Drunk Driving Car Accident Victims
Every day, 34 Americans are killed by drunk drivers. Many more drunk driving car accident victims are injured each day through no fault of their own. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), 2 out of every 3 people will be affected by drunk driving in their lifetimes.
If you are injured in a drunk driving car accident in Massachusetts, the financial and physical toll can be immense. It is essential to contact a lawyer who has successfully handled drunk driving accidents in Bristol County and the surrounding areas to understand your rights. Collisions involving drunk drivers are often far more catastrophic than other car accidents. Alcohol-impaired drivers frequently travel at excessive speeds, disregard traffic lights and signs, and even drive into oncoming traffic. These reckless behaviors significantly increase the likelihood of serious injuries or even wrongful death in drunk driving car accident victims. The consequences extend beyond vehicle damage. Victims are often left facing overwhelming medical expenses, time away from work, and long-term therapy or rehabilitation. Some people injured by drunk drivers also grapple with emotional distress, anger, and the deep frustration of suffering due to another person’s bad choices.
Drunk driving car accidents in Massachusetts can involve:
- Cars
- Motorcycles
- Bicycles
- Trucks
- And more
Drunk Driving Victims Lawyer Tracy Paulsen understands just how devastating these accidents can be. Massachusetts Car Accident Injury Law Firm Rightful Legal has seen firsthand the destruction that a drunk driver can inflict on innocent individuals and their families.
If you or someone you love has been harmed in a drunk driving accident in Massachusetts, it’s essential to seek guidance from an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer. Your rights deserve strong protection, and time is critical.
Whether you were rear-ended, T-boned, struck head-on, or riding as a passenger during a drunk driving crash, a determined and knowledgeable car crash attorney can help. Attorney Tracy Paulsen is committed to pursuing the full compensation you need and deserve for your injuries, suffering, and losses after being injured by an impaired driver.
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What Should You Do After a Massachusetts Drunk Driving Crash?
- First and foremost, prioritize your safety and move to a location out of harm’s way. Be aware that an impaired driver may become aggressive and be cautious in your interactions with them.
- Dial 911 to report the accident. Try to remain calm and speak clearly. Do not speculate about the driver’s potential intoxication, but do share any relevant facts with police.
- If possible and safe, exchange accurate identification and contact details with all parties involved, including witnesses.
- Record key car crash details as soon as you can. Use your phone to take photos and videos of the scene, vehicles, and any skid marks.
- Get medical attention right away, even if you do not feel obviously hurt. If you delay seeking care, other parties and insurance companies may use this to question whether your injuries are caused by the accident or are as severe as they appear.
- Reach out to Rightful Legal for legal representation.
Keep in mind that your words and actions in the confusing aftermath of a drunk driving car accident can have lasting legal and financial consequences. Rightful Legal is here to guide you through this distressing time.
What Damages Can You Get in a Drunk Driving Car Accident Injury Lawsuit?
Fully understanding your damages is key to securing maximum compensation in an impaired driving accident case. Some damages, like medical expenses and lost income, are easy to value. Others, like pain and suffering, can be harder to put a number on. An experienced car accident attorney with experience in Massachusetts drunk driving cases can assist you with calculating your damages and proving them to the insurance company or in court.
Potential damages you may be able to recover include:
- Past medical expenses
- Future medical expenses
- Past loss of income
- Future loss of income
- Disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent physical disability
- Permanent mental disability
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The value of each drunk driving car accident claim varies depending on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, your income, and your age.
What Are BAC and OUI?
Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is the metric used to measure how alcohol-impaired a driver is. When BAC is .08 grams per deciliter (g/DL) or higher, a driver is considered alcohol-impaired. This is also known as driving under the influence.
Driving while alcohol-impaired is illegal in every state in the U.S.
In Massachusetts, the criminal charge for drunk driving is called operating under the influence (OUI). This can also be the name of the charge for driving under the influence of drugs.
You can find the laws on Massachusetts on operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol here. Drivers with an OUI conviction face jail time, fines, and/or license suspense or revocation, even indefinitely.
What Are the Risk Factors for Drunk Driving Car Accidents?
- The number one risk factor is, of course, driving after drinking. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that despite being illegal in every state, drunk driving is involved of 30% of all traffic crash fatalities in the U.S.
- Age is another risk factor, with young drivers aged 21 to 24 consistently being the highest percentage of drunk drivers.
- Motorcycles are particularly risky with high levels of fatalities.
- Alcohol abuse and repeat offenses is a deadly risk factor. Crashes with fatalities are more likely to be the result of those with prior convictions of OUIs than not.
How Long Do You Have to Bring a Drunk Driving Accident Claim?
There is a strict three-year deadline to file a drunk driving car accident personal injury claim in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This three-year time limit starts running out the date your injury is discovered. In many cases (but not all), this date is the day of your accident.
Waiting to take legal action can cost you your entire drunk driving accident case. The longer you delay your case, the harder it becomes to find the evidence you need to make your personal injury claim. If you have been the victim of a drunk driver, take action now.
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Why You Should Contact a Massachusetts Drunk Driving Car Accident Attorney Now
You may be eligible to bring a claim In Massachusetts and obtain significant compensation if:
- You have been the victim of a drunk driving car accident AND
- The accident caused you physical or emotional injury.
For those who have tragically lost a family member as a drunk driving accident victim, you could be eligible to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. Our injury attorneys at Rightful Legal are trained and experienced in dealing with traumatic situations involving loss. We treat all our clients with compassion and empathy, especially during the most difficult and painful times.
If you have been injured at the hands of a drunk drivers, it is recommended to seek legal guidance as soon as possible. Attorney Tracy Paulsen and her Rightful Legal team are passionate about holding drunk drivers accountable for the injuries they have caused to innocent people and forcing safe, sober driving in the future.
Reach out to us to ensure you do not lose your opportunity at the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Why Choose Attorney Paulsen and Rightful Legal to Represent You?
Rightful Legal has helped numerous families who have been harmed as a result of a drunk driver throughout Bristol County and Massachusetts. We understand the complex legal and emotional aspects of drunk driving accident injuries, and our team is dedicated to obtaining justice for our clients. We provide a cost-free, no obligation consultation to help you understand your rights and options as a drunk driving car accident victim.
Attorney Paulsen brings a wealth of knowledge to each client’s case. She guides with empathy and leads with integrity. Unlike large personal injury firms, where you may interact with your lawyer at the initial intake and not again until the settlement, with Rightful Legal you will be with Attorney Paulsen the whole way. You can contact her directly anytime, with any question or concern you have. Constant communication and the highest client satisfaction is our mission.
We stand up against big insurance companies, who do everything in their power to lower your settlement in the name of corporate profits, to Fight for Your Rights to help you obtain the Compensation You Deserve. If the insurance company won’t settle to your satisfaction, then we don’t settle. We will take your case to court and litigate to win.
Call or Text 617-821-5856 or contact our Massachusetts Drunk Driving Car Accident Victim Lawyers at Rightful Legal immediately. Attorney Paulsen is here and ready to help you obtain the damages and justice you deserve from the irresponsible drunk driver who injured you or your loved one.