Franklin Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

The impact of a drunk driving accident goes beyond the visible injuries and property damage. Victims and their families may struggle with a crushing sense of injustice, knowing that their lives may never be the same due to a driver’s negligence. A drunk driving accident lawyer in Franklin will help you hold the at-fault party responsible.

I’m Ed Atkinson, and I’m here to make sure your voice is heard during this tough time. As your attorney, I will create a plan to show how the crash changed your life. If you want a five-star Franklin car accident lawyer on your side, call me today. I’ll start you off with a free initial consultation.

Available Damages After a Drunk Driving Accident

Steep medical bills can quickly drain your savings, adding an extra layer of stress to an already hard time. However, getting damages without legal aid can be difficult. Throughout my career as a Franklin personal injury lawyer, I have helped many victims receive money after an accident, and I know how to handle the process.

If you were hurt in a crash caused by a drunk driver, you could recover damages such as:

• Bodily injuries
• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost earnings
• Lessening of earning capacity
• Property damage
• Physical pain and mental anguish
• Disfigurement and any associated embarrassment
• Inconvenience

I will make sure that we consider all your losses so you can receive a better offer. Trust in my experience and proven track record as we work together to get the amount you need to rebuild your life.

I will work closely with you to understand how the accident affected your finances. Together, we will calculate how much you spent after the crash. I may also consult experts from different fields to estimate the amount you are likely to spend until your life returns to normal.

You Could Also Claim Punitive Damages

Instead of repaying the injured victim, this kind of damages punish the defendant and try to prevent similar actions. Punitive damages are not awarded in every personal injury claim, but cases involving intoxicated drivers are likely to qualify. To be eligible, you must usually prove that the defendant’s actions showed a total disregard for your safety.

You may hold the drunk driver accountable for their reckless behavior if their blood alcohol content (BAC) was 0.15% or higher. Under Code of Virginia § 18.2-268.2, if the other motorist unreasonably refuses to take a breath test after the crash, this shows a conscious disregard for the rights of others.

Virginia caps punitive damages, so the maximum amount that can be awarded is $350,000. Remember, these damages are in addition to compensation for your losses. As your lawyer, I will use all available options to get you the most money the law allows for your case.

Negotiating With Insurance Companies for a Fair Settlement

The insurance claim process after a drunk driving accident is intentionally complex. Insurance companies make things harder to stop victims from asking for money. As for-profit businesses, they care more about their bottom line than your well-being. Adjusters will try to shrink your compensation or simply deny your claim.

Tactics used by adjusters to pay people less include:

• Questioning the severity of your injuries
• Disputing the medical need for care
• Blaming pre-existing conditions
• Delaying the process
• Offering quick, low-ball settlements
• Pressuring you into accepting less money

As your attorney, I will protect your interest, and I won’t let insurance adjusters take advantage of you. Together, we will confront these challenges head-on and pursue the compensation you need. If they don’t agree to a fair amount, I am prepared to take the fight to court.

Compassionate Legal Help After a Fatal Drunk Driving Accident

If you lost a loved one in a fatal car crash caused by a drunk driver, please accept my sincere condolences. I understand the delicate balance between the overwhelming grief you’re feeling and the need for justice. Let me be your advocate, offering legal support with empathy and compassion.

As your lawyer, I will help you recover various damages, including:

• Your loved one’s medical costs
• Loss of the victim’s income and services offered
• Funeral expenses
• Mental anguish

As your Franklin wrongful death lawyer, I will fight your legal battle, allowing you the space to grieve and heal. While no amount of money can make up for a lost life, it can help surviving family members feel a sense of financial security.

You Have a Limited Time to File a Lawsuit in Virginia

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Virginia usually sets a two-year limit from the date of the crash, as per the Code of Virginia § 8.01-243. Failing to meet this deadline could hurt your right to seek justice. If you lost a loved one in a fatal accident, the deadline for filing a wrongful death claim is generally two years from the date of death.

If an intoxicated driver injured you, time is of the essence. Evidence can get lost or damaged, and witnesses can forget the details of the event. By contacting me as soon as possible after the crash, I can use fresh evidence to build a strong case.

Call Atkinson Law for a Free Legal Consultation

Atkinson Law is about more than just legal representation; it’s about building lasting relationships with clients. I prioritize open communication so that you feel heard, supported, and informed throughout the legal process. Through a strong attorney-client relationship, I want to create a space for trust and teamwork.

This personalized connection lets me tailor legal strategies to your unique needs. We will be working together to achieve the best possible outcome. If you need a drunk driving accident lawyer in Franklin, contact me today to get started on your winning claim.