A drunk driver is a menace to everyone sharing the roads in Jefferson, Wisconsin. If you have been harmed by someone who was operating a vehicle while intoxicated, you may have a right to hold the drunk driver accountable and demand compensation for your medical expenses and accident losses. A drunk driving accident can leave you with devastating injuries and costly medical bills. You may face a loss of income if you are unable to work due to your injuries. While you’re trying to recover physically and emotionally, the last thing you need is to deal with insurance adjusters and insurance company pressure tactics.
The personal injury lawyers at LawtonCates represent victims of DUI accidents across Wisconsin. We understand how to deal with insurance companies and what it takes to pursue full compensation for injuries, lost income, and pain and suffering. Our law office will handle the insurance claim paperwork so you can focus on getting better.
From the moment you contact us, you will receive personalized attention. A car accident lawyer will review your injuries and explain your legal options for seeking full compensation. Our personal injury law firm has extensive experience representing accident victims. We handle the collection of medical records, police reports, witness statements, and other crucial evidence from the accident scene. When you choose LawtonCates, you get a legal team committed to helping you move forward.
Reach out today to talk to a DUI accident lawyer in Jefferson. Request a free case evaluation and take the first step toward seeking financial accountability.
Understanding DUI Accidents in Jefferson, WI
Drunk driving is called operating while intoxicated (OWI) in Wisconsin. When a driver operates a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, the driver may be held responsible for any harm caused to accident victims. Alcohol slows reaction time and impairs judgment, which increases the risk of collisions. Jefferson has a significant number of drunk driving-related collisions every year, resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.
Intoxicated drivers may face both criminal charges and civil liability if their impaired driving causes harm to others. If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by an intoxicated driver, you should contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to understand your legal rights.
A crash involving a drunk driver can result in serious injuries and the financial burden of lost income and medical bills. Our personal injury lawyers are ready to assist. A knowledgeable drunk driving accident lawyer with LawtonCates can help you understand your options and guide you through the legal process.
Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Car Accidents
Drunk driving accidents can cause serious injuries that affect your daily life for months or years to come. Physical injuries often require ongoing medical care and physical therapy. Some of the most frequent injuries from drunk driving accidents include:
- Broken bones: Complex fractures sometimes require surgery and months of rehabilitation.
- Spinal cord injuries: Spinal damage can result in partial or total paralysis. In more serious cases, it can drastically limit your independence.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Concussions and more severe brain trauma can cause memory loss and cognitive difficulties. Serious injuries can also result in other life-altering consequences.
- Internal injuries: The liver, kidneys, or lungs are frequently injured during serious car accidents, which require immediate and ongoing medical attention.
- Whiplash, cuts, and burns: Even less severe injuries, such as soft-tissue injuries, can create chronic pain and scarring.
Psychological injuries are also common after serious accidents. Car accidents can cause lasting trauma. Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can make everyday activities more difficult. In turn, this can affect your family relationships, work, and overall quality of life.
An experienced lawyer with LawtonCates can help you document your medical treatment, property damage, and other losses to build a strong case. Our goal is to help you recover maximum compensation for all the ways the accident has affected your life.
Why Choose Our DUI Accident Lawyers?
LawtonCates knows Wisconsin law and the ways insurance companies try to minimize payments for Wisconsin DUI accident claims. We conduct a thorough investigation and gather witness statements. We often consult with medical professionals to create a complete picture of the ongoing treatment our injured clients will need.
You should be able to focus on getting better. Our lawyers will explain each step of the claims process and advocate for your best interests during negotiations with insurance companies. If the insurers refuse to agree to a fair settlement, we’ll be ready to take your case to court.
Our extensive experience litigating injury claims in Jefferson and throughout Wisconsin gives us an advantage in negotiations. Insurance companies are more likely to give us their best settlement offer because they know we are ready to go to trial if necessary. We know the courts, insurance adjusters, and accident investigators. Choosing LawtonCates gives you a legal team committed to pursuing full compensation for you.
Compensation Available for Victims of DUI Accidents
Depending on your specific accident and injuries, you may be entitled to several types of compensation. There are two broad types of damages. Economic damages include tangible, measurable costs, such as:
- Hospital bills and emergency care
- Prescription medications and medical equipment
- Physical therapy
- Surgeries
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Therapy or psychological help
- Ongoing medical care or specialized treatment
- Modifications to your home to accommodate disabilities
Non-economic damages compensate accident victims for losses such as:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress or depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Changes to the quality of life or independence
Punitive damages may be available in special cases when courts find that a driver acted recklessly or with gross negligence. These damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer. A skilled DUI accident lawyer can assess whether your case meets the criteria for punitive damages and help pursue them when appropriate.
LawtonCates will identify all potential damages available based on the specific facts of your injury case.
How a DUI Accident Lawyer Handles Your Case
A drunk driving accident lawyer with LawtonCates will begin by reviewing police reports, photographic evidence, medical documentation, and other evidence to identify the at-fault driver and determine liability. Next, we’ll calculate the full extent of your injuries and your present and future losses caused by the other driver.
We handle all communication with insurance companies and opposing counsel and negotiate settlements when possible. If the insurer refuses to make a fair settlement offer, we’ll be ready to take your case to court. We will keep you informed at every step in the process.
Contact Our Jefferson Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Today
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, let us handle your claim for compensation. Call for a free consultation with a DUI accident lawyer in Jefferson.