Were you involved in a collision with a driver who was under the influence of alcohol? If so, you might be wondering how the other party’s irresponsible decision to drive drunk might affect your injury claim. Here, the Brockton car accident attorneys will discuss whether you can sue if you were hit by a drunk driver, and how a lawyer could help you with your case.
Can I Sue If I Was Injured by a Drunk Driver in Massachusetts?
If you were injured by a drunk driver in Massachusetts, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit to recover compensation for losses that you have incurred, including for:
- Costs of medical treatment and long-term care services.
- Loss of income after missing time from work, or loss of earning capacity if you are permanently disabled from working.
- Physical pain and emotional suffering.
- Loss of quality of life due to permanent disabilities or visible scarring/disfigurement.
To recover compensation in a car accident claim, you must prove that the other driver caused the accident due to their negligence or recklessness. When you were involved in an accident with a drunk driver, you might be able to prove the other driver’s negligence through the legal doctrine of negligence per se, which presumes a party’s negligence from the fact that they were breaking the law.
DUI Accident Statistics
According to statistics compiled by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over the 10-year period from 2009 through 2018, 1,243 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents in Massachusetts that involved a drunk driver.
In 2018 in Massachusetts, people ages 21 to 34 had the highest rates of fatalities in auto accidents involving alcohol-impaired drivers, with a rate of 3.5 per 100,000 population. This compares to a rate of 1.6 per 100,000 population for people 35 and older, and 1.7 per 100,000 population for all ages together.
What to Do after Being Hit by a Drunk Driver in Brockton, MA
If you have been hit by a drunk driver in Brockton, the steps you should take to protect your rights and options to pursue a claim for compensation include:
- Contact law enforcement after the accident and do not attempt to confront the other driver if you suspect they are intoxicated. Instead, let the police handle the situation.
- Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, traffic controls, any visible injuries you sustained, and weather or lighting conditions if relevant.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible to get examined for any injuries you sustained. Follow the treatment instructions provided by your doctor.
- Keep copies of bills and invoices for expenses you incur due to the accident.
Finally, talk to a DUI accident victim lawyer as soon as possible. Hiring a lawyer sooner rather than later after a drunk driving accident could be one of the most important decisions you make.
Hit by a Drunk Driver? Contact a Drunk Driving Victim Lawyer in Brockton, MA Today
If a drunk driver has injured you, contact the Brockton car accident lawyers at The Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan. We’ll provide you with a free initial consultation. We want to listen to your story and help you understand your rights and legal options after the crash. Don’t wait. Call us now.