Have you suffered a DUI (driving under the influence) accident? Then, you should file a claim against the driver to recover the damages you suffered. With the help of a law firm providing the best law-related services, you can surely recover the damages through a drunk driving accident claim. Whether you're suffering from economic as well as non-economic damages and expenses

A good or professional DUI accident attorney can help you document the damages that can be recovered and catalog the evidence proving their value. Moreover, a professional DUI accident attorney may help you form a detailed checklist to ensure the damages you are entitled to are achieved. There are several types of damage claims one can make against a drunk driver, such as medical expenses, pain, lost income, and suffering. A good attorney will ensure the fair compensation that you deserve by handling the negotiation process. In addition, he or she will manage to build a convincing evidence file to use to steer the negotiation process in your favor.

Things to consider when proving a drunk driver caused your accident

The primary thing that a DUI accident attorney will do is prove the at-fault driver in your accident. As it will be the first step in the negotiation to claim the compensation. The most important things to consider are the evidence and witnesses, as the attorney was not there at the accident site. They usually handle the case based on the evidence in your case. It may include:

  • The accident report shows alcohol use.
  • Test results of the driver’s blood alcohol content
  • Any available witnesses' statements
  • Police Notes and Observations on the Scene

The most important thing is creating an organized case file to resolve your case with a settlement and fair compensation.

Types of compensation you can claim

Before you claim your losses or expenses, you should be aware of the cases where you are entitled to compensation. A professional DUI accident attorney will provide you with important information to prove your damages and value them. Moreover, they will help you clarify the damages you can recover on the basis of the evidence that proves their value.

Here are the two primary types of compensation that you can claim from the drunk driver: economic and non-economic.

Economic

These kinds of compensation include the following:

1. Medical

A sudden accident can cause hospitalization for the sufferer and cost a lot, and many people cannot afford those medical bills even with a good insurance policy. In these cases, you can claim the medical expenses that you are suffering from the drunk driver. You are not required to face all the debt for your medical care; you can get it covered by the responsible party.

2. Vehicle Repairs

Getting your vehicle repaired is not very easy or cheap to get it repair. You may have difficulties performing your essential functions. Therefore, you can hold the at-fault party accountable for any repairs or replacements.

3. Loss of Work

Sometimes, there might be cases where sufferers have intense injuries and damages that can lead them to not be able to do work. It can cause them to suffer with daily work to earn or get the necessary things for the family. With the help of a professional DUI accident attorney, you can claim the wages or compensation you are entitled to during your unemployed period.

Non-Economic Damages

Apart from the damages or injuries, there are also non-economic damages that are recognized by law and can be claimed. The non-economic damages include pain and suffering, and there is no cap on the amount you can recover for them. For these types of claims, you often require a good lawyer who will help you assess the claim for your pain and suffering.

There are some other non-economic damages, which may include:

  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Loss of companionship
  • Mental anguish
  • Disfigurement
  • Loss of consortium

Conclusion

More often, insurance companies settle out of court, and this can lead your claim to escalate. Here, one will need to fight a claim to get a settlement on their damages. Therefore, hiring or consulting a professional lawyer is a sensible option to act fast and win your settlement. If you’re looking to hire a professional lawyer to assist you with your St. Petersburg, FL, storm damage, then you can hire The Walker Law Group. Our professional lawyers are skilled at helping you get a fair settlement from the insurance companies and pay the minimum for your claim.