Suffolk Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Drunk driving accidents are a serious problem in Suffolk County and can result in devastating injuries and even death. Survivors of these crashes often face physical, emotional, and financial hardships. I’m Ed Atkinson, and as an experienced Suffolk drunk driving accident lawyer, I know the challenges injured victims and their families face.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a collision caused by a drunk driver, taking immediate action will improve your chances of a fair settlement or jury verdict. Hiring an experienced Suffolk car accident lawyer like me can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

Reach out to Atkinson Law today to schedule a free, zero-risk consultation.

Compensatory Damages for Drunk Driving Accident Victims

The aftermath of a drunk-driving collision can be both painful and expensive. It’s crucial to calculate the value of your case if you suffered injuries in a crash.

As an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer serving Suffolk, I can help you seek the following damages:

• Medical expenses: This form of compensation includes all of your medical costs, such as the ambulance ride, your initial treatment, surgeries, follow-up appointments, physical therapy, prescription medication, and any other necessary treatments.
• Lost wages: Any income you missed out on due to your injury can also be included in your settlement demand.
• Pain and suffering: This category includes non-economic damages related to inconvenience, physical pain, and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injury. 
• Loss of enjoyment of life: This damage compensates you for the inability to participate in activities you used to enjoy before the accident. This could include hobbies, vacations, going out to dinner with friends, or any other activity that has become difficult or impossible due to the injuries sustained in the crash.
• Wrongful death: After a fatal accident, certain surviving family members may be eligible for monetary compensation for burial and funeral expenses, lost income, and loss of companionship.

Potential Eligibility for Punitive Damages in Suffolk, VA

In Virginia drunk driving cases, the court will often award punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. These additional damages are awarded in certain situations to penalize the responsible party for reprehensible behavior.

High Blood Alcohol Content

You might be eligible for punitive damages if you have suffered injuries due to a drunk driving accident. If the at-fault driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was 0.15% or higher, you could seek to hold them responsible for their unlawful disregard for your safety.

Breath Test Refusal

Alternatively, if the defendant unreasonably declined to undergo a breath test, as mandated by Code of Virginia § 18.2-268.2, their actions exhibit a conscious disregard for others’ safety. This scenario could warrant the pursuit of punitive damages. 

As your attorney, I will diligently gather evidence to support your claim and explore all available avenues for recovering damages. I am committed to helping accident victims and will pursue the maximum compensation available in your case.

I Can Deal With the Insurance Company for You

When I take you on as a client, I’ll build a compelling case for financial compensation that the insurance company can’t ignore. I’m here to fight for a settlement or jury verdict that addresses your expenses and intangible losses.

My Role as Your Attorney

You might be wondering about the role of a car accident lawyer in the insurance claims process. While insurance adjusters may seem friendly, they are not on your side. Their duty as representatives of the insurance company is to minimize payouts. 

Although they will discuss your accident-related expenses, their primary goal is to downplay your losses and pay out as little as possible.

They may also attempt to engage you in conversation so they can use your words against you. As a Suffolk personal injury lawyer who has previously represented insurance companies, I know how to protect you from these tactics. I can handle all interactions with insurers and other parties, allowing you to relax and focus on your recovery.

Time Limit for Suing After a Suffolk Drunk Driving Accident

Code of Virginia § 8.01-243 limits your time to take legal action against the at-fault party. You have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, with certain exceptions. The statute of limitations for wrongful death lawsuits is also two years.

Even if you still have almost two years to file a legal claim, reaching out to Atkinson Law now will give me more time to build your case. If you wait too long to get started, evidence can be lost, and witnesses can become difficult to locate.

My approach to case building is based on my motto that “overkill is still a kill.” As a Suffolk drunk driving accident lawyer with 15 years of experience, I always strive to have more evidence than I need so I don’t risk being even slightly underprepared for trial. 

Contact My Law Firm After a Suffolk Collision

Accidents caused by drunk drivers are often serious, but even a minor collision can cause whiplash, property damage to your vehicle, and other inconveniences. You shouldn’t have to pay for an accident someone else caused. You deserve fair compensation, and as your Suffolk drunk driving accident lawyer, I’m ready to fight for you.

I can meet you where you are, or we can discuss your case over the phone or the Internet if you prefer. During this initial consultation, we can go over the specifics of your case and your options for pursuing compensation. Since I accept cases on a contingency-fee-basis, I only get paid when you receive your insurance settlement or court award.

Contact Atkinson Law to get started with zero risk!