According to Traffic Safety for New Hampshire, 40% of all crashes in the state are caused by impairment. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that across the country, drunk driving crashes claim 37 lives per day. Mothers Against Drunk Driving also states that hundreds of thousands of Americans suffer injuries in these crashes each year. These numbers will come as no surprise to the victims of drunk driving accidents in New Hampshire. Statistics may be insightful, but they cannot help patients pay their medical bills, cover lost wages, or recover from psychological trauma. To achieve these goals, many victims choose to work with an established personal injury law firm in New Hampshire – such as Friedman & Bresaw, PLLC. To learn more about the next steps after drunk driving accidents, consider calling (603) 707-4800 today.
Always Seek Medical Attention After Drunk Driving Accidents
After suffering injuries in drunk driving accidents, victims should immediately seek medical attention. Although this might seem like an obvious step, it could be more important than many realize. Many refuse treatment at the scene of accidents or fail to follow up with healthcare providers. These individuals often assume that they have escaped from drunk driving crashes without suffering any injuries – but only a medical professional can provide an accurate diagnosis. Shock, adrenaline, and other factors may mask the true extent of injuries. Some injuries may be undetectable, such as brain bleeds.
Victims who do not seek medical attention after drunk driving crashes may lack the necessary medical records to prove the legitimacy of their injuries. If victims cannot prove they suffered real injuries, it may be impossible to pursue legal action after drunk driving crashes. As a result, it may be impossible to pursue compensation for medical expenses, missed wages, emotional distress, and other damages.
How Do I Hold a Drunk Driver Accountable for Causing Injuries?
Many victims in New Hampshire have the right to pursue legal action against the drunk drivers who caused their injuries. New Hampshire follows an “at-fault” system for car accidents, which means victims can sue negligent drivers directly after drunk driving crashes. Drunk driving is one of the most obvious forms of negligence, and it indicates clear fault. An experienced injury attorney at Friedman & Bresaw, PLLC may be able to help victims establish that drunk drivers caused their crashes.
After receiving medical treatment, victims may choose to work with car accident lawyers in New Hampshire to pursue accountability for drunk driving accidents. It may be possible to file a lawsuit against the drunk driver in civil court. Note that compensation often comes in the form of an insurance settlement, and an injury attorney can negotiate with insurance representatives to agree upon a fair sum. These private negotiations occur outside of court, and trials are often unnecessary for injured victims. That being said, many drunk drivers fail to obtain insurance – and some even operate their vehicles without valid licenses. Although rare, drunk driving accident trials may still be unavoidable for various reasons.
What If a Drunk Driver Killed My Family Member?
After fatal drunk driving accidents in New Hampshire, families of victims may choose to file wrongful death lawsuits. This type of lawsuit is similar to a normal personal injury claim – but with a few notable differences: First, a close family member files the claim on behalf of their deceased loved one. Usually, this is the spouse, parent, or adult child of the victim. Secondly, a wrongful death claim can provide compensation for distinct damages associated with the loss of a loved one. These damages include funeral costs, loss of future earnings, loss of consortium, and more.
In some fatal drunk driving accidents, drunk drivers also die alongside other victims. In this situation, the family of the deceased victim may need to pursue compensation from the estate of the drunk driver. In other words, the family of the victim may sue the family of the drunk driver. Even if it seems impossible to pursue compensation after a drunk driving crash, families should still review their legal options alongside injury attorneys. Aside from the drunk driver, it may be possible to hold third parties partially liable for the accident.
How Do I Prove That a Drunk Driver Caused My Crash?
Victims and their injury attorneys may rely on various forms of evidence when attempting to prove that a driver was impaired. After most drunk driving accidents, police arrive at the scene and carry out various tests on those they suspect may be intoxicated. These tests include the Breathalyzer device, blood tests, and urine tests. Police may also carry out field sobriety tests (FSTs) that assess balance, cognitive function, and coordination. Finally, police officers often look for various signs of intoxication while speaking with suspects. These signs might include glazed or bloodshot eyes, the scent of alcohol, and slurred words.
Note that a police report is inadmissible as evidence in a civil injury trial because of hearsay rules. However, victims and their injury attorneys can still call upon police officers to testify as eyewitnesses. During this testimony, a police officer might recount what they personally witnessed at the scene of the accident – and this could help establish negligence. Other evidence may also be helpful, such as photos of open liquor in the vehicle of the defendant. Remember, the burden of proof for civil cases is a “preponderance of evidence” – a lower threshold than “beyond reasonable doubt.” Even if a drunk driver escapes criminal charges for impaired driving, they may still face liability in a subsequent civil lawsuit.
Speak With Friedman & Bresaw, PLLC After Drunk Driving Accidents
The aftermath of drunk driving accidents can be challenging for victims and their families. Some of these accidents claim lives, leaving families with grief, lost income, funeral expenses, and many other damages. Others cause life-altering injuries that end careers while causing lasting psychological challenges. Families may find it easier to face these challenges while working with experienced personal injury attorneys in New Hampshire. Drunk driving is a clear form of negligence, and victims may be able to hold impaired drivers accountable for their reckless conduct. To learn more about pursuing accountability and compensation, consider contacting Friedman & Bresaw, PLLC at (603) 707-4800.
