If you’ve been injured in an auto accident caused by a drunk driver, your first inclination may be to pursue compensation through that driver’s insurance company. Even when that is the best course of action, attempting to negotiate a fair settlement without the expertise of an experienced DUI accident injury lawyer can be a mistake. Depending on the laws of your state, the compensation you’re offered may be insufficient to cover your medical care, loss of income, and the need for ongoing treatment. Obtaining legal help, such as the Dinelli Law Firm in Albuquerque, can ensure you’ll get what you need to recover.

Filing a Full Compensation Claim

The first settlement offer you receive will often be low and insufficient to cover even your early medical treatments. It can take some time for your injuries to fully manifest, so an early offer will likely not cover future treatments or therapy needs. This is why your DUI accident lawyer will begin by letting the drunk driver’s insurer know that you intend to file a claim for full compensation. Often, this is enough to encourage the insurance company to offer a fairer settlement.

Waiting for Charges to be Filed Against the Drunk Driver

It may be beneficial to wait and see if charges are filed against the drunk driver. A conviction for driving under the influence will help your case immensely. The defendant’s insurance company will usually be very eager to avoid a civil suit in which your accident attorney will use the drunk driving conviction as evidence. Juries are especially sympathetic to plaintiffs where the defendant was proven to have been driving under the influence. Rather than face a significantly higher jury award, the insurance company will typically offer a fair settlement to avoid the trial altogether.

Albuquerque DUI Accident Attorneys Can Help

If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, your best chances for obtaining adequate compensation lie in hiring a drunk driving accident attorney. The professionals at the Dinelli Law Firm in Albuquerque can provide you with a free consultation, which will help you understand your rights and determine your next steps when filing a case. Schedule your appointment today to get started and let us help you fight to get you the compensation you deserve!