LET OUR DRUNK DRIVING ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS IN TUCKAHOE VIRGINIA HELP YOU MOVE FORWARD
Contact our firm now online or by phone at (804) 889-0500 to schedule a free case evaluation with our Tuckahoe drunk driving accident lawyers.
Driving through Tuckahoe, Virginia, is usually a calm and routine experience. However, when a drunk driver makes the reckless decision to get behind the wheel, that calm can turn to chaos in an instant.
The shock, pain, and confusion that follow a crash caused by an intoxicated driver can be life-changing. If you’ve experienced this, you may be left with serious injuries, overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma.
If you’re reading this, you might wonder what to do next and whether you have legal options to hold the drunk driver accountable.
At River Run Law, you can find a Tuckahoe drunk driving accident attorney dedicated to helping you find answers. We’ll explain your legal rights, walk you through Virginia’s DUI laws, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Virginia Drunk Driving Laws: The Basics
Virginia takes drunk driving very seriously. It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. This law applies to all drivers, with strict penalties in place for those who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The state also enforces a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under the age of 21, who can be penalized for having a BAC as low as 0.02%. Intoxicated drivers of any age can cause catastrophic accidents, leaving innocent victims to deal with the aftermath.
Drunk drivers not only face criminal charges but are also held financially accountable through civil lawsuits for the injuries and damages they cause. If a drunk driver injures you, Virginia law allows you to file a personal injury claim to seek compensation.
Do You Have a Case Against a Drunk Driver?
If you or a loved one were hurt by a drunk driver in Tuckahoe, you have a strong foundation for a personal injury claim. However, to win your case, you will need to prove several key elements:
- Duty of care. All drivers are responsible for safely operating their vehicles, which includes not driving under the influence.
- Breach of duty. By driving drunk, the intoxicated driver violated their duty to drive responsibly.
- Causation. The impaired driving must directly cause the accident and your injuries.
- Damages. You must suffer measurable losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress, resulting from the accident.
It is important to have a Tuckahoe drunk driving accident attorney who will work tirelessly to gather evidence that supports your case, including police reports, witness statements, and toxicology results showing the driver’s BAC. We understand the complexities of these cases and are here to advocate on your behalf.
Recent 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.
What Compensation Can You Pursue After a Drunk Driving Accident?
Each case is unique, and our Tuckahoe drunk driving accident attorneys will work to maximize your compensation based on the specific facts of your case. Victims of drunk driving accidents in Virginia are entitled to pursue a variety of damages in a personal injury claim.
Medical Expenses
Costs for emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and any ongoing medical treatments required for your recovery are recoverable. You can also seek future medical costs related to long-term injuries or rehabilitation.
Lost Wages
If your injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost income, including future lost earning potential.
Pain and Suffering
Beyond the physical injuries, victims often experience significant emotional and psychological distress, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD, for which compensation may be awarded.
Property Damage
If your vehicle was damaged or totaled in the accident, you can seek reimbursement for repair or replacement costs, as well as compensation for any personal belongings destroyed in the crash.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the drunk driver had a BAC of .15 or higher, courts may award punitive damages to punish the driver and deter future offenses.
Statute of Limitations in Virginia
One important aspect of pursuing a claim after a drunk driving accident is the time frame in which you can file your case. In Virginia, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file your lawsuit within this time frame can result in losing your right to seek compensation.
To ensure your case is filed within this window, it’s essential to act quickly. Our Henrico County drunk driving accident attorneys will work with you to meet all legal deadlines and ensure your case proceeds efficiently.
Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident in Tuckahoe
After being involved in a drunk driving accident, your immediate actions can significantly impact both your recovery and your potential legal case. Here’s a detailed guide on what to do:
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be apparent right away, such as concussions, internal bleeding, or whiplash. Getting a full medical evaluation is crucial to ensure that all injuries are diagnosed and treated. A medical record is also essential for your claim, as it provides documented evidence of your injuries and the treatment you received.
Call the Police
Reporting the accident to the police is essential. Their official report should detail the crash, the other driver’s suspected intoxication, and any contributing factors. Be sure to tell the officers if you noticed any signs of impairment, such as slurred speech, erratic driving, or the smell of alcohol. The police report can be critical evidence in proving the driver was intoxicated.
Collect Evidence
If you’re physically able, take pictures of the accident scene, the damage to both vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries you have sustained. It’s also important to get contact information from witnesses who can corroborate your account of the accident. If the driver admitted to drinking or seemed impaired, note any details that could support your claim.
Consult a Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Tuckahoe
Before speaking with any insurance companies or agreeing to a settlement, contact an experienced Tuckahoe drunk driving attorney. At River Run Law, our attorneys will handle all communications, gather critical evidence, and negotiate on your behalf to ensure you get fair compensation.
Why Choose River Run Law?
At River Run Law, we believe in providing personalized, compassionate representation to every client. We take pride in offering attentive, hands-on support throughout your case.
When you work with us, you can expect:
- No upfront fees. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we win or settle your case.
- Compassionate representation. We take the time to listen to your story and understand your unique needs.
- Skilled negotiation. Our team is experienced in negotiating with insurance companies and will fight to get you the maximum compensation.
We understand that you’re going through one of the most challenging times in your life, and our Tuckahoe drunk driving accident attorneys are here to help.
Additional Practice Areas We Handle
In addition to drunk driving accident cases, our experienced team also handles other personal injury cases in Tuckahoe. If you’ve been injured and need legal guidance, explore our other services:
- Car Accident Attorneys in Tuckahoe
- Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Tuckahoe
- Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Tuckahoe
- Truck Accident Attorneys in Tuckahoe
- Premises Liability Attorneys in Tuckahoe
- Slip and Fall Attorneys in Tuckahoe
- Dog Bite Attorneys in Tuckahoe
- Wrongful Death Lawyers in Tuckahoe
Contact a Tuckahoe Drunk Driving Accident Attorney for a 100% Free Consultation
If you are involved in a drunk driving accident in Tuckahoe or the surrounding area, don’t wait to get the help you need. Our Henrico County drunk driving accident attorneys are ready to assist you. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you take action to hold the intoxicated driver accountable.
Call us or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation with a drunk driving accident attorney in Tuckahoe. Let us help you take the first step toward justice and recovery.