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When driving, it is important to always stay aware of your surroundings, especially when it comes to other drivers and their vehicles. However, even the most careful individuals may not be able to avoid a crash caused by a drunk driver.
Drunk driving car accidents in Lawrence can cause severe injuries and destroy your property through no fault of your own. If you have been hit by a drunk driver, an experienced car accident attorney from McCready Law could help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Drinking and driving should never mix, as alcohol can significantly impair one’s ability to safely operate a vehicle. Compared to a sober driver, a drunk driver may not have the same motor control or reaction time necessary to avoid an accident. If heavily intoxicated, a drunk driver could even lose consciousness behind the wheel and lose control of their car. As a result, drunk driving can cause a variety of accidents, from head-on collisions to side-impact crashes and rear-end accidents.
Depending on the type of accident and the speed of the vehicles involved, a drunk driving crash can cause very serious injuries. The force of an impact can result in head and neck injuries, as well as organ damage and broken bones. More superficial injuries can also result, such as cuts, bruises, and sprains.
Injuries from a Lawrence drunk driving accident can prevent those harmed from working and leave them with substantial medical bills. However, those costs can form the basis of a legal claim for compensation against the at-fault, drunk driver, with which an attorney could provide crucial assistance.
A driver who drinks and gets behind the wheel of their car will likely be considered negligent and held responsible for causing injuries to others. If they had a legal duty of care (to drive safely), breached that duty (by drinking and driving), and caused legal damages (such as medical costs, property damage, lost income, and pain and suffering), they could be sued.
Proving each of these elements requires evidence. An attorney could act as an injured person’s agent while they recover, documenting medical records, revisiting the scene of the accident, and communicating with insurance companies and the responsible party. A lawyer could also interview eyewitnesses and obtain police reports and surveillance footage to verify what happened.
In addition, a lawyer could help ensure a claim is filed within the state’s statute of limitations. As set by Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4(a), an injured person has two years to file a lawsuit or risk losing the ability to receive compensation. Therefore, acting quickly after a Lawrence drunk driving car accident can make a crucial difference in the outcome of your claim.
A collision can change your life, causing you pain and affecting your ability to provide for your family. With the help of a personal injury attorney, drunk driving car accidents in Lawrence do not have to completely up-end your life and livelihood.
A lawyer familiar with drunk driving accidents could evaluate your case and examine whether you have a claim for compensation from the other driver. To learn more about your options, schedule a consultation with McCready Law.