Carlinville Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Carlinville Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has suffered physical injuries or property damage after getting into a collision with a drunk driver, be sure to take proactive action. Consider working with a qualified Carlinville drunk driving accident lawyer about your injury claim. Entrust Joshua R. Evans, Attorney at Law, to manage your case. An experienced Carlinville personal injury lawyer, Attorney Evans can protect your rights and advocate effectively on your behalf.

Can I Be Compensated for a Drunk Driving Crash?

When another person’s reckless actions impact the lives of those around them, it’s only fair that they are held responsible for the harm caused. In Illinois, personal injury laws allow the victims of a drunk driving accident to pursue compensation for the damages incurred. By filing an injury claim with the liable party’s insurance company or even in civil court, you can recover various expenses spent as a direct result of getting into a crash that wasn’t your fault.

The settlement award following a successful drunk driving injury claim covers both economic and non-economic losses. These damages include:

• Lost wages, loss of future income, and diminished earning capacity
• Property damage, including expenses required to repair or replace personal property, such as electronic devices, vehicles, and other valuable items
• Medical costs including emergency treatment, hospital or surgery bills, medications, follow-up doctor appointments, physical therapy, rehabilitative care
• Pain and suffering, including physical pain, chronic discomfort, emotional and psychological trauma, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life

Understanding Negligence Within Injury Claims in IL

Negligence is a concept within personal injury law that refers to the conduct and degree of responsibility of the party or parties involved in an accident. Each state follows a different negligence or at-fault doctrine. Illinois adheres to a modified comparative negligence doctrine when it comes to personal injury claims where both parties contributed somewhat to the accident.

This means that when the liability and degree of responsibility of the insured party are called into question, comparative negligence is used to determine which party is entitled to compensatory damages and the amount received. Comparative negligence asserts that the injured party can recover their damages only if they are less than 50 percent at fault for the accident that resulted in injury or damages.

Under this statute, if you were 50 percent or more responsible for the damages, you lose the right to recover any losses. Additionally, if you are determined to be partially liable, the compensation amount may be reduced by the percentage of your responsibility. For example, if you were 20 percent liable, then you may be able to recover only up to 80 percent of the damages incurred.

Working With a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

You may mistakenly think that working with a personal injury lawyer isn’t worth it due to legal costs or that your case is straightforward. However, even the most seemingly simple injury cases can benefit from the experience of a qualified attorney. For those who aren’t familiar with the various laws at play, it can be difficult to understand how much you may be entitled to or how to effectively advocate for your rights.

With the help of an experienced and skilled injury law professional, you could give your claim a much stronger chance of success compared to if you chose to represent yourself. Additionally, there is minimal financial risk in working with a personal injury lawyer because many work on a contingency fee basis. This means that the attorney is only paid if they win your case for you, and their payment comes from a percentage of the settlement.

Carlinville Drunk Driving Accident FAQs

Q: What’s the Settlement After a Drunk Driving Crash?

A: After a drunk driving crash in Carlinville, the exact amount of the settlement you may receive can be difficult to accurately estimate. Your settlement award is compensation for the damages and expenses brought to you by another person’s actions. This can include economic damages, such as lost wages, loss of future income, diminished earning capacity, past and future medical costs, and property damage. Non-economic damages may also be included, covering the victim’s physical pain and psychological suffering.

Q: How Long Does a Drunk Driver Injury Claim Take?

A: It’s challenging to estimate how long your drunk driving injury claim may take to finalize without knowing the details of your case. The easiest way to get an accurate approximation of how long your specific injury claim may take is by consulting with a qualified lawyer. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, the severity of your injuries and other damages, and whether you’re partially at fault, the case may take anywhere from a few months to a year or more.

Q: Is It Worth Working with a Personal Injury Lawyer?

A: It is always recommended to work with a personal injury lawyer regardless of your case. Injury lawyers are specifically educated in the various laws and processes involved, and they have years of practical experience assisting clients. Communicating with insurance companies can often be intimidating and complicated. With the help of professional legal counsel, your lawyer can advocate for your rights and build a strong case on your behalf.

Q: Can I Receive Compensation If I’m Partially At Fault?

A: You are still able to pursue and potentially receive compensation even if you’re partially at fault for the damages under certain circumstances. In Illinois, personal injury laws follow a modified comparative negligence doctrine. According to comparative negligence, the injured party can only receive compensation if they’re determined to be less than 50 percent liable for the accident. Additionally, the victim’s settlement amount is usually deducted by the percentage that they’re found responsible.

Carlinville Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

The skilled team of injury law professionals at Joshua R. Evans, Attorney at Law, is here to support you throughout the claim process. We can help you in all meetings with insurance representatives and even in court if your case goes to trial. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation with an experienced, knowledgeable injury lawyer.