It is no secret that driving after drinking or using drugs is reckless and hazardous. Sadly, many continue to drive drunk and cause accidents. Even the most cautious driver following every traffic law is vulnerable to getting into severe wrecks with negligent drunk drivers.
Civil laws entitle you to compensation for your injuries and losses when a motorist causes a collision because they were under the influence. Schedule a consultation with an experienced car accident attorney from the Law Office of David E. Gordon to handle the legal aspects of your drunk driving car accident in Southaven.
Drunk Driving is Unlawful and Leads to Criminal and Civil Penalties
A person guilty of driving under the influence will face criminal charges. Additionally, the civil court allows victims of drunk driving accidents to hold the driver financially accountable. A claim for damages could cover an individual’s financial losses after the collision and help them get the medical care they need to recover.
Recoverable Damages After an Accident with an Intoxicated Motorist
Drunk driving often leads to severe car accidents with devastating consequences. Individuals can sustain catastrophic and life-threatening or fatal injuries, often requiring long-term medical care to recover. Because damages are typically extensive, the settlement amount against intoxicated motorists can be significant. The court may award compensation to cover the following:
- The cost of healthcare and ongoing expenses
- Physical and psychological therapy
- Lost salary, benefits, and future earning potential
- Emotional anguish, losing the enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of companionship
An attorney who is knowledgeable about Southaven drunk driving car crashes can help collect the evidence needed to build a solid case and prove the extent of damages and losses.
The Statute of Limitations for Drunk Driving Cases
An injured party should be aware of the statute of limitations deadline when hoping to recover damages in a personal injury claim. According to the Mississippi Code § 15-1-49, the petitioner must file legal action within three years of the crash with a drunk driver.
If a Southaven drunk driving accident victim is a minor, the three-year limitation does not begin to accrue until their 21st birthday and expires when they turn 24. Finally, if the injuries from the accident leave the injured party mentally incapacitated, the statute of limitations does not go into effect until the disability ends, which could be up to 21 years. David E. Gordon can handle the legal work and help guide the civil court process to ensure all applicable deadlines are met and an injured party’s right to compensation is protected.
Meet With a Skilled Attorney About Southaven Drunk Driving Car Accidents
Drunk driving car accidents in Southaven can be catastrophic and upend your life and future. If a careless drunk driver caused you or a loved one to suffer injuries and losses, you could be eligible to collect compensation. While an award cannot change what already occurred, it could provide you with the resources you need to get your life in order and get back on your feet. Call the Law Office of David E. Gordon to work with an attorney who is not afraid to advocate on your behalf.
