What Should You Do If You’re Hit by a Drunk Driver?
Any auto accident caused by the actions of another driver can leave you reeling and feeling victimized, but when the driver of the other car was a drunk driver behind the wheel, you feel especially violated. The driver’s reckless action of damaging your vehicle, caused you emotional pain and may even have you injured and unable to work. The law is on your side when you’ve been hit by a drunk driver, but you need to know what steps to take to move forward.
Your anger over being hit by a drunk driver is understandable and so is your desire to sue him or her for what they’ve done; however, in many cases, the best way move forward is to settle through the insurance company rather than through litigation.
In Ohio, drivers must carry a minimum amount of car insurance to pay out settlements in the event of an injury. Often times, insurance companies are willing to pay fair settlements in the event of drunk driving accidents. This is especially true if the person who hit you was convicted of Operating a Motor Vehicle Impaired. Settling through the insurance company is the fastest way to get compensation and will cost you the least amount of money.
Of course, if the insurance company does not offer you a fair amount, you can pursue legal channels. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you determine what a reasonable settlement would be and work with you to try and negotiate that amount with the insurance company. If the matter cannot be resolved through negotiations, then your attorney can help you file the court case against the insurance company and/or the driver.
Before you speak with an insurance company or an attorney for the drunk driver, you need to take action and find a lawyer to represent your interests. You need someone on your side to ensure that you get fair compensation for pain and suffering, current and future medical expenses and lost wages.
Attorney Robert A. Boyd has been helping people in Willoughby, Ohio, and the surrounding areas get the fair settlements that they deserve after being hit by drunk drivers and can do the same for you. Contact his office at 440-230-3230 for a free consultation and answers to your questions about personal injury law.