For many, New Year’s Eve is known as a night of revelry and is closely associated with the consumption of alcohol. Unfortunately, all of this partying can result in more drunk drivers on the road than usual – despite well-publicized and effective enforcement efforts by police. In the event that you were injured by a drunk driver on New Year’s eve or any other time, it’s critical that you retain an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer as soon as you can.
Why You Should Retain an Attorney after Drunk Driving Crash
When drunk drivers cause accidents, liability is rarely contested. In most cases, the drunk driver’s insurance company simply agrees to pay victims for their accident-related losses. This fact may leave you wondering why you would need to retain an attorney after an accident caused by an impaired driver.
The fact is that even if the insurance company agrees to cover your losses, they are going to do everything they can to settle your case for as little as possible. For example, they may request to troll through your medical records in an effort to characterize your injuries as “pre-existing conditions” or tell you that you are not entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering (you are). Thankfully, as an accident victim, you can work with an Atlanta car accident lawyer that knows the law and can protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
How Much Compensation Can You Recover?
If you have been hurt by a drunk driver, you are very likely entitled to compensation for your accident-related losses. The amount of compensation you can recover is dependent on a number of factors, including:
- The seriousness of your injuries
- Your prognosis
- The damage to your vehicle or other personal property
- Your occupation and whether you have to miss work
- Whether you will have any long-term medical problems
It is critical to speak to an attorney before accepting the insurance company’s settlement offer. Once you accept a settlement, it is very difficult to obtain compensation for the same accident. For this reason, you should always have an attorney review your case and determine how much compensation you should be able to recover. In addition, once you are represented by a lawyer, the insurance company is not allowed to contact you directly about your case. This will ensure that you do not say something that could hurt your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
Call Us Today to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with an Atlanta Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been hurt in an accident involving a drunk driver, you should retain legal counsel as soon as you can. A lawyer familiar with Georgia personal injury law can ensure that you get all of the compensation you deserve from the insurance company. At Slappey & Sadd, we will never charge legal fees unless we win your case. To schedule a free case evaluation, call our office today at 888.474.9616 or contact us online.