Tupelo Drunk Driving Accidents
Across the United States, drunk driving accidents account for almost 28 deaths every day. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the chances of being in an alcohol-impaired crash over the course of a lifetime are nearly one in three. Many of these accidents often result in loss of life or limbs and can be devastating to all those involved. If you are injured or lost a loved one due to a crash with an intoxicated driver, the team of experienced Tupelo drunk driving accident attorneys at Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz can help you protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Over the past 30 years, NST has devised effective legal strategies for representing clients and their loved ones, helping them recover more than $1.5 billion in settlements, judgments, and verdicts.
Recovering Damages for Those Injured by a Drunk Driver
As with other types of auto accidents, a victim of a drunk driving accident will usually need to establish the defendant driver’s negligence in order to recover damages for medical treatment, lost earnings, scarring, and pain and suffering, among others. This means that the injured party will need to show that the defendant driver failed to exercise reasonable care while on the road, and the failure to do so directly resulted in the victim’s injuries. This can be shown by proving the at-fault party was driving while intoxicated, that he caused the accident to occur, and you were injured as a result of the drunk driver’s actions.
Once negligence is established in a drunk driving accident, two different classes of damages may by recovered. First, the injured party may be able to recover compensatory damages. These include economic damages such as medical bills and lost wages and non-economic damages for pain and suffering, permanent disfigurement, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. Second, the drunk driver may be forced to pay punitive damages to the injured party. Punitive damages are awarded if the drunk driver’s actions are found to be particularly egregious and are awarded to punish the driver, not necessarily to compensate the victim. You should consult with an attorney who understands when special classes of damages may apply to your situation.
While liability may be clear, recovery is largely based on whether or not the drunk driver was adequately insured. In Mississippi, drivers are required to carry insurance policies with minimum liability limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per occurrence. If you sustain traumatic injuries, like broken bones, paralysis, or loss of a limb, those limits may not be enough to cover your losses. A Tupelo lawyer who regularly handles car accident cases can investigate all potential avenues of recovery. For instance, if the driver who hit you was working at the time of the wreck, his employer may be vicariously liable for damages under what is known as respondeat superior. This is important because companies typically carry more insurance coverage than the average policy.
Retain an Experienced Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Tupelo
Accidents caused by the carelessness and recklessness of intoxicated drivers often leave you and your loved ones wanting guidance and answers to questions. The attorneys at Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz are ready and willing to guide you through this difficult time. Our Tupelo drunk driving accident lawyers know the impact an accident like this can have on your life, and therefore, we make it a point to handle each aspect of your personal injury claim from start to finish. Contact our office toll-free by calling 800-529-4004 or by completing our online form to arrange a free consultation.
