Every two minutes, a person is injured or killed in an alcohol-related traffic accident. While this is certainly an alarming fact, it doesn’t adequately convey the emotional and physical trauma caused by impaired motorists. If you or a member of your family was harmed in such a crash, turn to Long Beach drunk driving accident lawyer Michael D. Waks for representation.
You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost earnings, pain and suffering, damage to your vehicle, and possibly punitive damages. To discuss your case with an attorney in a free consultation, call (888) 394-1174.
Importance of Seeking Legal Representation After a Drunk Driving Accident
Although they may seem simple, DUI accident cases are very complex. To prevail in a third-party insurance claim, you will have to show that the opposing party was in fact at-fault. If you intend to pursue punitive damages, you will have to prove the the motorist was illegally intoxicated when the accident happened. This is where a drunk driving accident attorney may be able to help.
Punitive damages are sometimes awarded in drunk driving accident cases to punish the wrongdoer and to prevent similar misconduct in the future.
Defense attorneys and insurance companies invest tremendous resources into fighting these claims. A seasoned DUI accident attorney in Long Beach can level the playing field, help you avoid mistakes, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
When Will My Case Be Resolved?
The duration of a DUI injury claim can vary drastically from one case to the next. There are many factors that can speed up or prolong proceedings, such as:
- Recovery Time: Many injuries, such as spinal cord injuries or brain trauma, can take months or years to heal. Your attorney may advise you against accepting a settlement offer until you have a clear idea of the full costs associated with treating your injuries. The longer it takes for you to recover, the longer it may take until your case concludes. While it’s tempting to rush into negotiations and accept the insurance company’s first offer—especially if it seems fair—you may be agreeing to a settlement that falls short of covering your damages. As such, it could pay—literally—to wait until you’ve achieved maximum medical improvement before proceeding with negotiations.
- Strength of Your Evidence: If you don’t have the necessary evidence to prove liability and damages, you should expect the insurer or defendant to challenge your case. That’s why it’s often beneficial to consult a Long Beach attorney as soon as you can. The faster you act, the sooner your drunk driving accident lawyer can begin the investigation, reducing the likelihood of certain evidence becoming unavailable or altered. Michael D. Waks can evaluate any evidence you’ve gathered and determine what else still needs to be compiled, file subpoenas to obtain hard-to-access evidence, and consult with expert witnesses if necessary.
- Nature of Negotiations: It’s common—especially if you are seeking a significant sum—for insurers to dig deep to unearth any evidence that could be used to dispute your claim. If the insurance company refuses to agree to a fair settlement, it’s likely your case will proceed to litigation and perhaps to trial. While litigation can prolong proceedings, it might still be your best option. Attorney Michael Waks will do everything in his power to help you obtain fair compensation. As such, if the insurance company offers you a lowball settlement, our legal team is willing to go to court on your behalf.
Michael D. Waks has won numerous six- and seven-figure settlements and verdicts against insurance companies over his 30 years in legal practice. If you or a loved one was the victim of a drunk driver in Long Beach you need effective legal representation, call (888) 394-1174 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a free consultation with a DUI injury lawyer.
Contact a Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Long Beach, CA for a Free Consultation Today
DUI accident attorney Michael D. Waks is a top-rated trial lawyer who understands what it takes to build a personal injury case that can hold up under intense scrutiny. If you would like to meet with Michael in a free consultation, call us today. He can answer your questions, provide an honest assessment of your claim, and discuss how your case may unfold.
From the day you hire Michael D. Waks until the moment your claim is resolved, he will provide compassionate and tenacious representation. Call us at (888) 394-1174 to book your free initial consultation.