Casey is a founding partner at River Run Law Group. Casey has tried numerous cases across the Commonwealth in both General District Court and Circuit Court. He has earned millions of dollars for his clients through trials, mediations, and settlements.
Drunk driving accident victims often suffer massive losses. Medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses pile up quickly. You may wonder, does car insurance cover drunk driving accidents?
Auto insurers do cover drunk driving accidents. However, the drunk driver’s auto policy might not be enough to cover everything you lost.
If a driver causes an accident while intoxicated, they can be held liable for damages. In most cases, the driver’s car insurance will cover the accident victim’s claim, even if the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time.
Having an aggressive and experienced drunk driving accident attorney can help you recover fair and just compensation from any party that contributed to your injuries.
Contact River Run Law today if you or a family member suffered injuries in a drunk driving accident in Richmond, VA. We believe that you deserve justice.
Key Takeaways About Insurance Coverage for Drunk Driving Accidents
- A drunk driver’s liability insurance may still cover injuries and property damage caused in a DUI crash.
- A strong drunk driving accident claim often includes medical records, police reports, photographs, and proof of financial losses.
- Uninsured motorist coverage may help if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance coverage.
- Compensation may include medical expenses after car accident treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and potentially punitive damages.
- Insurance companies may aggressively dispute insurance settlements after DUI accident claims despite clear evidence of intoxication.
- A lawyer can help investigate the crash, manage insurer communication, and pursue full personal injury compensation.
After a drunk driving accident in Virginia, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed by insurance questions, medical bills, and the stress of not knowing what comes next. You shouldn’t have to become an insurance expert just to get the help you deserve. At River Run Law, our team explains your options clearly, handles the insurance process for you, and helps you move forward with confidence so you can focus on healing.
100% Free ConsultationWill Insurance Cover Drunk Driving Accidents?
Car insurance typically covers DUI accidents, but coverage can vary depending on the insurer and the circumstances of the accident. In most cases, insurance policies include provisions for accidents caused by driving under the influence, but it’s essential to review your policy and consult with your insurance provider to understand the specifics of your coverage.
According to the Virginia DMV, 32% of all motor vehicle crash fatalities in the Commonwealth involved drunk driving in 2019.
Also, one out of every six motorists is likely to be involved in an alcohol-related crash during their lives.
The money lost due to these accidents is astronomical. Consequently, Virginia law requires every vehicle in operation in the commonwealth to have a current insurance policy.
According to the Code of Virginia, every car must have a minimum of:
- $30,000 coverage for the death or injury of one person;
- $60,000 coverage for the death or injury of two or more people; and
- $20,000 coverage for property damage.
You can purchase more coverage if you wish. However, the statutory minimums increase in January 2025.
You Deserve to Be Made Whole After a Crash
Most people injured by a drunk driver aren’t looking for a fight — they just want their medical care covered, their income protected, and their life back. When insurance companies complicate the process, it adds stress to an already painful situation. At River Run Law, we take the time to understand what this crash has cost you, then build a plan that protects your future while we deal with the insurance company on your behalf.
Speak With Our Team TodayRecent Drunk Driving Accident Settlement
The Case: Our client was involved in a motor vehicle accident where the other driver was intoxicated and ran him off the road. He suffered whiplash injuries and was treated at the emergency room, by an orthopedic doctor, and had a course of physical therapy. His medical bills totaled about $13,000. We settled the case for the full amount of the policy limits of $60,000. There was no other available coverage.
Disclaimer: Please keep in mind that testimonials or reviews do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter, as the facts and circumstances of each case differ.
How Do You File a Claim Against a Drunk Driver’s Insurance Policy?
Speaking with an experienced and successful drunk driving accident attorney is vital to your success. The attorneys at River Run Law can initiate the process of recovering just compensation for you.
We will investigate your claim thoroughly and try to identify every party who might have some liability for your losses.
The drunk driver’s insurance company might try to settle with you immediately, especially if the drunk driver was convicted in criminal court.
If you have long-lasting injuries that cause debilitating pain and suffering, then the drunk driver’s insurance policy will not be enough to compensate you for your losses. In that case, we need to find other ways to win compensation for you.
Our investigation might reveal that the drunk driver over-consumed alcohol at a restaurant. You might have a claim against that establishment for over-serving their customer.
We could also look at your insurance policies for injury coverage. Your auto insurance policy might provide under-insured coverage, which you could apply to your losses.
Or you could collect compensation for your damages if the drunk driver did not have insurance because your policy has uninsured coverage.
No matter the case, we will aggressively seek compensation from every available source to make you whole.
For a free confidential review of your case, fill out the form below or call (804) 889-0500.
Hurt By a Drunk Driver in Virginia? Here’s What You Can Do Next.
If you’re searching for answers about whether insurance will cover a drunk driving accident in Virginia, you’re likely facing stress, uncertainty, and a lot of unanswered questions. You shouldn’t have to fight insurance companies or navigate confusing rules while you’re trying to heal. At River Run Law, we help you understand exactly what your options look like and what steps can actually move your life forward.
We identify every insurance policy that may apply, handle the back-and-forth with adjusters, and build a plan designed around your needs—not the insurer’s bottom line. You deserve a clear roadmap, honest guidance, and support from a team that puts your recovery first. A free consultation is a simple way to get clarity before making any decisions.
Schedule Your 100% Free ConsultationInjured by a Drunk Driver? Contact Us to Pursue Justice Today!
Does car insurance cover drunk driving accidents? It probably does. Contact us today at (804) 889-0500 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss the answer.
At River Run Law, we are passionate advocates who fight to win fair and just compensation for all our clients.
Frequently Asked Questions About Insurance Coverage for Drunk Driving Accidents
In many situations, yes. A drunk driver’s liability insurance may still provide coverage for injuries and property damage caused in a DUI crash.
However, insurance companies often investigate these claims aggressively because alcohol involvement can increase the value and complexity of a Virginia car accident claim.
- Medical expenses after car accident treatment;
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability;
- Pain and suffering;
- Property damage; and
- Potential punitive damages in severe cases.
If the at-fault driver lacks coverage, your own uninsured motorist coverage may help pay for injuries and losses related to the accident.
Insurance companies may dispute liability, injury severity, or coverage limits. Even when fault appears clear, insurers may still challenge parts of a drunk driving accident claim.
No. Even with a DUI conviction, injured people still need evidence proving damages, medical treatment, and how the accident affected their lives.
Uninsured motorist coverage may apply if the drunk driver lacks insurance or does not carry enough coverage to fully compensate you for your injuries and losses.
In some cases, courts may allow punitive damages when the conduct involves reckless or dangerous behavior, including severe drunk driving situations.
An insurance settlement after DUI accident claims often involves reviewing medical records, liability evidence, witness statements, and policy limits before negotiations begin.
- Police reports;
- Breath or blood alcohol evidence;
- Witness statements;
- Medical records;
- Photographs and videos; and
- Documentation of lost income and treatment costs.
Yes. A lawyer can investigate the accident, organize evidence, communicate with insurers, calculate damages, and pursue full personal injury compensation.
Injured by a drunk driver? River Run Law can help you understand your options and next steps.
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