Legal Advice for Drunk Driving Accident Victims
If you or a family member was injured by a drunk driver, you may expect that the drunk driver will have enhanced liability. This is not true. More and more insurance policies are excluding coverage for injuries and deaths caused by drunk driving. The fact that the other driver was operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol may work to your detriment rather than to your advantage.
The lawyers at ROBINSON & CLAPHAM know not to bring the drunk driving question into the equation prematurely. Just because a driver was cited with a DUI does not mean that he or she will be convicted. An "innocent" victim, namely a driver, passenger, pedestrian or bicyclist, injured in a collision with an alleged drunk driver, needs counsel and representation by a lawyer who understands the importance of a full investigation. Recovery of compensation may take longer but results will be more reliable when all facts of the drunk driving accident are considered.
For example, the driver who was under the influence of alcohol may or may not be convicted in his or her DUI case. An acquittal, dismissal of charges or reduction of charges may remove the pretext for denial of coverage by an insurer whose policy excludes payment of damages in drunk driving situations.
On the other hand, if DUI charges are upheld and the drunk driver is convicted, there may be additional sources of compensation available due to dram shop laws. This means that a bar or restaurant that served an apparently inebriated person may be held responsible.
Regardless of the outcome of the DUI charges, a drunk driving accident may result in serious injuries (spinal cord injury, brain injury, broken bones) or death of someone in the other car — or a passenger in the car of the drunk driver. An experienced attorney can help ensure that an injured person receives compensation from all available sources when all facts are taken into account.
Contact ROBINSON & CLAPHAM · Rhode Island Personal Injury Attorneys
Contact the Providence law offices of ROBINSON & CLAPHAM to schedule a consultation with an experienced car accident attorney after an accident involving a drunk driver that has resulted in injury or death. We are available evenings and weekends by appointment. We represent victims of drunk driving accidents on a contingency basis.
