Columbus Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
Drunk driving, also known as operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OVI) in Ohio, is a major problem. OVI-related accidents killed 405 people in Ohio in 2017, according to the State Highway Patrol. A drunk driving accident in Columbus could cost you thousands of dollars in medical bills, repair costs, and lost income – not to mention serious personal injuries or the tragic loss of a loved one. Let us help you hold a reckless drunk driver accountable. Contact our Columbus drunk driving accident attorneys at Elk & Elk at (614) 230-0634 today for a free legal consultation.
Why Choose Elk & Elk?
- We can take on even the most challenging cases. We have the experience, personnel, and resources to tackle claims involving multiple parties, large corporations, or court trials.
- We undergo extensive consultations with prospective clients before creating legal strategies. This ensures your needs and concerns inform all of our legal decisions.
We only charge for our services if we win. We operate on a contingency fee basis, so you will not pay if you do not receive a financial award.
When Should I Contact an OVI Accident Lawyer in Columbus?
Protecting your rights should be your top priority as a drunk driving accident victim. The drunk driver’s insurance company may try to convince you to settle for as little as possible or deny your claim even if it is valid. Do not let an insurance company take advantage of you, especially if you have suffered catastrophic losses in an auto accident. Hire an OVI accident attorney to represent you during claim negotiations. This will ensure you receive the best possible outcome for your case. Let a lawyer handle complex claim processes while you heal.
How Do I Prove a Drunk Driving Accident Case?
Ohio is a fault-based auto insurance state. After a car accident of any kind, victims will seek financial restitution from the at-fault party’s insurance provider. It becomes the victim’s burden to prove the other driver’s fault to qualify for compensation. A lawyer can help you with the four main elements of proof.
- Duty of care. All drivers owe others on the roadway a legal duty to exercise reasonable care.
- Breach of duty. Deciding to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a gross breach of this duty.
- Causation. The driver’s intoxication or negligence must be the main cause of your car accident and resultant injuries.
- Damages. You must have suffered real, compensable damages in the OVI accident, such as injuries or property damage.
Proving a drunk driving accident claim may take gathering evidence such as chemical tests, sobriety tests, police camera footage, and eyewitness statements. A lawyer can help you build your case by taking over investigation and discovery. When you hire an attorney, you do not need to worry about how to prove your claim. Your lawyer will do the legwork for you.
What Damages Are Available?
Filing a drunk driving accident claim in Columbus can hold the at-fault driver responsible for his or her misconduct. It can also garner financial compensation for your many crash-related losses. These will vary from case to case, but can include a few main compensation categories.
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Lost quality of life
- Punitive damages
A lawyer from our Columbus office can help you determine the value of your OVI claim. That way, you will know what your case is worth going into insurance settlement negotiations. Generally, the more serious your losses, the higher the value of your case.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
Elk & Elk has years of experience successfully resolving drunk driving personal injury claims. Our Columbus personal injury attorneys can help you fight for justice and fair compensation after a serious collision with a drunk driver. Let us build you a comprehensive legal strategy, beginning with a free, confidential consultation. Request a call back online or contact us at (614) 230-0634 to schedule yours.