Drunk driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents in Monroe and throughout Ohio. The saddest thing about these kinds of accidents is that they can always be avoided by not drinking and driving. If you or your loved one is among the many drunk driving accident victims in Monroe, it may be necessary to hold the drunk driver accountable for their negligence.
According to a study, Monroe is among the counties with the highest relative risk of drunk-driving accidents in our region. Another report also linked Butler County among the counties with the highest death percentages in accidents caused by impaired drivers.
Clearly, from these statistics, there is every reason to be concerned. Whether you are a driver or pedestrian, no one is safe. For this reason, you must know what to do if you are a victim of such an accident.
What Are Common Injuries for Drunk Driving Accident Victims?
Some of the most common injuries caused by drunk driving accidents include:
Traumatic Brain Injury
This kind of injury can change how your brain functions and affect your memory, reason, hearing, vision, and more.
Spinal Injuries
These injuries often lead to partial or complete paralysis. In some cases, accident victims may also suffer nerve damage and experience chronic back pain.
Organ Damage
Some of the most vital yet vulnerable organs in the human body include the kidney, spleen, and lungs.
Limb Injuries and Amputation
Accident victims may suffer broken limbs, often requiring long-term treatment, including surgery. They may also need physical therapy lasting months, a year, or even more.
Burns
Burn injuries occur when various fluids or gasses in the vehicle combust and explode. These injuries could result in permanent disfigurement, scarring, trauma, disability, etc.
Soft Tissue Injuries
These include injuries to the tendons, muscles, ligaments, etc. Whiplash is one of the most common soft tissue injuries.
What to Do if Your Loved Ones Are Drunk Driving Accident Victims in Monroe, OH
Here’s what to do if you or your loved one has been injured by a drunk driver in Monroe, OH.
Safety comes first. Make sure you are in a safe spot before deciding your next move. If there are any passengers in your vehicle, ensure they are safe.
Call 911 and request an ambulance if you or your loved one has suffered serious injuries. The same applies if the drunk driver is injured.
Request the police at the accident scene. The responding officer will write an accident report that could come in handy later.
Write down the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident. Their testimonies could be helpful when you file a claim with the drunk driver’s insurance company.
Document the accident scene whenever possible. Ensure you capture important details such as photos of the accident, important road signs, visible injuries, etc.
Contact a car accident attorney serving Monroe for a case evaluation and assistance with the claims process.
Drunk Driving Accident Claims Process Explained
If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, you may be able to file a claim with the driver’s insurer. Here is how the claims process works.
First, you must contact an experienced car accident lawyer to evaluate your case. The attorney will let you know whether you have a valid claim against the other party.
Your attorney will investigate the accident and collect crucial evidence to support your case.
It’s also important to note that there are times when more than one party may be responsible for the injuries caused by the drunk driver. For example, suppose the drunk driver was served alcohol at a local bar. In that case, the attorney may be able to file a claim against the bar for serving alcohol beyond acceptable limits.
The attorney will then evaluate your damages and calculate the amount of compensation you may be entitled to. Next, the attorney will file a claim on your behalf and negotiate with the insurer for a reasonable settlement.
Most car accident claims settle out of court. However, some insurance companies may refuse to cooperate with your attorney. When that happens, the attorney files a lawsuit, presenting the case before a judge.
If the judge rules against you, your attorney can also file an appeal on your behalf.
How Do I Choose the Best Car Accident Lawyer?
Drunk driving accident cases may seem straightforward on paper, but in reality, they are not. Many technical details ought to be considered before and even after filing a claim.
For this reason, you need to work with only the best attorney for your needs. Here are some important questions to ask the attorney:
How Kruger & Hodges Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys Can Help
As mentioned, more than one party may be liable for your injuries. Things can become even more complicated if someone suffers permanent injuries or dies.
Bearing all these factors in mind, you need an attorney with vast experience representing drunk driving accident victims in Monroe, OH, and throughout Butler County.
At Kruger & Hodges, our skilled car accident attorneys have years of experience handling drunk driving cases. We will fight for you and your loved one, ensuring you receive the compensation you need and deserve.
