Richmond Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Experienced Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Richmond, VA

Driving under the influence of alcohol is not only illegal, but it is also one of the leading causes of accidents in Virginia. When you’ve been injured by a drunk driver in Richmond, you are likely facing overwhelming medical expenses and emotional trauma. Whether you were hit by a drunk driver on East Main Street along the James River or in Brookland Park, an experienced Richmond drunk driving accident lawyer is here to help you recover compensation.

Hold a Drunk Driver Accountable With Brooks & Baez

For decades, the attorneys at Brooks & Baez have been helping personal injury victims recover damages throughout the Richmond area. After establishing the firm in 2016, our team has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for past clients and is now ready to work to do the same for you. While past results do not guarantee future case outcomes, our bilingual team is dedicated to providing the knowledge and reputation necessary to recover full compensation. 

Dangers of Drunk Driving in Richmond

When an individual gets behind the wheel of a vehicle intoxicated, they run the very real risk of causing a severe and even deadly accident. In a single year, drunk driving deaths actually account for around 30% of all traffic fatalities in the United States, and in a single year, Virginia recorded 485 traffic deaths because of drunk driving. 

Alcohol majorly impacts an individual’s ability to drive in a safe manner. These individuals are affected in various ways, all of which can lead to risk when they pull out onto the roadway. These dangers include:

• Delayed reaction time. Drunk drivers typically cannot react as quickly to objects or debris in the roadway as sober drivers do. Likewise, they do not have the same ability to react quickly in order to avoid a collision with another driver. This increases the risk of accidents.
• Impaired judgment. An intoxicated driver is more likely to make a reckless or foolish decision that can increase the likelihood of causing an accident. They may also be more prone to dangerous behaviors, such as speeding, running red lights or stop signs, failing to yield the right-of-way, or tailgating, all of which can increase the risk of accidents.
• Reduced coordination. Alcohol will likely impair a driver’s ability to brake, accelerate, or steer their vehicle properly. This can lead to a loss of control and make a drunk driver more prone to a collision.
• Blurry vision. Being intoxicated by alcohol can lead to blurred vision and can cause a driver to experience difficulty making out traffic signs and signals, other vehicles, and even pedestrians. Without a clear view of what is ahead of or around them, a drunk driver is more likely to be involved in a serious car accident.
• Drowsiness or loss of consciousness. If a driver has a high amount of alcohol in their system, it can cause them to fall asleep at the wheel, which can lead to a horrific and most likely fatal accident. 

How to Build a Drunk Driving Accident Case

In order to build a successful drunk driving accident case, you and your attorney will need to take time to uncover and provide clear evidence that establishes liability. At Brooks & Baez, we are here to take the correct steps to build you a successful drunk driving accident case. These steps include:

• Reviewing the police reports and any available DUI test results to provide evidence of intoxication
• Collecting any available witness statement that can confirm the drunk driver was engaging in reckless behavior at the time of the accident.
• Obtaining any available dashcam or surveillance footage that can help establish fault
• Consult with medical care providers to have a full picture of your injuries.
• Negotiating for a fair settlement on your behalf

FAQs

What Damages Can I Recover in a Drunk Driving Accident Claim?

There is a wide range of damages you may be able to recover in a drunk driving accident claim, depending on the severity of your injuries and the extent of harm you sustain. The most common damages typically recovered include all related medical costs, lost income, any loss of future earning capacity, pain and suffering, loss of the enjoyment of life, and possible punitive damages.

What Parties Can Be Held Liable for a Drunk Driving Accident?

In a drunk driving accident, depending on the involved circumstances, there are several parties who may be held liable for a victim’s injuries and other damages. In addition to the drunk driver themselves, you may also be able to hold the owner or operator of a bar, a restaurant, or a liquor store liable for compensation.  

How to Prove Negligence on the Part of a Drunk Driver?

To prove negligence on the part of a drunk driver, there are four elements that need to exist. These elements include a duty of care, or showing that the driver owed other motorists a duty to operate their vehicle safely; that the duty of care was breached; causation, or proving that the actions of the driver directly resulted in the accident; and damages, or showing that the victim suffered injuries and other losses as a result. 

What Are the Most Common Injuries in a Drunk Driving Accident?

There are several different injuries an individual can suffer in a drunk driving accident. The most common injuries include traumatic brain injuries or concussions, broken bones and fractures, internal bleeding or internal organ damage, whiplash or other soft tissue injuries, severe burns and scarring, and damage to the spinal cord, which could result in paralysis or even death. Across the US, 37 people are killed every day from drunk driving.

Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today

If you or someone you love has suffered serious injuries and other damages because of a drunk driver in Richmond, you need to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer as soon as possible. At Brooks & Baez, we are proud to serve our neighbors throughout the Commonwealth and are ready whenever you need our services. To learn more about our personal injury representation and to schedule an initial consultation with our team, contact our offices today.