Drunk Driving Accident Attorney In Hattiesburg
Hattiesburg is a welcoming suburban community in Forrest and Lamar counties that offers a blend of semi-rural charm and big city amenities. Drivers in the area may contend with traffic on I-59, Mississippi Highway 42, and US-11, and accidents can happen unexpectedly in many ways. However, one of the most dangerous risks on the road is also entirely preventable. If you are hurt in an accident caused by a drunk driver, a Hattiesburg drunk driving accident lawyer can help.
Experienced Legal Counsel for Drunk Driving Accident Cases in Hattiesburg, MS
WaideLaw can provide compassionate and results-driven legal counsel when you need it most after a drunk driving accident in the Hattiesburg area. Our firm has successfully helped many past clients build effective personal injury cases and can apply this experience to your case. Daniel Waide is a prominent member of the Hattiesburg community, sponsoring youth sports and local health initiatives while providing compassionate legal counsel to injured clients.
Daniel strives to live the virtues described in Isaiah 1:17, fighting to secure justice for the injured and the oppressed. When you need to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer, it is imperative that you choose a Hattiesburg drunk driving accident lawyer who has proven experience resolving cases like yours. You have limited time to build this case, so it’s important that you reach out to WaideLaw as quickly as possible after the accident.
Building Your Drunk Driving Accident Case in Hattiesburg
Intoxicated driving is one of the leading causes of vehicle crashes in Mississippi and throughout the United States each year. According to the National Safety Council, 12,429 people died in alcohol-involved accidents throughout the United States in 2023. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported a total of 955 drivers involved in alcohol-related accidents in 2022, but only 8% of them were tested for blood-alcohol concentration (BAC).
In Mississippi, the legal limit for BAC is .08% for most drivers. If a driver is tested for BAC with any amount over this, that is a violation of the state’s law against driving under the influence (DUI). The driver will face criminal charges, and the penalties assigned to them could increase dramatically if they caused an accident resulting in injury or death.
The state may handle prosecuting the defendant who caused your drunk driving accident for breaking the law, but you will need to file a civil claim to recover your damages. The at-fault driver may have auto insurance, and your Hattiesburg drunk driving accident lawyer can guide you through the claim-filing process. Your attorney can also build a personal injury case for you if necessary to maximize your recovery.
Proving fault is a necessary step in any accident case. This may seem obvious if you were hurt by a drunk driver, but you will still need to prove that the drunk driver is directly responsible for causing your damages. You should hire a drunk driving accident lawyer right away after the accident so they can gather any evidence you will need to firmly establish fault, and then they can help you claim compensation for your losses.
You may be eligible to claim compensation for vehicle repair costs, medical expenses, lost income, and for your pain and suffering. The defendant could also owe additional compensation, like punitive damages, to reflect the illegal nature of their actions. WaideLaw can help you navigate your legal proceedings in the aftermath of a drunk driving accident and will do everything we can to maximize your recovery.
FAQs
Will the Drunk Driver Who Caused My Accident Go to Jail?
It’s very likely that the drunk driver who caused your accident could go to jail and face additional penalties in criminal court. They would not only be liable for your damages, but the penalties for breaking Mississippi’s DUI laws can include jail time, heavy fines, and driver’s license suspension. Your Hattiesburg drunk driving accident lawyer can explain how the criminal case against the defendant could impact your recovery efforts.
How Much Compensation Can I Recover for a Drunk Driving Accident?
The amount of compensation you can recover for a drunk driving accident will depend on the severity of your injuries. You have the right to seek full repayment of any economic losses you suffered from the accident as well as compensation for income you cannot earn during your recovery. Additionally, a personal injury plaintiff in Mississippi can seek compensation for their pain and suffering, and may also receive punitive damages at the court’s discretion.
When Should I Hire a Hattiesburg Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer?
You should hire a Hattiesburg drunk driving accident lawyer at your first opportunity after the accident. You will need their help to gather evidence to support your civil case, as the criminal case from the state will focus on punishing the defendant for breaking the law, not compensating your losses. You have limited time to file your auto insurance claim and/or personal injury case, so it’s important to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer right away.
What Happens if a Drunk Driving Accident Is Fatal?
If a drunk driving accident is fatal, the defendant is likely to face significantly harsher penalties in their criminal case, and they are also liable for the victim’s wrongful death. An experienced Hattiesburg drunk driving accident lawyer at WaideLaw can help you prepare for the proceedings ahead if you have lost a family member in a drunk driving accident.
Why Should I Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer?
You should hire a drunk driving accident lawyer to have a better chance of success with your case. Even if the fault for the accident seems obvious, the formal legal process of claiming compensation for your damages is likely to be far more challenging than you expect. You are more likely to win a personal injury case and maximize your compensation when you have an experienced attorney representing you.
WaideLaw has helped many past clients in the Hattiesburg area navigate difficult accident cases, and our team will put this experience to work in your drunk driving accident case. The first steps you take following such an accident are crucial, so it’s important that you connect with legal counsel you trust right away. Contact us today and schedule your consultation with a Hattiesburg drunk driving accident lawyer to learn how we can assist you.
