Driving under the influence (DUI) and operating while intoxicated (OWI) continue to be significant problems in Indiana and throughout the country. Statistics reveal that roughly 10,000 deaths and 300,000 injuries occur from alcohol-related crashes each year. In Indiana, the presence of alcohol or drugs can impact a car accident case, affecting both criminal and civil proceedings. If you have been injured by someone who was driving under the influence, you’ll need to understand your rights as an accident victim in order to recover compensation for damages and losses.

When a driver is found to be intoxicated at the time of an accident, it typically will establish clear negligence, making it easier to determine fault. This is a critical factor in civil claims since proving liability is the foundation of a personal injury case.

In Indiana, an impaired driver can face severe criminal charges when an accident occurs. These can include fines, license suspensions, and possible jail time. If an accident results in serious injury or death, charges can upgrade to felonies, with harsher penalties such as longer prison sentences and hefty fines. These proceedings would run side-by-side to any personal injury claim and can inherently influence the overall outcome of a case.

Insurance companies are more likely to settle a case when an at-fault driver has been proven to be intoxicated or impaired. Victims of accidents can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Additionally, the involvement of a DUI often increases the likelihood of a favorable settlement or judgment for the victim. In some cases, courts may award punitive damages, which are additional sums intended to punish the driver and deter similar behavior in the future.

As always, the outcome of any personal injury case will be contingent on the unique factors that are present. For example, if more than one person is found to be at fault, the presence of alcohol or drugs may end up affecting the percentage of fault attributed to each driver. Pursuing a car accident claim can often be a complex process that requires the expertise of a skilled personal injury attorney who is familiar with handling these types of cases.

If you have been involved in a car accident and the other at-fault driver was driving under the influence, contact our office. We will assess your case at no cost and if you retain our firm, we will work on a contingency basis, meaning there is no cost unless there is a settlement or jury verdict award on your behalf.

Call 317-636-0808 or complete the contact form below for a FREE and confidential consultation.