Where you involved in a motor vehicle accident caused by a drunk driver? If so, were you critically injured; thus, needing a long time to recover from your injuries? It is reasonable to assume that you will be booked off work while recovering from the accident.
And, one of your most significant stresses is attempting to pay the bills while unemployed. You are eligible for unemployment insurance or social benefits. And, the money granted through social security benefits makes a difference; however, it is nowhere near enough to meet your monthly commitments.
Thus, the question that begs is: Do you have any legal recourse? In other words, are you able to file a civil claim against the drunk driver? And, what are the chances of being award financial damages by the court?
Road accident figures highlight the seriousness of reckless and negligent driving
Before we answer the questions posited above, let’s consider several statistics to highlight the serious nature of causing a motor vehicle accident.
Global statistics quoted by the World Health Organization, show that over 1.25 million people are killed in road traffic incidents every year. This translates into 3700 road fatalities per day. Additionally, tens of millions of people are injured in road accidents. The common factors that cause injuries and deaths include speeding, drunk driving, driving under the influence of illicit drugs, running red lights, as well as dangerous driving.
Drunk driving: The criminal court versus the civil court
The fundamental difference between criminal law and civil law is that criminal law focuses on the “law of crime and their punishments.” On the other hand, civil law focuses on the “law of civil or private rights.”
And, if a drunk driver is charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in the criminal court, the filing of claims against the driver is not automatic. A personal injury attorney, like what you’ll find at Richmond Vona, LLC, needs to file a specific lawsuit application in the civil court.
Navigating your way through an accident caused by a drunk driver
Even though the accident is not your fault, you might be severely injured. And, although it does not seem fair that someone else’s negligence was the cause of your injuries, the only way though this is to take the time to heal.
And, the best recourse that you have it to file a personal injury claim against the driver. This is not a matter of “karma” or payback. It is merely a need for financial compensation. And, a need to cover the costly medical bills and the cost of the living while you are unable to work.
Finally, it is best to hire a legal expert to file the claim on your behalf. By attempting to submit the lawsuit application documentation yourself to save costs will more than likely end up in the case being thrown out of court. Personal injury attorneys are knowledgeable and skilled in the art and science of filing lawsuits that produce a positive outcome on behalf of the claimant.
