If a drunk driver hurt you, you probably want to know how much money you are owed for your injuries and other losses. After all, you’re likely facing serious expenses and need help making ends meet during this difficult time.
No two drunk driving accident cases are alike. That makes it difficult to calculate the average settlement for being hit by a drunk driver. However, various factors affect the value of a drunk driving crash settlement. Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC is here to explain what is considered in a settlement and what you can do to increase the chances that your claim will be successful.
How Much Is a Drunk Driving Crash Injury Claim Worth?
Many drunk driving accident victims suffer severe injuries, extensive property damage, and other personal and financial losses due to the crash. With a successful drunk driving crash injury claim, victims might be entitled to compensation for the following:
- Hospital bills and medical costs from the treatment of crash injuries
- Incidental costs, such as out-of-pocket expenses for medical travel
- Lost wages from time missed at work during the recovery period
- Losses in future earning capacity due to permanent injuries
- Subjective losses, such as pain, suffering, and lower quality of life
Factors That Can Affect Your Drunk Driving Settlement Amount
Every drunk driving accident is different. Numerous factors can impact the value of your settlement, including:
- The severity of your crash injuries – The more severe your injuries, the more compensation you will need from a settlement to cover your medical expenses, lost wages from missed time at work, and incidental losses.
- Whether your injuries result in permanent disability – Long-term or permanent crash injuries can also increase the value of your settlement, especially if they prevent you from returning to work.
- How much insurance is available – Unless you take the other driver to court, the most you can claim for your injuries will likely be the upper limit of their insurance policy. If an at-fault driver is uninsured, you can seek compensation from your uninsured motorist (UM) policy or file a lawsuit.
- Whether punitive damages apply – Courts award punitive damages in rare cases to punish those who cause injuries through extreme recklessness or intentionally malicious acts. Georgia courts generally cap punitive damages at $250,000. However, there is no limit to punitive damages in drunk driving cases.
How to Increase Your Drunk Driving Accident Settlement
You can protect your legal rights and maximize the value of your drunk driving accident settlement by:
- Seeking prompt medical care to have your injuries diagnosed, treated, and added to your medical record
- Gathering evidence from the crash, such as photos and eyewitness statements
- Not posting about the crash on social media
- Saving your medical bills, financial statements, and other crash documentation
- Keeping a journal to record your pain and the daily impact of your injuries
- Contacting an experienced drunk driving accident attorney
Contact a Drunk Driving Accident Injury Lawyer in Georgia
If you were hit by a drunk driver, you shouldn’t have to suffer the financial consequences. You could be owed significant compensation to cover your medical bills, missed time at work, and other losses. Contact us today for a free initial consultation with one of our drunk driving accident injury lawyers in Georgia.
