Drunk driving is a devastating action that occurs often. When a drunk driver gets behind the wheel of a vehicle, they cannot react fast enough to changing situations. They have no ability to maneuver the vehicle safely. Often, many people who are intoxicated don’t know just how impaired they are until there’s an accident. Unfortunately, drunk driving accidents are common in Wilmington and Clinton County. Drunk driving accident victims in Wilmington have legal rights to pursue financial losses they’ve suffered due to someone else’s negligence.
Kruger & Hodges Attorneys at Law wants to help you to obtain that compensation. While you cannot reverse what’s occurred, you may be able to get compensation for those losses. These accidents occur along US 73, US 68, Route 78, and many other streets in the city.
Crash Statistics in Ohio
Unfortunately, there are a large number of accidents that occur in Clinton County that relate to alcohol or substance intoxication. In 2021, the Ohio State Highway Patrol reported 41 such incidents in the county. Of those, the highest percentage of them happened between 5 and 6 PM, with more resulting in the hours following. Of those accidents, 5 people died in them, which could have been the drunk driver or others in vehicles with them. Two additional serious injuries occur.
What Are Common Injuries from Drunk Driving Accidents?
Drunk driving accident victims in Wilmington face a wide range of risks. Often, these types of accidents result in a high-speed accident which could lead to a head-on collision, a T-bone, or a rear-ending. In any of these situations, people suffer life-threatening and life-changing injuries. Some examples include:
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Lacerations
Internal organ injuries
Shoulder and neck injuries
Broken bones
Loss of life
In some situations, drunk driving accident victims in Wilmington may experience long-term pain and mobility concerns. Some people are unable to go back to work, while others are unable to live their lives without pain.
What Should I Do If I’m Injured by a Drunk Driver?
After a drunk driver strikes your vehicle, your priority needs to be getting medical care to anyone involved. Call 911 and wait for their help. If you are able to do so, move out of the way of other traffic. When it is possible to do so, start to document what occurred. This includes who was involved, the contact information for any witnesses, and photos of the crash site. Don’t put yourself in harm’s way. Instead, work closely with the police to provide any information possible and allow them to handle the witness information.
Most importantly, go to the hospital. A visit to an area hospital allows you to get fully examined, and it documents any injuries you have. This information is very important later when you need to file a claim for your losses. Remember, injuries can show up in the days after the accident, not always right after it occurs. If you feel ill, have headaches, suffer intense pain, or have trouble focusing, get back to the hospital.
Drunk driving victims in Wilmington need to focus heavily on their own well-being, but once it is safe to do so, call Kruger & Hodges Attorneys at Law for immediate help. Discuss your case with us. Let our team handle the next steps in the process. Avoid posting information or photos on social media. Those could be used against you by the insurance company later. Try to avoid discussing your case with anyone else.
Claim Process
The next step is the claims process, but you do not want to rush into it. You have time to file your claim, and you want to be sure you provide all of the information possible, so you don’t miss any financial losses. We can help you document all of those losses. Some common losses after a drunk driving accident include:
Emergency room medical bills
Charges for ambulance services
Surgical procedure costs
Medical specialist care
Rehabilitation
Long-term care needs
Home health care costs
Medication costs
If your loved one lost their life at the hands of a drunk driver, there is no monetary compensation that will make up for this. However, our goal is to help you obtain the financial compensation owed to you. That way, you can continue your lifestyle and ensure your needs are met while you mourn the loss of your loved one.
Once you’ve gathered all of this data, let our attorneys process the claim for you. This ensures there’s less risk of the insurance adjuster refuting your costs or trying to get you to admit your costs are lower. You don’t have to settle for that first offer. We will work to pursue fair compensation, even if that means going to trial for it.
How to Choose the Best Car Accident Lawyer in Wilmington for Me
Drunk driving victims in Wilmington deserve the best attorney available to them. To achieve that, consider the following about any attorney you are considering working with. Are they:
Highly experienced in handling the complexity of drunk driving cases?
Ready to go to court if your claim is rejected?
Proven with case results to show for the people they’ve helped?
Accessible and willing to listen to you about what your needs are?
Trusted with a solid reputation within the region?
If you choose to work with Kruger & Hodges Attorneys at Law, you can expect exceptional support throughout this legal process. We are here to protect you. This is a very difficult time in your life. You deserve a team dedicated to your best possible outcome.
Now is the best time to contact Kruger & Hodges Attorneys at Law. Drunk driving victims in Wilmington have just a few short years to file a claim, and the process takes a long time. Don’t feel pressured by an insurance adjuster, either. Instead, let an attorney provide you with support.
We offer free case evaluations. There’s no cost to you. Let us help you determine if you have a case.
