Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving crashes can change your life in an instant. A driver’s decision to get behind the wheel after drinking can lead to violent collisions, catastrophic injuries, and long recoveries—along with real financial stress from medical bills, missed work, and ongoing care.

If you or someone you love was injured by an impaired driver, you may have options to pursue compensation for your losses. The Law Brothers® helps injured people understand what to do next, what deadlines apply, and how the claims process typically works—so you can focus on healing while your case is handled with care and clear communication.

Understanding Liability in a Drunk Driving Crash

In many cases, a drunk driver can be held responsible for the harm they cause. Impaired driving is often supported by evidence such as a DUI arrest, a breath or blood test, officer observations, and witness statements. Even if the driver is not convicted in criminal court, you may still be able to pursue a separate civil injury claim based on the facts and applicable law.

Depending on the circumstances, liability may also involve other parties. For example, if the impaired driver was working at the time of the crash, an employer may share responsibility. In limited situations, a business that served alcohol may also be involved—these cases are highly fact-specific and depend on state law.

Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents

Because alcohol slows reaction time and affects judgment, impaired-driving collisions can be especially severe. Injuries may include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions
• Spinal cord injuries, neck/back injuries, and herniated discs
• Broken bones and orthopedic injuries
• Internal injuries and organ damage
• Burns, lacerations, and scarring
• Psychological injuries, including anxiety and post-traumatic stress

Some injuries require surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term treatment. Documenting your diagnosis, treatment plan, and the impact on your daily life can be an important part of a claim.

What Evidence Can Help Your Case

Drunk driving claims often move faster and more clearly when key evidence is preserved early. Helpful evidence may include:

• Police report, DUI arrest records, and crash reconstruction notes
• Breath/blood test results (BAC) and field sobriety documentation
• Photos or videos of the scene, vehicles, road conditions, and injuries
• Dashcam, traffic camera, or nearby surveillance footage
• Witness contact information and statements
• Medical records, bills, and follow-up treatment documentation
• Proof of lost income and time missed from work

If you can, write down what you remember as soon as possible—where the crash happened, what you saw, and what the other driver said or did. Small details can matter later.

Statute of Limitations

Every state has legal deadlines for filing an injury claim. In many places, the deadline is limited to a specific number of years from the date of the crash, and additional rules may apply if a government entity is involved or if the injured person is a minor.

It’s important to act before the statute of limitations expires so your ability to pursue compensation is preserved. A lawyer familiar with state-specific deadlines can help you understand the timeline that applies to your situation.

Damages That May Be Available

A civil claim is generally aimed at recovering compensation tied to your losses. Depending on the facts, damages may include:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Rehabilitation, therapy, and assistive devices
• Pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life
• Property damage and out-of-pocket expenses
• In certain cases, additional damages may be available under state law

The value of a claim depends on many factors, including the severity of injuries, the available insurance coverage, and how the crash affects your day-to-day life.

Filing a Claim After a Drunk Driving Crash

After a collision, many people start by filing an insurance claim. This may involve the at-fault driver’s liability coverage and—depending on your policy—your own coverage such as uninsured/underinsured motorist protection or medical payments coverage.

Insurance companies may request recorded statements, medical authorizations, and documentation of your losses. It’s important to be careful with what you sign and say early on. If the process becomes difficult to navigate or if you receive a settlement offer that doesn’t reflect your needs, you may choose to pursue a personal injury claim in court with the assistance of a lawyer.

What To Do After a Drunk Driving Accident

If you are able, consider these steps after a crash:

• Call 911 and request medical help and law enforcement
• Seek medical evaluation right away, even if symptoms seem minor
• Take photos and gather witness information if it’s safe to do so
• Do not repair your vehicle until it has been documented
• Keep all medical records, bills, and receipts
• Avoid discussing fault on social media or with the other driver’s insurer

Your health and safety come first. Getting timely medical care also helps create clear documentation of your injuries and recovery.

Navigating a Drunk Driving Injury Claim

When you’re recovering from a serious crash, handling legal deadlines and insurance paperwork can feel overwhelming. Working with a law firm that provides personalized support and clear guidance can help you understand your options for pursuing compensation.

Many firms, including The Law Brothers®, offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning attorney’s fees are only collected if a recovery is obtained. Certain costs may still apply if no recovery is secured.