When A Pedestrian Is Hurt By A Drunk Driver
On average, nearly 1.4 million people are arrested every year in incidents involving driving and alcohol or other intoxicants. Over 30 percent of all fatal car crashes also involve intoxicated drivers. The numbers speak for themselves: drunk driving is a serious issue. When the victim of such an accident is a pedestrian, the cost is even higher, often resulting in a serious or lifelong disability and even death.
It’s important to take the right steps to hold the drunk driver accountable and get the funds you’ll need to pay for your medical bills and suffering. Learn what happens when you’re hurt as a pedestrian in a drunk driving accident, and why a Nashville car accident lawyer might be vital to getting compensation.
The Dangers Of Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is a major cause of traffic accidents and pedestrian deaths in the United States. Every year, drunk drivers are responsible for thousands of accidents and pedestrian deaths. In 2018 alone, over 10,000 people were killed in drunk driving-related crashes. This number is still too high, and steps must be taken to reduce the number of drunk driving-related deaths and accidents.
When a pedestrian is hurt by a drunk driver, the results can be devastating. Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable in these types of accidents, as they have no protection from the car. Oftentimes, the injuries suffered in a pedestrian accident can be serious and life-altering. In the worst cases, pedestrians can suffer severe injuries or even death due to a drunk driver.
It is essential that people understand the dangers of drunk driving. Drunk drivers put themselves and others at risk and should never be allowed to get behind the wheel of a car. Pedestrians need to be aware of their surroundings and look out for signs of impaired drivers.
It is also important to remember that drunk driving is illegal. If you see someone driving while impaired, contact law enforcement immediately. Doing so can help keep pedestrians safe and reduce the number of pedestrian accidents caused by a driver.
Drunk driving is an incredibly serious problem that causes thousands of pedestrian accidents and pedestrian deaths every year. It is everyone’s responsibility to do their part to keep pedestrians safe and reduce the number of these types of accidents. Intoxicated drivers must be held accountable for their actions and pedestrians must also be aware of their surroundings and look out for signs of impairment. If we all work together, we can reduce the number of pedestrian accidents and pedestrian deaths caused by inebriated drivers.
The Legal Consequences Of Drunk Driving
The legal consequences of drunk driving can be severe. When a driver is found to be driving while impaired, they can face both criminal and civil liability. In the case of car accidents, the driver may be held liable for any damages caused to other motor vehicles or pedestrians. This can include property damage, medical bills, and other expenses related to the accident.
In the event of a pedestrian accident, the injured pedestrian may receive compensation from the driver’s insurance company. The amount of compensation they receive will depend on the extent of their injuries and the cost of their medical bills. In the worst cases, the injured pedestrian may be entitled to punitive damages if the driver was found to be grossly negligent or reckless.
It is also important to remember that traffic laws exist to protect pedestrians from drunk drivers. Drivers must adhere to these laws, and if they fail to do so, they can face serious legal penalties. Depending on the state, these penalties may include jail time, fines, and license suspension.
Drunk driving is a serious crime and the consequences can be severe for those injured by a drunk driver. In addition to the legal penalties, those injured may also suffer physical and emotional pain. For this reason, it is important to hold drunk drivers accountable for their actions and ensure that those injured by a drunk driver receive the compensation they deserve. Traffic deaths are a serious legal issue involving any pedestrian and they need to be dealt with.
Holding Drunk Drivers Accountable
The first thing to understand is that your pursuit of compensation for the damages and pain you suffer is separate from the driver being arrested on criminal charges. You can (and should) file a civil suit for compensation regardless of whether the driver gets arrested on formal charges. The two suits are separate and distinct and any fines they get from a criminal conviction won’t go to you.
Your civil suit is what enables you to collect damages for your medical bills, your lost salary and wages, your pain and suffering, emotional damages, and more. In some cases, you may even be able to open the door to punitive damages to penalize the driver’s sheer irresponsibility.
How to Prove Responsibility
The key to any personal injury case involves proving responsibility, or negligence, on someone’s part. This means that the driver of the car had a responsibility to act in a reasonable fashion that wouldn’t put others in danger and that they failed to do so. In failing, they caused the accident that resulted in your injury.
The first part of this isn’t hard to prove — driving while under the influence of alcohol is the very definition of negligent and irresponsible behavior. What remains is to demonstrate that their negligence caused your injury, and this can be trickier than you might think.
Proving Negligence In Drunk Driving Cases
Drunk driving affects pedestrians in many ways, leading to serious injuries and even death. When a drunk driver hits a pedestrian, the injured party may be entitled to compensation for their losses. To prove negligence in drunk driving cases, it is important to consult with an experienced law firm. This is where a free consultation can help.
During a free consultation, a law firm can help you understand your legal options and discuss the details of your particular case. To prove negligence in drunk driving cases, evidence must be provided that the driver was driving while impaired. This can include the driver’s blood alcohol content, witness statements, and other evidence of impairment. In addition, evidence must be provided that the driver was inherently negligent in their activity, such as speeding or disregarding traffic signs.
If negligence is proven, the injured pedestrian may be entitled to compensation for their losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. This compensation can come from the driver’s insurance company or from the negligent driver themselves. In some cases, the injured pedestrian may even be able to file a lawsuit against the driver.
If you or someone you know has been injured by a drunk driver, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. An experienced law firm can help you understand your legal options and determine if you have a valid claim. They can also help you understand the implications of filing a claim and the potential costs associated with it. By understanding your legal options, you can make sure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
Insurance Companies and Injuries
Insurance companies will limit the amount of damages they’re willing to pay out. If a policy has a $100,000 limit, even if your case is worth $300,000, that hundred thousand is the maximum you’ll get from the insurer. While the driver is technically responsible for the rest, it can be hard to collect if they don’t have it.
In addition, insurance companies will fight to avoid paying at all. They will try to shift blame onto you, claim your injury isn’t that serious, even claim you’re not hurt at all. They might try to bully you into accepting a lowball offer.
A Car Accident Lawyer Will Fight for You
That’s why it’s important to have a car accident lawyer in your corner. Auto accident attorneys like those at Mitch Grissim & Associates not only give you a better chance at a high settlement, they can help you explore options to pursue your case and to collect the damages you’re awarded. If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, don’t wait. Give us a call or complete our contact form to talk about your case for free today.
