Why You Need a Lawyer to Seek Damages in a Drunk Driving Accident
Drunk driving accidents are a common occurrence and may have tragic outcomes. Driving under the influence of alcohol puts a risk of severe injury or death. If you get injured in a drunk driving accident, you should take the necessary steps to seek legal help.
Your first step should be hiring an experienced drunk driving accident attorney. Building your case with good counsel will increase your chances of compensation. Here are some more reasons why you need a lawyer to seek damages on your behalf.
Proving Negligence
Proving negligence involves presenting evidence that the driver failed to exercise the duty of care to drive safely. Driving under the influence is an illegal breach of the burden of care. A drunk driving accident attorney can access police records to gather evidence collected from the accident.
However, if you were partly responsible for the accident but the driver’s actions were substantial, you can still claim damages. This is referred to as contributory negligence. An experienced drunk accident lawyer will help you navigate this aspect of the case.
Navigating the Legal Process
This can be a complicated and lengthy process. However, having an attorney by your side smooths out the rough process. A drunk driving accident lawyer will help you file a lawsuit and handle discovery with the defense’s legal team.
A lawyer will build your case to ensure they have bargaining power in the settlement negotiations. A lawyer will advise you on whether a settlement is a good option for you, depending on the specifics of your case.
Maximizing Your Recovery
Maximizing your recovery is a crucial goal in a drunk driving accident case. A lawyer can help you achieve this goal by identifying all potential sources of recovery. A lawyer can also help you determine the full extent of your losses and seek compensation for your damages.
This includes medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. They can also help you calculate any future costs, such as medical treatments, that you may need due to your injuries. An experienced lawyer can help negotiate with insurance companies that might be looking to pay as little as possible or even deny any liability.
Representation in Court
If your case goes to trial, you will need an attorney to represent you in court. A lawyer will present your case to the judge and jury in a way that shows them the defendant’s liability. The lawyer will also use witnesses and expert testimony to prove the extent of your injuries.
They will also cross-examine witnesses to challenge their testimony and object to rogue evidence. Finally, they will make closing arguments to convince the jury that you are entitled to the damages you claim. A skilled negotiation lawyer and a good understanding of the legal system can be vital in getting the best possible outcome.
An Attorney Looks Out for Your Best Interests
When dealing with the aftermath of a drunk driving incident, you need to have someone on your side who is focused on your case. A lawyer can provide this service, which is one of the critical benefits of hiring one.
Your lawyer will walk you through the legal process while keeping you updated. Moreover, they will handle all the heavy lifting, such as gathering and analyzing evidence. Having a lawyer focused on your case can provide peace of mind. This will allow you to focus on healing from the injuries sustained from the accident.
Wrap-up
It is important to remember that every case is different and that you cannot guarantee the outcome. However, hiring an attorney can give you the best possible chance of getting the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
You should consult a lawyer as soon as possible after a drunk driving accident to ensure that all legal steps are taken on time.
