Proving Liability When You’re Hit by a Drunk Driver

On April 15, at 6:45 p.m., Action News Now published a news report of a deadly 3-car crash in Chico.

According to the investigators, one suspect, a woman, was taken into custody. It was said that the accused woman was yet another DUI perpetrator. 3 victims were transported to a hospital where one 64-year old man couldn’t survive the injuries and died. In light of the accident, a road—East Avenue—in Chico has been closed.
How many times have you come across newspaper headlines that read:
“Man/Woman arrested for drunken driving hit-and-run case in Chico”
True, criminal investigations are a legitimate course of action to take. But as a first-hand victim who has been hit by a drunk driver, you can pursue many legal options.
Here’s a quick guide to what you can do.

Insurance Claims Are The Best Bet

You have the full right to push legal charges against the –perpetrator but there are other options that you would like to consider, first. You can negotiate a settlement with the driver’s insurance provider.
As per the State Law, every driver is obliged to carry a minimum amount of car insurance. As a matter of fact, you can also file a third party lawsuit against the driver’s insurance carrier.
You can legally demand a full reimbursement for the injuries you sustained and any property damage that may have resulted. Don’t underestimate the settlement figures because they can be astoundingly high. 

DUI Conviction

Being hit by a driver is one thing, but being hit by a drunk driver is quite another. If there are chances of a DUI conviction, you’re already close to winning the case.
If the driver is convicted of driving under the influence of an intoxicant, the insurance companies will bend backwards to avoid a lawsuit. Know that they have a lot more at stake than you can possible imagine!
Insurance companies know that if push comes to shove and they’re taken to trial, the ruling will be in favor of the plaintiff who was hit. So an injury settlement, no matter how large, will be a favor on them and a fortune for you!

No Fault State Laws

If you’re a resident of Chicago, you don’t have to worry about No-Fault laws that basically state that in case of an accident, the victim’s own insurance must cover the losses.
It suggests that since neither party can be blamed for the accident, it’s a no fault case. In that case you have to turn to your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance to compensate for the medical bills.
Only if the sustained injuries meet the state’s threshold of serious complications, can you actually file or win a lawsuit. But Chicago follows the fault system so victims have greater chances of seeking justice.

What to do first
In case you’ve been in such an accident, it’s best to approach a lawyer first! You might not be able to comprehend complications of liability properly, but they definitely can.
If you’re looking for a law specialist in Chico, CA, contact Marquez Law Offices right away. Among other things, they specialize in traffic accident cases and can definitely devise a good plan for you!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Why You Should Have a Lawyer on Retainer

Image
If you've ever hired a lawyer, you'll know that putting yourself and your details in someone else's hands can be nerve-wracking. When it comes to legal policy, understanding the ins and outs is something only a lawyer can do. The Law Offices of Ron Marquez is a general practice firm in Chico  that's well-versed in everything from wills and trusts  to personal injury and damage settlements . They've helped their clients navigate the legal system to achieve their best interests. Check out this blog post  about ensuring you don't lose out on the far compensation you're entitled to after an injury. A great way to make sure that no legalities go amiss is to have a lawyer on retainer. This means that instead of hiring counsel when a situation arises, you'll already have one on your payroll. It may seem unnecessary, but there are several advantages to timely, reliable legal advice: Familiarity The lawyer you have on retainer will be familiar with your details. ...
Read more

Agreed Divorce vs. Contested Divorce

Image
If a couple or even one person decides to go for a divorce , there are various assets, terms, and conditions that they need to settle among the pair. It’s a crucial process that allows people to move on properly with their own lives and prepares them for what lies ahead.   There are two main types of divorce, and here’s what you need to be aware of: Agreed Divorce As the name suggests, an agreed divorce is the kind of divorce where both spouses agree to all of the terms and conditions of the divorce. There are numerous terms and conditions of a divorce, and it’s often unlikely that the couple may come to terms and see eye to eye on the matter. As both of the parties have already agreed upon the various dealings and presented their individual consents, the matters of the divorce are not appealable. Contested Divorce Conversely, if there’s disagreement about even one or more matters related to the terms and conditions of the divorce , it’s known as a contested divorce. Contested...
Read more

3 Benefits of Seeking Therapy During Divorce

Image
Separation and divorce are difficult processes that can cause a significant amount of stress. The outcome of the divorce will likely impact your future and that of your family. Managing powerful emotions like anger, pain, fear, and sadness can be challenging, which is why we recommend seeking therapy during the process. Many people are hesitant to see a therapist, but it can help you process these complex feelings about the divorce more easily. Here are some benefits of seeking therapy during divorce proceedings: 1. Helps Cope with Stress A divorce can be a highly stressful and life-altering event. Most people go through major life changes and adjustments during this time, which leaves them psychologically and physically vulnerable. Discussing the situation with a trained therapist will help you overcome negative feelings or complex emotions regarding the divorce and get to the core of the issue. Some therapists also offer stress-reduction techniques, such as mindful meditation  th...
Read more