and file an accident report. This official documentation is vital to your case and can help establish the other driver’s intoxication level.
  3. Collect Evidence – If it’s safe to do so, take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any damage to your vehicle. Gather the names and contact information of any witnesses who can support your case.
  4. Contact a Skilled Drunk Driving Injury Lawyer – Time is critical when pursuing compensation for your injuries. A lawyer experienced in drunk driving cases will investigate the accident, work with experts, and help you recover damages.
  5. Do Not Speak to Insurance Companies Without Legal Advice – Insurance companies often try to settle quickly and for less than what you deserve. Don’t sign any documents or make statements to the other driver’s insurance company without consulting an attorney first.

Why Legal Representation is Essential

You need legal representation because the laws surrounding drunk driving accidents are complex, and drunk drivers may face both criminal charges and civil liability. In a drunk driving accident, the driver’s intoxication is a key factor in establishing liability.

Key Factors in Establishing Liability

  • Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Levels – BAC levels above the legal limit of 0.08% are considered evidence of intoxication, but other factors may also be considered (such as prescription drugs or impairment due to alcohol use).
  • Negligence and Recklessness – Drunk drivers are usually considered to be acting recklessly and negligently, making it easier to establish fault in your case.
  • Punitive Damages – In cases of particularly egregious or dangerous behavior (e.g., driving with a very high BAC or causing serious harm), the court may award punitive damages, designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.

As experienced personal injury lawyers, we are here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Types of Compensation Available

If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to a wide range of compensation, including:

  • Medical Costs – Coverage for emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, and future medical treatments.
  • Lost Wages and Future Earnings – If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, as well as any long-term effects on your future earning potential.
  • Pain and Suffering – Compensation for the physical and emotional toll your injuries have taken on your life.
  • Property Damage – Reimbursement for damage to your vehicle and other personal property.
  • Punitive Damages – In certain cases, where the drunk driver’s actions were particularly reckless, punitive damages may be awarded in addition to compensatory damages.
  • Permanent disability or long-term care needs. 

Our team of expert injury lawyers specializes in drunk driving accidents and will ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way.

Why Choose Cole Tait PC?

Our firm has a proven track record of successfully handling drunk driving injury cases. With a team of experienced attorneys, investigators, and support staff, we are prepared to fight aggressively for your rights. Our goals are simple:

  • Personalized Attention – We understand the emotional and physical toll that an accident can take, which is why we provide compassionate, hands-on legal support throughout the entire process.
  • Experienced Representation – We have extensive experience handling cases involving drunk driving accidents, and we know how to deal with the complexities of these cases, including working with law enforcement, insurance companies, and expert witnesses.  Eric and Andrew know the system inside and out, as former insurance company lawyers, judges, arbitrators, and now as plaintiff’s personal injury lawyers dedicated to representing injured parties.
  • Maximized Compensation – We work tirelessly to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and damages.
  • No Fees Unless We Win – We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything unless we successfully recover damages for you. This allows you to pursue your case without the financial burden of upfront legal fees.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, it’s important to act quickly to protect your legal rights. Our team of skilled attorneys is here to provide the aggressive representation you need to recover the compensation you deserve.

Call us today at (503) 650-1731 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. We’re ready to fight for you.