Fredericksburg Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Compassionate Advocates for Drunk Driving Victims
A drunk driving accident in Fredericksburg can leave you with severe injuries, emotional distress, and mounting medical bills. If you lost a loved one in a drunk driving accident, it only compounds your grief knowing they would still be alive were it not for someone’s deplorable decision to drive while intoxicated.
At Allen & Allen, we understand the devastating impact that drunk driving accidents can have on individuals and families. Our experienced legal team is committed to providing compassionate support and aggressive representation to you throughout the claims process.
Our goal is to secure maximum compensation for your injuries, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages, so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
Don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact our firm today for a free consultation with a Fredericksburg drunk driving accident lawyer. Let us fight for justice on your behalf while you focus on your recovery.
Fredericksburg Drunk Driving Guide
- Why Allen & Allen Is the Right Choice for Your Fredericksburg Drunk Driving Accident Claim
- Fredericksburg Drunk Driving Accident Statistics
- What Are Virginia’s Laws Regarding Drunk Driving?
- How Do I Hold a Drunk Driver Accountable for a Dui Accident in Fredericksburg and Obtain Compensation?
- Can I Pursue Compensation Even If the Driver Is Never Convicted of DUI?
- Can I Hold Other Parties Liable for a Dui Accident in Fredericksburg?
- What Types of Compensation Can I Receive from a Drunk Driving Accident Claim in Fredericksburg?
- How Long Do I Have to File a Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit in Fredericksburg?
- Our Fredericksburg Drunk Driving Lawyers Are Here for You
Why Allen & Allen Is the Right Choice for Your Fredericksburg Drunk Driving Accident Claim
With a history of successfully handling personal injury cases, Allen & Allen brings a wealth of experience to drunk driving accident claims in Fredericksburg. Our track record speaks to our commitment to securing favorable results for our clients.
Our legal team includes skilled attorneys with extensive experience in drunk driving accident cases. You can rely on our in-depth knowledge of this specific area of law to help you navigate the complexities of these cases effectively and ensure that you receive the compensation you need.
Our compassionate approach ensures that you receive not only top-notch legal representation but also the support and understanding you deserve during this challenging time. We prioritize clear communication, regular updates on case progress, and a client-centric approach to ensure we meet your needs throughout the legal process.
As a law firm with a presence in Fredericksburg, we have a deep understanding of local laws, regulations, and the legal landscape. This local knowledge can be a valuable asset when dealing with courts, insurance companies, and other entities involved in your case.
From conducting thorough investigations to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, representing you in court, Allen & Allen provides comprehensive representation. Our Fredericksburg drunk driving accident attorneys take the time to understand the specific details of your situation, allowing us to craft personalized legal strategies tailored to your needs and the particulars of your case.
Since our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, you won’t pay anything upfront to get the quality, effective legal representation you need. We will only accept attorney fees if we win your case.
We build client relationships on integrity, compassion, respect, and trust, and many of our attorneys have earned awards and honors for our impeccable client service and outstanding legal abilities. Contact Allen & Allen today by calling 866-388-1307 to discuss your drunk driving accident claim at no cost.
Fredericksburg Drunk Driving Accident Statistics
According to accident statistics from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, 6,910 alcohol-related crashes occurred throughout Virginia in a recent year, resulting in 4,174 injuries and 274 fatalities. In the Fredericksburg area, 300 total alcohol-related crashes occurred that same year, resulting in 210 injuries and 18 fatalities.
Around 14% of all serious traffic injuries and more than 27% of all traffic fatalities in Virginia occur because of drunk drivers. Drunk drivers also account for a considerable number of pedestrian injuries and fatalities. The rate of fatal drunk driving accidents increased by more than 10% from the previous year.
What Are Virginia’s Laws Regarding Drunk Driving?
Drunk driving is illegal in Virginia as in all other states. The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit in Virginia is 0.08%. For commercial drivers who hold a CDL, the limit drops to 0.04%. The Commonwealth also has a zero-tolerance policy for people under 21 and prohibits any detectable amount of alcohol in underage drivers.
Under Virginia’s implied consent law, those who obtain a driver’s license agree to submit to a chemical test if suspected of driving under the influence. Refusal to take the test can lead to an automatic driver’s license suspension.
Penalties for DUI offenses in Virginia can include fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and potential jail time. The severity of penalties increases for subsequent offenses. For certain DUI convictions, Virginia may require the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device in the offender’s vehicle. This device requires the driver to pass a breath test before the vehicle can be started.
Virginia also imposes enhanced penalties for individuals with a BAC of 0.15% or higher. Higher BAC levels can result in increased fines and mandatory minimum jail sentences.
How Do I Hold a Drunk Driver Accountable for a DUI Accident in Fredericksburg and Obtain Compensation?
