Do I Need a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer?

After being hurt by an intoxicated driver in Arkansas, speaking with an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer is one of the most important steps you can take. When facing pain, disability, and the financial strain of missed work and high medical bills, it is important to ensure that you are making informed decisions with your long-term best interests in mind. Whether you were seriously injured, a loved one was seriously injured, or a loved one was tragically killed, the accident will have consequences for years to come—and you owe it to yourself and your family to do everything you can to minimize the accident’s long-term effects. 

Does this mean you need a drunk driving accident lawyer?

The short answer is, “Yes.” Drunk driving is negligent driving, and negligent drivers can be held fully accountable for the consequences of their mistakes under Arkansas law. In some cases, other parties can be held accountable as well. From determining what legal options you have available to taking appropriate legal action on your behalf, there are many ways an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer can help you.

Why It’s Important to Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer 

Are you dealing with the consequences of someone else’s decision to drink and drive? If so, here are just some of the reasons why it will be important to have an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer on your side: 

1. Dealing with the Auto Insurance Companies Isn’t Easy

Seeking financial compensation for a drunk driving accident usually means dealing with the auto insurance companies (though, as we discuss below, this may not be your only option). Dealing with the auto insurance companies isn’t easy; and, if they can find a way to avoid paying for your losses, they will not hesitate to leave you without the compensation you deserve. Your lawyer can help make sure this doesn’t happen. 

2. Filing an Auto Insurance Claim Might Not Be Your Only Option 

While you will most likely have an auto insurance claim after a drunk driving accident, filing an insurance claim might not be your only option. Depending on the circumstances, you could also have claims such as:

  • A claim against a bar or restaurant that served the drunk driver
  • A claim against a liquor store that sold alcohol to the drunk driver
  • A claim against a party host that served the drunk driver
  • A claim against the drunk driver’s parents (if the driver was underage)
  • A claim against any other person or business that played a role in causing the accident

Your lawyer will be able to thoroughly assess your legal rights and pursue all viable claims on your behalf. Since drunk drivers’ insurance policies won’t always cover the lifetime costs of serious or fatal injuries, this can be essential in many cases. 

3. The Drunk Driver’s Criminal Case Won’t Result in Payment of Fair Compensation  

Even if the drunk driver got arrested and is now facing criminal charges, his or her criminal case won’t result in payment of just compensation. To hold the drunk driver financially accountable, you need to file a civil claim outside of the criminal justice system. Your lawyer can explain the differences between criminal cases and civil claims in greater detail, and your lawyer can take all necessary steps to effectively assert your legal rights. 

4. The Lifetime Costs of a Drunk Driving Accident Can Be Substantial 

From medical bills to long-term pain and suffering, the lifetime costs of a drunk driving accident can be substantial. As a result, you need to make sure you are seeking the full compensation you and your loved ones deserve. Your lawyer can assist with determining how much you will need to cover your family’s medical expenses and loss of income in the future, and your lawyer can calculate just compensation for your non-financial losses as well. 

5. Your Lawyer Can Help Ensure That You Don’t Settle for Too Little 

By carefully calculating your losses and dealing with the insurance companies for you, your lawyer can help ensure that you don’t settle for too little. When dealing with your situation gets challenging, your lawyer can continue fighting on your behalf while you focus on your well-being. Hiring a lawyer will give you confidence that you are making the right decisions; and, at the end of the process, you will be able to start moving on with your life. 

Speak with a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Rogers for Free 

If you have questions about hiring a drunk driving accident lawyer in Arkansas, we invite you to get in touch. Our skilled attorneys are here to offer the compassionate support and skilled legal representation you deserve. 

While no financial settlement can fully make up for the pain and loss caused by a drunk driver, we’re committed to easing your financial stress and holding those responsible accountable. Let us handle the legal complexities so you can concentrate on healing and moving forward.

Contact Oliver Law Firm today online or at 479-202-5200 for a FREE case evaluation. We serve clients throughout Arkansas and throughout the United States from our office in Rogers, AR.