According to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, drunk driving accidents caused over 1,000 nonfatal injuries on Indiana roadways in 2018. Considering that impaired driving also cost 63 people their lives that year, many of the injured victims can consider themselves lucky.
Yet, escaping with your life after a drunk driving accident is not the definition of true justice. If you or a loved one have been injured after an accident with an intoxicated driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering.
At Sevenish Law Firm, P.C., we believe in helping you seek justice after your life is derailed by an act of negligence. The way we see it, when someone chooses to get behind the wheel while intoxicated, that person should be held accountable for the consequences of his or her actions.
Perhaps most importantly, with a Richmond drunk driving accident lawyer by your side, you can focus on your future while our firm works on your legal proceedings.
You do not have to go through this alone.
To learn more about our legal services at Sevenish Law Firm, P.C., contact a representative today at (317) 636-7777 to receive your free consultation.
Recoverable Damages in Richmond Drunk Driving Accidents
Fortunately, virtually any losses you sustain from a drunk driving accident can be addressed through legal action or insurance claims. That includes your financial losses, psychological trauma, physical injuries, and more.
Although the presiding court may decide to grant punitive damages in cases of egregious misconduct, personal injury claims typically involve compensatory damages.
Examples of compensatory damages include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and benefits
- Diminished income potential
- Accommodations for long-term disabilities or disfigurements
- Property damage
- Loss of consortium and companionship
- Mental anguish
For a free legal consultation with a drunk driving accidents lawyer serving Richmond, call 317-636-7777
Indiana Drunk Driving Statistics
According to data from the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, drunk driving accidents cause roughly 10% of all fatalities on Indiana roadways. Yet, to better understand the true impact of drunk driving accidents in Indiana, you need to examine the facts.
Drunk driving causes approximately 3,000 cases of property damage every year. In 2018 alone:
- There were nearly 4,000 drunk driving accidents across Indiana
- Accounting for all fatal traffic accidents, 19% of male drivers were legally impaired before their fatal crash
- The most common time for drunk driving accidents in Indiana is on Saturdays between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m.
- Drunk driving accidents involving serious injuries or fatalities most commonly occur on Sundays between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m.
- Compared to sober accidents, occupants of SUVs and vans were 9x more likely to die during alcohol-related collisions. Car occupants were 8x more likely to die
Richmond Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me 317-636-7777
Indiana’s Drunk Driving Laws
When a drunk driver causes serious injuries or death, their punishment may be more severe than a typical DUI offense. According to Indiana Codes (IC) §9-30-5, drivers are generally considered to be legally impaired when they have a 0.08 blood alcohol concentration, or if they have a schedule I or II controlled substance in their bloodstream.
Ultimately, punishments for drunk driving may vary based on prior offenses and the severity of the offense in question. For example, if an intoxicated driver causes catastrophic injuries or death to another person, the offense is a Level 6 felony. If the accident results in serious bodily injuries, the offense is a Level 5 felony.
Common punishments for drunk driving include:
- License suspensions or revocations
- Probation, or more intensive supervision programs for repeat offenders
- Mandatory substance abuse treatment, including rehabilitation programs and counseling
- Installing an ignition interlock device in the offender’s vehicle
- A jail or prison sentence, which can range from a few days to over 10 years
- Forcing the offender to pay restitution to his victims or fining the offender
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Filing Claims Against Drunk Drivers
Filing a claim after a drunk driving accident can present unique challenges because the offender likely committed a crime while causing your injuries. Thankfully, the state of Indiana allows you to file claims for many different types of negligence, even if the offender is currently incarcerated for his crimes.
Even so, filing claims against incarcerated individuals may involve unique legal processes. For example, if you are awarded a settlement and the offender is still incarcerated for an extended period, it may be difficult to recover the compensation you are owed – especially if the offender’s assets are being frozen, repurposed, or hidden from the law.
For some victims, these challenges may seem overwhelming. Sevenish Law Firm, P.C. can help you understand all the specific laws and precedents that govern these types of cases. Once you understand your legal options, a Richmond drunk driving accident lawyer can help fight for your case every step of the way.
To learn more about our services at Sevenish Law Firm, P.C., contact a representative today at (317) 636-7777 to receive your free consultation.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Richmond Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Fighting for Your Future
Above all else, Sevenish Law Firm, P.C. wants to give you one less thing to worry about during this stressful time. In addition to offering legal counsel throughout the evolution of your case, a Richmond drunk driving accident lawyer can offer multiple legal services to help ease your burdens, including:
- Gathering evidence to help determine liability
- Communicating with insurance providers, outside parties, and individuals involved with your case
- Calculating damages and assigning values to your losses
- Working on settlement negotiations
- Keeping you updated on important deadlines and proceedings
- Providing civil litigation services during a trial
Before you weigh your options any further, you should know there is a two-year statute of limitations on most personal injury claims in Richmond – as described under IC §34-11-2. If you wait to file a claim and two years pass since your accident, you may be unable to recover compensation. In fact, certain cases have even shorter statutes of limitations.
We would love to offer you a free consultation today so you can start learning more about the road ahead. For more information, contact a Sevenish Law Firm, P.C. representative today at (317) 636-7777.
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