Harrisonburg Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys
Virginia Drunk Driving Accident Compensation Claims
Have you been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver? Do you need a personal injury lawyer to review your case? At Obenshain Law Group, we take drunk driving accidents seriously. We understand that this can be a very emotionally challenging time for you, especially if you have lost a loved one or suffered a severe injury. With decades of legal experience and millions of dollars recovered on behalf of injury victims, the Harrisonburg DUI lawyers at our firm are prepared to help with your claim.
Contact us online or call (540) 318-7360 now to schedule a free consultation with one of our Harrisonburg drunk driving accident lawyers.
Why Choose Obenshain Law Group for Your Drunk Driving Accident Claim?
Handling drunk driving accidents requires skills and experience. There are many complex laws and levels of evidence that can be used in these types of cases. Our Harrisonburg drunk driving accident attorneys know how to resolve your unique case and can aggressively pursue the justice you deserve for your pain and suffering caused by a drunk driver.
Our firm has helped individuals recover compensation for:
- Time away from work
- Lost employment opportunities
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Therapy costs
- Long-term disabilities
- Hospital bills
Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident in Virginia
If you are in an accident involving a car accident, your first priority should be your safety. You should immediately call 911. Once you have checked yourself and others for injuries, you should do the following:
- Gather the other involved drivers’ information, including insurance information
- Contact the police and fill out a police report
- Take pictures of the scene of the accident, including damage to your vehicle
- Obtain any eyewitness statements if possible
- Contact your own insurance company and inform them of the accident
- Reach out to a car accident attorney near you
Understanding Punitive Damages in DUI Accidents
Many people ask us about the laws surrounding drunk driving accident claims. The state of Virginia imposes strict laws against drunk driving to prevent accidents. In a typical personal injury case, an individual may only be able to recover basic compensation for damages. However, state law allows for statutory punitive damages as well. These punitive damages enforce additional financial punishment against the defendant and create a stronger message against drunk driving.
Proving punitive damages are merited is the challenging part. You must be able to show that a driver knew their ability to drive would be impaired if they became intoxicated. You will also need to prove that their impaired ability is what caused your injury or wrongful death of a loved one. With the right Harrisonburg DUI lawyer on your side, you can successfully secure the justice you deserve.
Is It Possible To Hold Establishments Liable For Over-Serving Alcohol To A Driver?
In Virginia, pursuing liability against an establishment that over-serves alcohol to a driver who later causes an accident can be particularly difficult. Unlike some other states with "dram shop" laws that explicitly allow for such claims, Virginia lacks a specific statute that holds alcohol-serving establishments accountable for their patrons' actions once they leave the premises.
Nevertheless, there are specific situations where you may still have a viable case. For instance, if it can be demonstrated that an establishment served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated individual or a minor, and this act was directly linked to the subsequent accident, you might have grounds for a claim. Such cases typically demand compelling evidence, including eyewitness accounts or surveillance footage, to prove the establishment's negligence.
While Virginia's laws make it difficult to hold establishments accountable, exploring all possible legal avenues is essential, especially when seeking justice and compensation for your injuries.
Seeking Justice for Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents
We at Obenshain Law Group are committed to pursuing justice for those hurt in drunk driving collisions. Our skilled attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the compensation you are entitled to because we recognize the devastating impacts that these types of incidents can have on people and families.
When you choose Obenshain Law Group for your drunk driving accident claim, you can expect:
- Compassionate and personalized legal representation
- Aggressive advocacy to hold the responsible parties accountable
- Thorough investigation to gather evidence and build a strong case
- Negotiation skills to secure fair compensation for your injuries and damages
- Guidance and support throughout the legal process
Do not hesitate to get in touch with Obenshain Law Group for a free consultation if you or a loved one has suffered injuries in an accident involving drunk driving. We are here to assist you in navigating the court system's intricacies and to seek justice on your behalf.
If you have questions about pursuing a claim against a drunk driver, contact our firm at (540) 318-7360 for a free consultation with our Harrisonburg drunk driving attorney.