Harrisonburg Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
Virginia Drunk Driving Accident Compensation Claims
Have you been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver? Do you need a personal injury lawyer to review your case? At Obenshain Law Group, we take drunk driving accidents seriously. We understand that this can be a very emotionally challenging time for you, especially if you have lost a loved one or suffered a severe injury. With decades of legal experience and millions of dollars recovered on behalf of injury victims, the Harrisonburg DUI lawyers at our firm are prepared to help with your claim.
Contact us online or call (540) 318-7360 now to schedule a free consultation with one of our Harrisonburg drunk driving accident lawyers.
Why Choose Obenshain Law Group for Your Drunk Driving Accident Claim?
Handling drunk driving accidents requires skills and experience. There are many complex laws and levels of evidence that can be used in these types of cases. Our Harrisonburg drunk driving accident attorneys know how to resolve your unique case and can aggressively pursue the justice you deserve for your pain and suffering caused by a drunk driver.
Our firm has helped individuals recover compensation for:
- Time away from work
- Lost employment opportunities
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Therapy costs
- Long-term disabilities
- Hospital bills
Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident in Virginia
If you are in an accident involving a car accident, your first priority should be your safety. You should immediately call 911. Once you have checked yourself and others for injuries, you should do the following:
- Gather the other involved drivers’ information, including insurance information
- Contact the police and fill out a police report
- Take pictures of the scene of the accident, including damage to your vehicle
- Obtain any eyewitness statements if possible
- Contact your own insurance company and inform them of the accident
- Reach out to a car accident attorney near you
After the immediate emergency has passed, it is also important to seek medical care, even if you believe your injuries are minor. In our experience, many people in Harrisonburg and throughout Virginia discover days or weeks later that they are dealing with lingering pain, concussions, or other conditions that were not obvious at the scene. Getting evaluated promptly protects your health and also creates clear documentation that can support any future claim against the impaired driver.
You should also keep copies of anything you receive related to the crash, such as towing receipts, repair estimates, and letters from insurance adjusters. Keeping a simple written record of how you feel each day, the work you miss, and activities you can no longer do can be very helpful later when describing the full impact of the accident. When you speak with a lawyer, bringing this information allows us to give you more specific guidance and to start building a claim that reflects both your immediate and long-term losses.
Understanding Punitive Damages in DUI Accidents
Many people ask us about the laws surrounding drunk driving accident claims. The state of Virginia imposes strict laws against drunk driving to prevent accidents. In a typical personal injury case, an individual may only be able to recover basic compensation for damages. However, state law allows for statutory punitive damages as well. These punitive damages enforce additional financial punishment against the defendant and create a stronger message against drunk driving.
Proving punitive damages are merited is the challenging part. You must be able to show that a driver knew their ability to drive would be impaired if they became intoxicated. You will also need to prove that their impaired ability is what caused your injury or wrongful death of a loved one. With the right Harrisonburg DUI lawyer on your side, you can successfully secure the justice you deserve.
Is It Possible To Hold Establishments Liable For Over-Serving Alcohol To A Driver?
In Virginia, pursuing liability against an establishment that over-serves alcohol to a driver who later causes an accident can be particularly difficult. Unlike some other states with "dram shop" laws that explicitly allow for such claims, Virginia lacks a specific statute that holds alcohol-serving establishments accountable for their patrons' actions once they leave the premises.
Nevertheless, there are specific situations where you may still have a viable case. For instance, if it can be demonstrated that an establishment served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated individual or a minor, and this act was directly linked to the subsequent accident, you might have grounds for a claim. Such cases typically demand compelling evidence, including eyewitness accounts or surveillance footage, to prove the establishment's negligence.
While Virginia's laws make it difficult to hold establishments accountable, exploring all possible legal avenues is essential, especially when seeking justice and compensation for your injuries.
Common Injuries and Losses in Drunk Driving Accidents
Alcohol-related crashes often cause more severe harm than other collisions because impaired drivers may be speeding, drifting across lanes, or failing to brake at all before impact. We frequently see clients in Harrisonburg and the surrounding areas dealing with fractures, head injuries, back and neck trauma, and internal injuries after these wrecks. Beyond the physical harm, people also face disrupted work schedules, difficulty caring for children or aging family members, and emotional distress that can linger long after the vehicles are repaired or replaced.
Understanding the full scope of your losses is an important step in deciding how to move forward after a drunk driving crash. Medical treatment at Sentara RMH Medical Center or other local facilities may involve emergency care, follow-up appointments, therapy, and medication, all of which create bills and time away from your usual routines. Some people need help with transportation, temporary modifications to their homes, or support to manage daily tasks while they recover. When we evaluate a claim, we look at these practical impacts so any request for compensation reflects the real changes the collision has forced on your life.
For families coping with the loss of a loved one, the losses are even more far-reaching. In addition to funeral and burial costs, there can be a sudden change in household income and the loss of guidance, companionship, and support that person provided. If you are considering whether to pursue a wrongful death claim after a drunk driving crash in Virginia, we can explain how the law allows certain family members to seek financial recovery and discuss what information we would need to evaluate that option with you.
Seeking Justice for Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents in Harrisonburg
We at Obenshain Law Group are committed to pursuing justice for those hurt in drunk driving collisions. Our skilled attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the compensation you are entitled to because we recognize the devastating impacts that these types of incidents can have on people and families.
When you choose Obenshain Law Group for your drunk driving accident claim, you can expect:
- Compassionate and personalized legal representation
- Aggressive advocacy to hold the responsible parties accountable
- Thorough investigation to gather evidence and build a strong case
- Negotiation skills to secure fair compensation for your injuries and damages
- Guidance and support throughout the legal process
Do not hesitate to get in touch with Obenshain Law Group for a free consultation if you or a loved one has suffered injuries in an accident involving drunk driving. We are here to assist you in navigating the court system's intricacies and to seek justice on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do I Have to Bring a Claim After a Drunk Driving Accident in Virginia?
Virginia law sets time limits, called statutes of limitation, for filing injury and wrongful death claims, and those deadlines can come up sooner than many people expect. Because the exact time frame can depend on the type of claim and the facts of your situation, it is wise to talk with a lawyer as soon as you can after a crash. Meeting early allows time to investigate what happened, gather records, and file any necessary paperwork before important deadlines pass.
Will the Criminal DUI Case Affect My Civil Accident Claim?
When a driver is charged with DUI in connection with a crash, the criminal case and your civil claim follow separate paths, but they are often closely related. Evidence from the criminal matter, such as test results or officer observations, may be useful in the civil case, and the timing of hearings or plea discussions can sometimes affect how quickly your claim moves forward. A lawyer can help you understand how the two processes interact and what to expect as each case progresses.
Do I Have to Go to Court to Recover Compensation After a Drunk Driving Crash?
Many claims arising from drunk driving accidents are resolved through negotiation with insurance companies, while others do proceed into litigation in a Virginia court. Whether your claim will require a lawsuit depends on the severity of your injuries, the insurance coverage available, and how willing the insurer is to make a fair offer. Having a clear understanding of your medical situation and financial losses can help you decide, with guidance, whether a proposed settlement makes sense or whether it may be better to continue toward trial.
If you have questions about pursuing a claim against a drunk driver, contact our firm at (540) 318-7360 for a free consultation with our Harrisonburg drunk driving attorney.
