Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys in Dayton, OH

Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys in Dayton, OH

Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys in Dayton, OH

There are no good auto accidents or acceptable car crash causes. If a driver acts negligently and causes a crash, they should pay for the damages they cause. What’s particularly infuriating about drunk driving accidents is how avoidable they are. People today have easy and convenient options to get home after drinking, including rideshares, taxis, or designated drivers. Families devastated by drunk drivers have every reason to be angry and are entitled to justice for what’s happened to them. Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys in Dayton, OH at the Buckeye Law Group are committed to ensuring the person who caused your crash through their own reckless negligence is held accountable. We’ll aggressively fight for the recovery you deserve.

Drunk Driving Crashes Have Decreased, But They’re Still a Major Issue on Ohio Roads

Even as we commend organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for their work in decreasing drunk driving incidents across our great state of Ohio, it’s important to recognize that drunk driving remains a heartrending reality. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, approximately 13,000 alcohol-related crashes occur in our state each year. Here at the Buckeye Law Group, we understand the devastating impact that a drunk driving crash can have on victims and their families, even as we see overall numbers decline. As your trusted personal injury attorney in Dayton, you can rely on our Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys in Dayton, OH to work diligently to uphold your rights and seek just compensation.

When a Claim May be Eligible for Punitive Damages and How Punitive Damages Are Awarded

Drunk driving incidents often transcend mere negligence, venturing into the territory of reckless and intentional misconduct. In such cases, you may be eligible for punitive damages – a form of compensation designed not just to compensate the victim, but to penalize the offender and deter similar behavior. To warrant punitive damages, we must demonstrate that the defendant acted with malice or displayed a flagrant disregard for your safety.

• Establish Liability and Intent: To be eligible for punitive damages in Ohio, you must demonstrate that the defendant’s actions were more than just negligent; they were egregious or showed a conscious disregard for the rights and safety of others. Drunk driving often meets this criterion.

• File a Lawsuit: Your attorney will file a lawsuit against the responsible party. It will detail your injuries, the defendant’s misconduct and the damages you’re seeking, including punitive damages.

• Negotiation and/or Trial: The defendant’s legal team may offer a settlement. If their offer is insufficient, your case may proceed to trial. During the trial, your attorney will present your case, aiming to demonstrate the defendant’s blatant disregard for safety.

• Prove Actual Damages: Under Ohio law, you can only be awarded punitive damages if you can prove actual damages first. These are tangible damages like medical bills, lost wages and property damage.

• Determine the Amount of Punitive Damages: If you successfully prove actual damages and that the defendant’s actions warrant punitive damages, the court will then decide the amount. In Ohio, punitive damages are typically capped at twice the amount of compensatory damages awarded or 10 percent of a defendant’s net worth, whichever is less, but no more than $350,000.
  

The Challenges Facing Injury Victims After Drunk Driving Crashes

Victims of drunk driving incidents face a myriad of physical, emotional and financial challenges. Alongside recovering from injuries, they may have to grapple with lost wages, mounting medical bills and the psychological aftermath of the crash. It’s an uphill battle that no one should face alone. With the Buckeye Law Group at your side, we can lighten this burden and provide the aggressive advocacy you deserve.

We can’t go back and time and undo what has been done, but we’ll do everything legally possible to aid in you and your family’s recovery.

Ways Insurance Companies Combat Drunk Driving Claims

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, even in drunk driving cases. They might dispute the severity of your injuries, argue that you share liability, or even deny the claim outright. Navigating these roadblocks can be overwhelming for victims. At the Buckeye Law Group, we confront these tactics head-on. Leveraging our extensive experience and deep understanding of insurance law, our Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys in Dayton, OH relentlessly advocate for your rights.

Types of Damages Drunk Driving Victims May Be Entitled to Receive

Victims of drunk driving incidents may be entitled to a broad range of damages. Economic damages cover calculable losses, such as medical expenses and lost wages. Non-economic damages compensate for pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. Punitive damages, as discussed, aim to punish the offender and dissuade similar conduct. Every case is unique, and an experienced DUI lawyer can help accurately assess the damages to which you are entitled.