You headed out for a night on the town knowing that there would be people intoxicated around you, but you didn’t think anyone would be on the roads while drunk. Unfortunately, one of those drivers collided with you as you crossed the street, and now you have serious injuries that need consistent, long-term care.
As a victim of a drunk driver, there are a number of things you need to know. First, you may be offered a settlement quickly after you are injured. Insurance companies generally want to settle for as little as possible, which helps them meet their bottom line. Unfortunately, you won’t know the extent of your injuries or how much care you’ll need right away. If you accept a settlement, you will likely be unable to pursue further compensation and could end up paying for much of your care out of pocket.
You also have more leverage if you wait to settle until after the criminal case is completed. If the driver is convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, then it’s easier to get larger settlements out of the insurance company. Additionally, if you are not offered a settlement that is high enough, you may be able to pursue a lawsuit in court for the full amount of compensation needed.
While you wait to file a lawsuit and consider your options, you should keep all the documents related to your crash. Keep medical bills, photographs and other information on hand, so you have it prepared for your attorney. This is helpful information that can give you an edge when you want to make a claim. Our website has more information about what you should do if you’re in a car accident.