The Suffolk Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
At Anchor Legal Group, PLLC, we understand the devastating consequences that drunk driving accidents can have on victims and their families. If you have been involved in a drunk driving accident in Suffolk, Virginia, our experienced legal team is here to support you. We are dedicated to helping victims recover compensation for their injuries and hold negligent drunk drivers accountable for their reckless actions.
Drunk driving accidents can cause catastrophic injuries and long-term financial and emotional distress. Whether you have been injured in a crash or lost a loved one, our Suffolk drunk driving accident lawyers are committed to fighting for your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and how we can help you seek justice.
The Impact of Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents can happen in an instant, but their effects can last a lifetime. When a driver operates a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, their ability to make sound decisions, react quickly, and operate the vehicle safely is severely impaired. This puts everyone on the road at risk. Drunk driving crashes can result in a wide range of accidents, from minor fender-benders to severe collisions that cause permanent disabilities or even fatalities.
The consequences of drunk driving accidents are far-reaching. Injuries sustained in these crashes can lead to long-term medical treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and emotional suffering. Victims of drunk driving accidents often face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and a diminished quality of life.
Common Types of Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents can result in various collisions, each with its own dangers. Some of the most common types of accidents caused by drunk driving include:
- Rear-End Collisions: A drunk driver may fail to stop in time when traffic slows down, causing them to rear-end the vehicle in front of them. These collisions can result in whiplash, neck and back injuries, and severe emotional trauma.
- Head-On Collisions: One of the most dangerous types of accidents, head-on collisions can occur when a drunk driver crosses into oncoming traffic. These crashes often result in catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries, and fatalities.
- Side-Impact Collisions (T-bone Accidents): Drunk drivers may fail to stop at stop signs or red lights, leading to T-bone accidents. The side of a vehicle offers little protection in these collisions, making passengers vulnerable to severe injuries like broken bones, head injuries, and internal organ damage.
- Rollover Accidents: Drunk driving can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle, leading to a rollover accident. These accidents often result in serious injuries due to the force of the crash and the risk of being ejected from the vehicle.
What Are Common Injuries From Drunk Driving Accidents?
Drunk driving accidents often result in severe injuries that require immediate medical attention and long-term care. Some of the most common injuries sustained in drunk driving crashes include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): A blow to the head can cause lasting brain damage, leading to cognitive impairments, memory loss, and motor dysfunction. Severe TBIs can affect every aspect of a victim’s life, requiring lifelong care and rehabilitation.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Drunk driving crashes often lead to spinal cord injuries that cause partial or complete paralysis. Victims with spinal cord injuries may require extensive medical treatments, including surgery, physical therapy, and ongoing care.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: Fractured bones are common in drunk driving accidents, and some fractures may require surgery or extensive rehabilitation. Broken bones can significantly affect mobility, requiring months or even years of recovery.
- Internal Injuries: Collisions from drunk driving accidents can cause damage to internal organs such as the lungs, liver, kidneys, or spleen. These injuries can be life-threatening and may require immediate medical intervention.
- Psychological and Emotional Trauma: Victims of drunk driving accidents often experience emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This can add to the already overwhelming burden of dealing with physical injuries.
- Wrongful Death: Unfortunately, drunk driving accidents can result in fatalities. If a loved one has been killed in a drunk driving accident, surviving family members may have a claim for wrongful death.
Legal Rights for Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents
In Virginia, those who have been injured or harmed by a drunk driver are entitled to seek compensation through a personal injury claim. If the drunk driver is found to be negligent or at fault for the accident, victims may be entitled to damages for the following:
- Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of hospital stays, surgeries, doctor’s visits, rehabilitation, and any future medical expenses related to your injuries.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income and future lost wages.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional pain caused by the accident can be a significant part of a drunk driving injury claim.
- Property Damage: If your vehicle or other property was damaged in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for repairs or replacement costs.
- Punitive Damages: In some cases, if the drunk driver’s actions were reckless or egregious, punitive damages may be awarded in addition to compensatory damages. These damages serve to punish the driver and deter future negligence.
Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident in Suffolk
If you have been involved in a drunk driving accident, it is important to take the following steps to protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if you feel fine, getting a full medical evaluation after an accident is important. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, may not be immediately noticeable.
- Report the Accident: Always report a drunk driving accident to the police. The police will investigate the scene, document the crash, and determine whether the other driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The police report will be an essential part of your claim.
- Gather Evidence: If possible, take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Collect contact information from witnesses who saw the accident. This evidence can help support your case.
- Contact a Suffolk Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer: It is crucial to consult with an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer as soon as possible. The legal process can be complex, and a skilled lawyer will guide you through every step, ensuring your rights are protected.
Why Choose Anchor Legal Group, PLLC
At Anchor Legal Group, PLLC, we are committed to helping victims of drunk driving accidents. Our team of skilled Suffolk drunk driving accident lawyers offers:
- Extensive Experience in Drunk Driving Accident Cases: We deeply understand Virginia’s laws and the complexities of drunk driving accident cases. We know how to build a strong case, negotiate with insurance companies, and take legal action to protect your interests.
- Aggressive Representation: We fight for the best possible outcome for our clients, whether negotiating a fair settlement or taking the case to trial. Our attorneys will hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.
- Compassionate Support: We understand the emotional toll that a drunk driving accident can have. Our team is here to provide compassionate support and guidance throughout the entire process.
Contact the Suffolk Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers at Anchor Legal Group, PLLC Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, do not wait to get the legal help you need. Contact the experienced Suffolk drunk driving accident lawyers at Anchor Legal Group, PLLC today for a free consultation. Our lawyers are ready to fight for your rights. Call 757-LAW-0000 or contact us online. Located in Virginia Beach, we serve clients in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Newport News, Hampton, Williamsburg, and Eastern Shore.