how to settle a drunk driving case without an attorney

You can settle a car accident claim without a lawyer by going through this process:

• Investigating the collision and compiling evidence
• Identifying the liable party or parties
• Building a compelling case against them
• Informing the liable parties and insurance companies about your claim
• Navigating state insurance and personal injury laws
• Identifying and calculating the value of all your damages
• Negotiating for a settlement that addresses these damages

Full Answer

Who can be held responsible for a drunk driving accident?

Part of getting the settlement that you deserve for drunk driver accident is knowing who can be held responsible other than the drunk driver. Other...

Is the drunk driver always at fault?

A drunk driver almost always shares at least some fault for a crash. However, fault hinges on whose actions caused the crash to occur. More than on...

Do insurance companies pay out for drunk driving accidents?

Yes. Unless the drunk driver is very wealthy, his insurance usually pays the settlement.

Is it worth suing a drunk driver?

Most cases against drunk drivers settle before a lawsuit is filed. However, if the insurance company is unfair or unreasonable, a lawsuit is someti...

How long does a DUI settlement take?

A DUI settlement can take anywhere from a few weeks to several years. Each case is different and depends on how severe the injuries are, and your p...

How Is a Drunk Driving Accident Settlement Calculated?

Although we cannot accurately estimate an average drunk driving settlement value, we can tell you that most claims for drunk driving accident injuries include the demand for compensation for some or all of the following.

What Is the Average Settlement for Florida Drunk Driving Crash Injuries?

When the actions of another party cause you to suffer injuries and other actual damages, you have the right to pursue a legal claim against the at-fault party. However, before you begin the legal process, you might be understandably curious about the potential compensation you could recover.

Maximum Medical Improvement

Your maximum medical improvement is the point in your recovery where you have recovered as much as you will—whether or not you make a full recovery—or your doctor can give you a final prognosis. You need to wait until you reach this stage to settle your case so that you include any future medical bills and wage losses in your settlement.

Disputes

Like with any car wreck claim, you have the burden of proving the other driver’s negligence and the amount of compensation you deserve. This means that you must prove that the drunk driving caused your wreck, which is not always the case.

Documentation of your damages

You must provide the insurance company with the documentation of your medical bills and your wages before settling your claim. While an experienced personal injury attorney can begin collecting this information right away, some of it cannot be obtained until after you complete your medical treatment and are ready to settle your claim.

Severity of your injuries

If you suffered more long-term injuries or one that causes you to become disabled, the value of your claim will be higher. In these cases, the insurance company will spend more time investigating your case and may fight harder to deny or reduce your settlement.

Insurance company

Unfortunately, some insurance companies have a reputation for taking longer to settle claims. They may request more documentation or delay the process in an effort to wear you down and get you to accept a smaller settlement.