Holding a drunk driver accountable for a DUI accident and seeking compensation for your injuries and losses involves a series of steps. Your first step is to get medical attention for yourself and others involved in the accident. Visit a healthcare professional promptly, even if your injuries seem minor. Call 911 and request emergency medical assistance for serious or life-threatening injuries. Medical documentation is crucial for both your well-being and your personal injury claim.
You also need to call the police to report the accident and inform them of your suspicion that the other driver is under the influence of alcohol. Cooperate with law enforcement officers during their investigation. Provide factual information to law enforcement, but avoid speculating or making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault.
If you can, collect evidence that can support your case. This can include taking photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, any visible signs of impairment from the other driver, and road conditions. If there are witnesses to the accident, gather their contact information and statements. Witnesses can provide valuable testimony about the events leading up to the crash.
Notify your insurance company about the accident. Provide them with necessary information but be cautious about making detailed statements without legal advice.
Keep records of medical bills, repair estimates for property damage, and any other expenses related to the accident. This documentation will be crucial when seeking compensation.
Reach out to a personal injury attorney in Fredericksburg experienced in DUI cases. Your attorney will investigate the circumstances of the accident, assess liability, and determine if the drunk driver’s actions were a significant factor in causing the collision.
If the drunk driver is found liable and you’ve incurred damages, your attorney may help you file a personal injury claim against the driver’s auto insurance company to seek compensation. Your lawyer may engage in negotiations with the drunk driver’s insurance company to reach a settlement. This may involve discussions on compensation for your damages.
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement through negotiations, your case may proceed to court. Your attorney will present your case, provide evidence, and argue for the compensation you deserve. If you win your case, your attorney will help you enforce the judgment and work to secure the compensation awarded by the court.
Working with an attorney following a drunk driving accident that injured you or killed a close family member is vitally important. A lawyer can assess the details of your case, guide you through the legal process, and help you understand your rights. They can also serve as a steadfast advocate for you to help ensure you get a favorable outcome.
Can I Pursue Compensation Even If the Driver Is Never Convicted of DUI?
Yes, you can pursue compensation even if the driver is never convicted of DUI. Civil cases for personal injury or wrongful death operate independently of criminal cases, and the burden of proof is different. In a criminal DUI case, the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, while in a civil case, the standard is typically a preponderance of the evidence, meaning that it is more likely than not that the defendant was negligent.
Can I Hold Other Parties Liable for a DUI Accident in Fredericksburg?
Unlike some other states, Virginia does not have so-called dram shop laws that allow people injured in drunk driving accidents to seek compensation from the bar, restaurant, or social host who provided the alcohol to the drunk driver. However, alcohol vendors in Virginia are prohibited from providing alcohol to minors or patrons who are obviously intoxicated.
If the drunk driver had inadequate insurance to cover your injuries and losses, a personal injury attorney can inform you of your options for seeking additional compensation. Options may include relying on uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage from your own auto insurance policy or pursuing a civil lawsuit against the drunk driver.
What Types of Compensation Can I Receive from a Drunk Driving Accident Claim in Fredericksburg?
In a drunk driving accident claim in Fredericksburg, you may be eligible to receive various types of compensation, depending on the specific circumstances of your case.
Some forms of compensation you could receive include:
- Medical expenses and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Lost income and loss of future earnings
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and scarring
If the drunk driving accident killed a close family member, you may also qualify to receive wrongful death damages. These can include funeral and burial costs as well as the loss of income and support your loved one provided to the family.
How Long Do I Have to File a Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit in Fredericksburg?
In Fredericksburg and throughout Virginia, you typically have two years from the date of the drunk driving accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court. The two-year statute of limitations in Virginia also applies to wrongful death claims. If you fail to have an attorney file a lawsuit for you within this time, the court may dismiss your case, and you’ll have no legal recourse to get the compensation you need.
Certain exceptions may apply that extend the time you have to file. These include cases involving minors or if you’re mentally incapacitated during the limitation period. Also, the clock may not start ticking until you discover your injuries, which could be some time after the accident.
If you’re considering filing a drunk driving accident lawsuit in Fredericksburg, you must consult a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can determine the legal deadlines that apply to your case and file your lawsuit within the statute of limitations.
Richard Armstrong, Drunk Driving Lawyer in Fredericksburg
Our Fredericksburg Drunk Driving Lawyers Are Here for You
The aftermath of a drunk driving accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our experienced team of Fredericksburg drunk driving accident attorneys is here to fight for your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today at (540) 786-4100 for your free consultation about your Fredericksburg drunk driving case and take your first step toward justice.
Our Fredericksburg Office
Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen
3504 Plank Road
Fredericksburg, VA 22407