Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Wyoming
It won’t surprise you that nearly one out of every three traffic fatalities in the U.S. involves a driver under the influence of alcohol. However, other impairments are becoming more common. More and more drivers are getting behind the wheel while under the influence of marijuana, illegal narcotics, prescription painkillers, or a combination of drugs and alcohol.
Impaired driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Wyoming. These accidents can leave victims with expensive hospital bills, vehicle repair bills, lost wages, and a wide variety of injuries. And on top of all that, the victim is expected to deal with everything the other driver’s insurance company throws at them just to receive compensation for their injuries.
Driving Under the Influence
A driver under the influence is more likely to be in an accident than a sober driver. Drugs and alcohol can impair judgement, slow reaction time, alter motor function, and impair one’s sense of depth perception. All this can lead to speeding, crossing over the center median, driving the wrong way, failing to abide by traffic signals, and many other forms of reckless driving.
Unlike a typical vehicle accident, impaired driving is a criminal offense. This means that it can give rise to a civil claim, but also that the victim may have to wait until the criminal case is concluded before they can take their case to court. This can, unfortunately, cause some problems for the victim of an impaired driving accident.
Criminal court cases can take a long time to reach a conclusion, especially if the defendant wants to go to trial with the case. A jury verdict for a DUI arrest can take six months or more. The impaired driver may have also spent lots of money to pay for a criminal defense attorney, leaving them with fewer resources from which to compensate the victim.
Common Injuries of Drunk Driving Accidents
Driving under the influence often correlates with other dangerous driving, such as speeding and negligence. Unfortunately, this often results in drunk driving accidents leading to one or both parties being injured.
Some of these serious injuries can include:
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Internal injuries
- Head injuries (TBIs)
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
Children, motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians may be the most at risk of injury in an impaired driver accident.
Accident Damages for a Wyoming Drunk Driving Accident
The damages in a case like this depend on many factors. Many accidents only result in property damage, such as damage to parked cars, buildings, or city property.
In the event of an accident, the impaired driver’s liability insurance coverage or company should pay for your damages. However, that does not mean the other driver’s insurance company will simply write you a check for the full value of your case. Insurance companies are in the business of saving money, and they will likely try to pay you as little as they can. Contact an attorney who will fight for the compensation you deserve. If you’re presented with a settlement offer, make sure you understand your legal rights and avoid selling yourself short.
In Wyoming, drivers are required by law to have a minimum amount of uninsured or underinsured coverage (UM/UIM), unless they choose to waive it, in the amount of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage is very important coverage to have. It should compensate you in the event that you are hit by someone who is not adequately insured. But even when it comes to a UM/UIM claim, your own insurance company will likely want to pay you as little as possible. If your claim has been denied, held up, or only partially approved, contact an attorney today.
We understand that losing a loved one to an impaired driving accident is an incredibly tragic event. While no amount of money can bring them back, a wrongful death lawsuit may allow the family to cover the funeral costs, burial costs, and ensure that children will be cared for. A wrongful death claim is a path for surviving family members to seek damages for loss of support and companionship. It also holds the impaired driver accountable for their actions.
Contact a Wyoming Lawyer for Help After a Drunk Driving Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident with an impaired driver, Shafner Law will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. We are dedicated and committed to provide you with the personal attention and communication you would expect of us. Contact our office today at (307) 277-6956.
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