Ways to Ruin Your Drunk Driving Accident Case (Part 2)
Drunk driving is a serious issue in the United States of America. According to the NHTSA, in 2021 alone, over 13,000 people died in accidents involving alcohol-impaired drivers. If a drunk driving accident does not result in death, there is a high chance it will result in severe injuries. When a drunk driving accident causes injuries, the victim is likely to suffer substantial damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Fortunately, victims of drunk driving accidents have legal recourse. After being injured by a drunk driver, a victim can file a personal injury claim against the driver and seek justice and compensation. However, to increase your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve in your drunk driving accident case, you need to avoid making certain mistakes.
In a previous article, we shared some common mistakes to avoid after a drunk driving accident that can reduce your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve. For instance, you need to avoid not calling the police, delaying seeking medical attention, and not gathering evidence. In this article, we share more common mistakes to avoid after a drunk driving accident that can affect your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve in your drunk driving accident case;
#1: Settling Too Quickly
After suffering injuries in a drunk driving accident, you can expect the at-fault party’s insurance company to make you a quick settlement offer. While a quick settlement offer may seem convenient, you need to approach a quick settlement offer with caution. Insurance companies often don’t make quick settlement offers in good faith. Unless you have reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), there is a high chance the offer does not account for all your damages. It is always best to speak to an attorney before accepting a quick settlement offer from an insurance company.
#2: Not Understanding the Available Damages
After suffering injuries in a drunk driving accident, you may be eligible to recover a variety of damages. To ensure you recover fair compensation, you need to understand the available damages. Beyond past and current medical expenses and lost wages, you can also recover compensation for damages such as future medical expenses and loss of earning capacity. Depending on the specifics of your case, you may also be eligible to recover punitive damages. According to South Carolina law, punitive damages are awarded if the claimant can prove their harm resulted from the defendant’s willful, wanton, or reckless conduct.
#3: Hiring an Inexperienced Attorney
Hiring an inexperienced lawyer for your drunk driving accident case can pose several risks and jeopardize the outcome of your case. An inexperienced attorney may lack the legal knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of your case. They may struggle to conduct investigations and gather evidence. An inexperienced lawyer may be unable to determine the fair value of your case. They may lack the negotiation skills necessary to secure a favorable settlement. Additionally, an inexperienced attorney may lack courtroom experience, which is vital if your case proceeds to trial.
Contact a Charleston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Our Charleston drunk driving accident lawyer at Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm has helped countless victims secure the compensation they deserve after being injured by a drunk driver. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your case.
Source:
nhtsa.gov/book/countermeasures-that-work/alcohol-impaired-driving#:~:text=Overview,Statistics%20and%20Analysis%2C%202023a).
