Drunk driving accidents can cause lifelong injuries, pain and suffering, and even result in death. When another person’s reckless choices caused the accident, drunk driving accidents initially result in more questions than answers.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries due to a drunk driver, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your accident-related injuries. The categories and amounts of compensation vary depending on your case’s circumstances.
The following outlines compensation available to victims of drunk driving accidents. For specific case information, reach out to an experienced car accident attorney near you.
Factors that Directly Influence Compensation in a Drunk Driving Accident Claim
Several factors directly influence the categories of compensation, also called damages, and monetary amounts victims of drunk drivers may receive for their injuries.
These factors include but are not limited to:
- The type and severity of the victim’s injuries;
- Whether or not the victim was partially at fault for the accident;
- The victim’s total medical expenses;
- The victim’s prognosis for recovery;
- The driver’s level of intoxication;
- Whether the driver was a repeat offender;
- Where the accident took place;
- Whether the victim was another motorist, pedestrian, or bicyclist; and
- Whether there were any aggravating factors.
It is vital to note that victims of drunk driving accidents may have to delay their personal injury cases when criminal cases are ongoing against the drunk driver. This delay may be helpful as evidence presented in the criminal case can be used in the personal injury case.
The defendant does not need to be guilty in the criminal case to sue them and win a civil personal injury case.
Categories of Compensation in a Drunk Driving Accident Claim
There are three main categories of compensation available in a drunk driving accident claim. These are economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive (exemplary) damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are accident-related losses with fixed or estimable costs. Victims of drunk drivers may receive the following and more:
- Medical expenses, current and future;
- Lost wages;
- Loss of earning potential;
- Cost of home modifications and home care;
- Occupational and rehabilitative therapy; and
- Mental health therapy.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are subjective damages of a personal nature. These are difficult to affix a cost and include:
- Pain and suffering;
- Mental and emotional trauma, such as PTSD;
- Loss of quality of life; and
- Loss of companionship.
Punitive or Exemplary Damages
Punitive damages or exemplary damages are not used to award the victim of a drunk driving accident. Instead, they are a means to punish the drunk driver.
Punitive damages are rarely awarded. When they are, it is in cases of extreme or outrageous disregard for others.
If you have questions about when punitive damages are awarded or would like to know if your case may qualify for these damages, contact an experienced car accident attorney in Denver.
Contact an Experienced Denver Car Accident Attorney Today
Victims of drunk driving accidents have a limited time to file a personal injury claim. If a drunk driver hurt you or your loved one, have your case reviewed by an experienced attorney at Dulin McQuinn Young right away.
Dulin McQuinn Young was built by a group of dedicated trial attorneys with more than 20 years of experience. We pride ourselves on fighting to get our clients the compensation and justice they deserve.
Call Dulin McQuinn Young in Denver now to schedule your complimentary consultation. There is never a risk to have your questions answered by one of our skilled attorneys.