Facing a car accident can be devastating, and for those involved in a drunk driving accident, the circumstances can be fatal. An intoxicated driver is likely to face a lawsuit for injuries and vehicle damages after an alcohol or drug-related road mishap.
If you have been involved in a car accident while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, there are certain things you should know about how to handle civil liability. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the crucial elements you must be aware of if you land in this scenario.
Dealing with a DUI lawsuit can be confusing for those not familiar with the law. Hence, it is better to have some knowledge in such situations. In some cases, a lawsuit is filed within a few days or months after the accident, and in some, it is filed after years, depending on the state laws. If a DUI lawsuit has been filed against you, here are some common questions that you may wonder about.
How will I understand whether I am being sued or not?
When an injured person files a complaint in court, the plaintiff should formally inform the defendant (the person being sued). Other legal steps depend entirely on the laws of the particular state. Hence, you should know the personal injury laws followed in your state.
You can connect with an experienced Philadelphia Accident Lawyer who will be familiar with Pennsylvania’s laws. They will investigate your case and determine further steps to handle the lawsuit.
The defendant will need to get all the documents related to the lawsuit to take the necessary steps in his favor. An attorney can take the appropriate measures depending on the petition date and other details.
You should respond to the petition as soon as possible. Acting quickly can prevent many issues. Having an attorney by your side to represent you vigorously can ensure that you know all the deadlines related to your case and act fast.
It is essential to respond quickly to the petition, submit the right set of documents requested by the court, and take all other necessary actions within the deadline. This will reduce your chances of facing harsh consequences.
The plaintiff may try to recover punitive damages and compensatory damages. A legal professional can handle such charges and help you save a good amount of money.
Are you confused about Defense from the Insurance Company’s Side?
Many people feel confused about their car insurance policies and wonder if their insurance company will defend them in court. There are norms that insurance companies have to follow, and a layperson is typically not familiar with them.
So, in DUI cases where you are being sued, and losses may be covered by your car insurance company, you may get legal assistance from their side. The insurance company will hire an attorney to defend against such types of DUI lawsuits. However, you also have a right to obtain independent counsel, and industry experts suggest consulting other attorneys who can stand by your side and discuss the case.
But what to do if you don’t have insurance?
Buying automobile insurance is mandatory in almost all states because it helps manage a lot of vehicle-related financial expenses. But some people may fail to purchase or renew their insurance policy before facing a DUI lawsuit.
You may have to face financial penalties if you were driving without insurance. If this happens, you must talk to a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer and discuss the scenario. They shall take the best steps to safeguard your rights.
Many states follow a “no-fault” car insurance system. In no-fault states, the injured person is expected to seek the amount from his car insurance coverage amount. However, there are certain circumstances where they can file a lawsuit.
An experienced legal professional can help you handle this situation. Many things change when you face a case and do not have insurance, and the course of action varies. So, make sure you take appropriate steps under the guidance of a professional.
How much time does a DUI Lawsuit take to get resolved?
It depends on the circumstances under which the lawsuit is filed. Some cases get resolved in a few months after filing the lawsuit, while some take years to come to a resolution. Certain factors affect the court’s decision. Knowing them can help to avoid delays.
Things like getting medical treatment immediately after the accident, informing police about the accident, maintaining medical records, hiring an experienced legal professional to represent your case vigorously, etc., can make this journey easier. DUI/ DWI cases can be filed for many accidents, and not all can be resolved with ease. Hence, it is better to take possible legal steps as soon as possible.
