When drunk drivers cause crashes and others are injured or killed, victims and their families want the driver to be held accountable by the criminal justice system. However, fines and jail time are not going to provide compensation for the victim’s medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Victims and their families may ask: Can you sue a drunk driver for hitting you?
The answer is yes, but drunk driving victims need an experienced Appleton car accident lawyer to help them recover all the compensation they need. At Sigman Janssen, we know how devastating drunk driving crashes can be and we know how to build a robust case for compensation.
Call to learn more: (877) 888-5201. There are no upfront costs.
The Problem of Drunk Driving in Wisconsin
We would all like to avoid crashes caused by drunk drivers. Unfortunately, they are a persistent threat, especially in Wisconsin.
Excessive alcohol consumption has been a longstanding problem in our state. Nearly 65 percent of Wisconsin adults reported drinking alcohol within the past 30 days. This is almost 10 percent higher than the national average. This data is from research done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Data Archive. The data also shows Wisconsin adults tend to consume more alcohol when they drink.
Unfortunately, many Wisconsinites get behind the wheel after excessive alcohol consumption. There were almost 23,000 OWI convictions in 2022 alone.
Alcohol is one of the main causes of death on Wisconsin roads. In fact, one-third of 2021 traffic deaths were attributed to alcohol or other forms of impairment.
How a Lawyer Can Help Victims of Impaired Drivers
If you are unsure if you need legal help after getting injured by a drunk driver, call Sigman Janssen to find out about the benefits of hiring an experienced lawyer. Below, we discuss some of the advantages of having legal representation.
Proving You Were Injured in the Crash
You may think it will be easy to prove fault for a drunk driving crash. After all, the other driver broke the law by driving with a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit.
A drunk driving conviction would certainly help to strengthen your case for compensation. However, you still need to prove the other driver caused the crash. If you broke a traffic law and crashed into the other driver’s car, you may be at fault, even though the other driver would be facing criminal penalties for drunk driving.
Alcohol impairment can help to strengthen your argument about the driver’s negligent actions behind the wheel. For example, if you were rear-ended or T-boned in an intersection, alcohol impairment may help explain why that occurred.
Additionally, to prove the cause of the crash, you need to establish that the crash is the reason for your injuries.
Building a case against a drunk driver is a complex task, and this is something that the experienced attorneys at Sigman Janssen know a lot about. We have been representing crash victims for many years and have obtained millions on their behalf.
Establishing the Value of Your Damages
The value of your case depends on many factors, including:
- Severity of your injuries
- Medical expenses you have already incurred
- Punitive damages can also be claimed in some, but not all drunk driving cases
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Whether you are permanently disabled
Determining what a case is worth is about more than adding up your medical bills. You may need ongoing care, and the cost of this care is a projection. There are also non-economic damages to consider, and these are difficult to calculate.
Our attorneys have many years of combined experience evaluating damages to determine how much compensation victims need.
Dealing With the Insurance Company
When you hire a lawyer, he or she can deal with the insurance company on your behalf. You do not need to worry about how to answer their questions or whether the settlement they are offering is fair.
Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary
Sometimes the liable insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation. They may even deny the claim. Despite the other driver being charged with drunk driving, the insurance company may say the driver is not at fault for the collision.
In these situations, your last resort may be to file a lawsuit. When you hire an attorney to represent you, he or she can determine when or if that is necessary.
Despite the fact that most cases settle, you need an attorney who has taken cases to court because that may be the only way for you to obtain the compensation you need.
Contact Our Experienced Lawyers About Your Car Crash Claim
Drunk driving crashes can cause catastrophic, life-changing injuries. Victims and their families often have many questions about what to do next.
Talking to an experienced lawyer can be an important step. You are going to need compensation for your medical care and the many other damages you have suffered.
Sigman Janssen has secured millions for victims of motor vehicle crashes, and there are no upfront costs. If we do not secure money for you, there is no attorney fee owed.
Schedule your free legal consultation today. Call (877) 888-5201.