Virginia Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

The aftermath of a collision with a drunk driver can be overwhelming, as injured victims often face medical expenses, property damage, and a lengthy recovery process. I’m Ed Atkinson, and as an experienced Virginia car accident attorney, I’m here to help you recover a settlement that addresses your pain and suffering and other accident-related damages.

I will gladly travel to meet you at the hospital, in your home, or at one of my offices. I also offer phone and internet consultations for your convenience. After a life-altering crash, I’m here to help you get justice and the compensation you need to reclaim your life.

Call Atkinson Law today or complete the online form for a risk-free consultation.

Compensation After a Drunk Driving Accident in Virginia

A serious car accident can wreak havoc on your finances, and if a drunk driver caused the collision, you deserve full compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. Understanding the available damages will help you avoid settling for less than your case is worth. 

Every case is unique, and as an experienced Virginia personal injury lawyer, I’ll pursue the maximum compensation available. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to recover the following damages:

• Medical expenses: This category includes emergency treatment, surgeries, follow-up visits, hospital stays, prescription medication, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
• Property damage: If your vehicle or personal items were damaged or destroyed in the collision, you’ll need money to repair or replace those items.
• Lost income: If your injuries caused you to miss work, you should be compensated for lost wages during your recovery. If your injuries prevent you from working in the same capacity, you could pursue financial compensation for the loss of future earnings.
• Pain and suffering: This broad category can include physical pain, emotional trauma, and diminished quality of life.
• Punitive damages: Virginia courts can award punitive damages to punish impaired drivers for their egregious behavior. This is on top of the compensatory damages I’ve already mentioned.
• Wrongful death damages: While nothing can undo what happened, you could pursue damages for funeral and burial costs and the emotional toll of losing a loved one.

I understand the nuances of personal injury law in our state and will work tirelessly to get you a favorable settlement or court award.

Why You May Need an Attorney After Being Injured by a Drunk Driver

If you or a loved one has been severely injured, there’s a lot of money at stake, which is why you need the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer.

As your attorney, I can help you file an insurance claim, negotiate with the negligent driver’s insurance company, and fight for you in court if your case doesn’t settle beforehand.

I Will Get the Insurance Adjuster Off Your Back

You may still be thinking about handling your own insurance claim. While insurance adjusters make it seem like they want to help you recover the costs of your accident, their primary goal is to protect their company’s bottom line.

Please understand that an insurance adjuster is not on your side. As representatives of the insurance company, they will try to minimize your damages or find a reason to deny your claim outright. I spent years defending insurers and know how to counter their tactics.

As your Virginia drunk driving accident attorney, I will handle all communications with the insurance company and other involved parties. It’s my job to present the other side with a compelling case that they can’t ignore. Since I offer free consultations and accept cases on a contingency basis, you won’t pay a penny until I get you a settlement or court award. 

Virginia’s Drunk Driving Laws

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) and driving under the influence (DUI) are criminal offenses resulting from operating a motor vehicle with blood alcohol levels meeting or exceeding legal limits. 

You may qualify for punitive damages if you were injured by a drunk driver who had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.15% or higher. 

Another scenario that can lead to punitive damages is when the intoxicated driver refuses to submit to the breathalyzer test, as outlined in the Code of Virginia § 8.01-44.5.

In either situation, the at-fault driver’s actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the safety of others on the road. 

Many accident victims don’t realize this, but the insurance company for the defendant will have to pay for punitive damages if it’s included in their bodily injury coverage. 

Time Limit for Filing a Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit

Please remember that Virginia has a deadline for filing your car accident lawsuit. The Code of Virginia § 8.01-243 sets the statute of limitations at two years for most personal injury cases.

Barring unique circumstances (like the victim being a minor), you must file within two years or risk losing your right to seek damages. The time limit for wrongful death cases is also two years.

While two years may seem like a long time, I recommend contacting me as soon as possible. Allowing me to start now will give me more time to compile evidence, locate witnesses, and build a strong case for financial compensation.

As an experienced auto accident attorney, I can determine exactly how much time you have left to take legal action and answer other questions you have during your initial consultation.

Contact Me Today for a Free Case Review

Following an accident, you may feel overwhelmed and worried about your financial situation. During this difficult time, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will likely approach you with a low settlement offer that doesn’t fully address your damages.

Don’t let an insurance company take advantage of you! If you or a loved one has been injured, you need a seasoned Virginia drunk driving accident attorney who will fight for a fair settlement or court award. With 15 years of experience in personal injury law, I know how to recover the compensation you deserve. 

Contact Atkinson Law to get started with your free case evaluation.