A drunk driver puts everyone else on the road at risk. If you were hit by someone who thought it was safe to drive after consuming alcohol, you could be owed compensation. A San Angelo, Texas drunk driving accident lawyer from our firm can help you sue for damages and hold this negligent driver accountable for your injuries, financial difficulties, and pain and suffering.
What Should I Do After a Drunk Driver Hits Me?
If you are able to, it’s important to start building a case as soon as you get hit by a drunk driver. After getting any involved vehicles moved somewhere safe, you should:
- Take pictures of the vehicles and accident scene
- Ask any witnesses for contact information
- Call the police so that they can make a report
- Look for any cameras that might have caught the crash
- Get medical attention as soon as possible
You should also try to stay aware of what the other driver is doing while you wait for the police to show up. Have a description of the driver and their vehicle ready to report just in case they flee the scene.
How Long Do I Have to Sue a Drunk Driver?
In most cases, you have two years to sue for damages after getting injured. File a claim or try to sue after this statute of limitations expires, and your case is likely to be thrown out. This is why we recommend taking legal action as soon as possible. An added benefit is that the sooner you sue, the sooner you can win the compensation you deserve!
What Kinds of Damages Can I Win?
When you sue a drunk driver for compensation, you should not just be reimbursed for the obvious economic costs of the crash. An event like this can be scarring psychologically too, and the pain and suffering you have experienced should also be part of the negotiations. A fair offer should help make up for things like:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
- The cost of repairing or replacing a vehicle
- PTSD, anxiety, and other mental health issues stemming from the crash
- Loss of enjoyment
- Pain from disability or disfigurement
Could I Win Punitive Damages?
We talked about compensatory damages, but there’s another type of damages that can sometimes be discussed in cases like this. Punitive damages are meant to punish defendants for bad behavior that shouldn’t be emulated by others. It may be possible to sue a drunk driver who hit you for these kinds of damages, and if it is our lawyers will make sure that you don’t leave any compensation on the table.
Meet With Our Legal Team
So if you were injured by a drunk driver, we’re ready to help you build a case. Contact the Mathis Law Firm and schedule your free case consultation today. There’s no obligation, so take the time to learn more about your legal options and what our team can do for you.
