Drunk driving accidents are tragically common, often resulting in serious and sometimes deadly injuries. This is especially true when a drunk driving accident involves a pedestrian. When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, it can affect their life to a large degree, which is why many people consider a personal injury lawsuit after being hit by a drunk driver. If you or a loved one has been hit by a drunk driver as a pedestrian, it’s crucial that you learn about your legal options and when you should consider a personal injury suit. Learn more about drunk driving accidents that involve pedestrians and discover why you need a car accident lawyer in Winston-Salem for your injury case.
Understanding Insurance in Drunk Driving Accidents
In drunk driving cases, it’s extremely common for the drunk driver to be uninsured or underinsured. This is because drunk driving is usually a repeated offense. If a person has multiple drunk driving charges on their record, insurance companies will not provide them with a policy. This can make it very difficult for you to receive the compensation you need after being hit by a drunk driver.
Insurance companies might also impose policy limits on drivers with drunk driving charges. For example, if you suffer $50,000 worth of damages as a result of your accident but the drunk driver only has a $10,000 policy limit, you’ll be left to pay for the remaining $40,000 out of your own finances. This can be very difficult if your injuries cause you to miss an extended amount of work. It is for this reason that many people choose to file a personal injury suit.
Filing a Suit
Your best legal course after being hit by a drunk driver may be to file a personal injury lawsuit. When a person drives while drunk and causes an accident, the victim is almost always eligible to file a lawsuit. However, you will need to prove that the driver was at fault in order to win your case. Fortunately, when alcohol contributed to an accident, fault is usually clear.
You may also need to show that you did not contribute to the accident. For example, if you were walking in the street when you were struck, then you hold some responsibility for your wreck, even if the driver was drunk. To help you prove fault, you should hire a car accident lawyer that is familiar with these types of lawsuits.
Learn About Damages
There are several types of damages that you may receive if you win your personal injury suit. If your accident resulted in expensive medical bills, you might be awarded damages for medical expenses. It is also possible to receive damages meant to make up for lost wages if your accident has caused you to miss work.
Some people consider pursuing damages for pain and suffering or lost quality of life. While it is possible to be awarded these damages, it can be very difficult. Unless you can prove pain and suffering, it’s better to pursue concrete damages like medical expenses and lost wages.
Consult with a Car Accident Lawyer in Winston-Salem
You deserve compensation after you’ve been hit by a drunk driver, which means you need experienced legal representation. Get the help you need with your personal injury lawsuit by hiring a car accident lawyer from Lewis & Keller.
Our knowledgeable attorneys understand all types of personal injury suits, including those involving drunk drivers, and we can handle your case so that you can focus on recovery. Contact Lewis & Keller today to schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys.
