Roanoke Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Drunk driving accidents are a serious problem in Roanoke and across the country. These devastating crashes often result in severe injuries and the loss of life. If you or a loved one has been harmed in this way, speaking with an experienced attorney is vital.

Choosing the right lawyer to represent you will help ensure the best possible outcome in your case. I’m Ed Atkinson, and as a seasoned Roanoke drunk driving accident lawyer, I know how to gather the necessary evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for your money in court if necessary.

As your attorney, I’ll build a case that shows the insurance company or the court how much the crash has affected your life. When you need a Roanoke car accident lawyer on your side, call Atkinson Law or contact us online for a free consultation.

Pursuing Damages After a Roanoke Drunk Driving Accident

Medical expenses can quickly deplete your savings, making an already tough situation even worse. Securing the money you need on your own can be challenging. During my 15 years as a Roanoke personal injury lawyer, I’ve helped numerous accident victims, and I’m ready to put my experience to work in your case.

Virginia courts allow accident victims to seek the following damages:

• Bodily injuries
• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Physical pain and mental anguish
• Inconvenience
• Lost income
• Lessened earning capacity
• Vehicle damage
• Disfigurement and any associated embarrassment

As your Roanoke personal injury lawyer, I will work with you to understand exactly how the accident has affected your life. I can also get the necessary paperwork to help you calculate your medical expenses, lost wages, and other accident-related costs.

If you have a long recovery ahead, I can consult with experts to estimate the amount of money you are likely to spend on medical care in the future.

The Potential for Punitive Damages

Unlike the damages I’ve discussed so far, punitive damages are designed to punish the defendant. While not granted in every personal injury case, incidents involving drunk drivers can lead to a court awarding punitive damages. 

In cases where the intoxicated driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is above 0.15% or if they unreasonably refuse a breath test after the accident, Virginia law may allow punitive damages under the Code of Virginia § 18.2-268.2. However, even if they had a lower BAC, I could still seek punitive damages under something called “common law.”

As your lawyer, I will explore all available options when pursuing damages in your case.

Dealing With the Drunk Driver’s Insurance Company

After being injured in an accident, dealing with the insurance company can be overwhelming. Insurers often complicate the claims process to discourage accident victims from fighting for a fair settlement. 

Their profit-driven motives come before your well-being. Insurance adjusters often use deceptive tactics to pay out less money or deny your claim.

Common tactics insurance adjusters use to reduce payouts include:

• Questioning the extent of your injuries
• Challenging the necessity of your medical treatment
• Blaming pre-existing injuries for your current condition
• Deliberately prolonging the claims process
• Pressuring you to settle quickly
• Offering a lowball settlement

Together, we will confront these challenges and pursue the settlement you rightfully deserve. As your Roanoke drunk driving accident lawyer, I’ll keep the insurance company from taking advantage of you. 

Should the insurance company fail to agree to a fair settlement, I am fully prepared to take your case to court and fight for justice there.

Virginia’s Time Limit for Filing Personal Injury Lawsuits

In Virginia, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the accident date. With a few exceptions, waiting more than two years could lead to the court refusing to hear your case.

Similarly, the filing deadline for wrongful death claims is two years from the date of the deceased person’s death.

Even if you still have plenty of time before the statute of limitations runs out in your case, it’s never a good idea to wait. If you contact Atkinson Law soon after the incident, it will allow me to gather fresh evidence, strengthening your claim.

Free Consultation With a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Roanoke

If you are in the Roanoke area and need a drunk driving accident lawyer, contact us today to schedule your free consultation. I’m here to listen to your story, explain your legal options, and guide you through your next steps. You’ll pay nothing upfront or out of pocket, so there’s zero risk. 

At Atkinson Law, we provide more than just legal representation. Our commitment to open communication means you will be heard, supported, and well-informed at every step of your legal journey. 

My team and I provide the exact opposite of that big-box store experience. Instead, we take the time to understand your unique situation. This personalized approach allows us to tailor our strategies to address your specific needs. Together, we will work towards achieving the best possible outcome for your case.