Columbus Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
A drunk driving crash can turn your life upside down in an instant. These preventable accidents can leave you facing overwhelming medical bills, ongoing pain, psychological trauma, and lost income. You deserve fair compensation for these losses, and our experienced Columbus drunk driving accident lawyers are here to help you pursue exactly that.
Legally Reviewed by:
Mark S. Gervelis, Esq.
Last Updated:
- August 19, 2025
At Gervelis Law Firm, we know how critical it is to take fast, decisive action after these collisions. That’s why our Rapid Investigation Team is ready to visit the crash scene, preserve evidence, and protect your rights within 24 hours of taking your case.
Our Columbus office, located at 1335 Dublin Road, Suite 122D, serves clients throughout the community. We offer a free consultation so you can explore your legal options risk-free.
Your Rights After a Drunk Driving Crash in Ohio
Many people assume a drunk driver’s arrest is enough to make things right. In reality, criminal charges punish the offender, but they don’t pay for your medical bills or car repairs. That’s where a civil claim comes in.
Drunk driving remains a nationwide crisis. An average of 34 people die in drunk driving crashes every day, and many more suffer catastrophic injuries. When you or someone you love is part of this shocking statistic, pursuing a personal injury claim can provide the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
What To Do if You Were Injured by a Drunk Driver
The steps you take immediately after a collision can affect your health and potential legal claim. Consider doing the following after a car crash or truck accident:
- Call 911: Report the crash, and ask for police and emergency medical responders.
- Get medical care: See a doctor even if you don’t feel hurt. Some injuries take hours or days to show up, and early treatment can prove their connection to the accident.
- Take photos of the scene: Photograph the vehicles, road conditions, and anything else that might tell the story of what happened.
- Exchange information: Get contact, insurance, and license plate details from all drivers. If there were any witnesses, write down their names and contact information.
- Talk to law enforcement: Be honest and stick to the facts when giving your statement. Avoid guessing or speculating about details you’re unsure of.
- Avoid admitting fault: The insurance company may use anything you say against you.
- Notify your insurance company: Report the accident promptly, but don’t go into detail about what happened. Avoid giving a recorded statement until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
- Contact a DUI accident lawyer in Columbus: Our attorneys can move quickly to preserve evidence, protect you from insurers’ tactics, and start building your case.
You Can Sue the Drunk Driver for Damages
In Ohio, you can file a civil claim against a drunk driver even if their criminal case is ongoing. In fact, you don’t need a DUI conviction to pursue compensation. Civil cases have a lower burden of proof than criminal cases, so you may have a strong case to recover damages even if the court dismisses the driver’s criminal charges.
We can help you sue the drunk driver for damages such as:
- Wrongful death
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Rehabilitation costs
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Punitive damages
The time it takes to reach a car accident settlement depends on factors such as injury severity, case complexity, and the insurance company’s willingness to negotiate. Some cases resolve in a few months, while others take several years. Drunk driving crashes often take longer to resolve because they frequently involve catastrophic injuries or multiple liable parties.
What Happens if the Driver Is Uninsured or Underinsured?
Some drunk drivers don’t have enough insurance to cover your damages, or they may have none at all. In those situations, your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage can help pay for your losses.
Ohio doesn’t require drivers to carry UM/UIM coverage, but many people choose to add it to their policies for this reason. If you don’t have this coverage, our Columbus personal injury lawyers can work to identify other potential sources of compensation. Ohio is not a no-fault state, though, so your options may be limited.
Holding Bars and Restaurants Accountable Under Ohio Dram Shop Laws
If staff at a bar, restaurant, or other business knowingly overserved the drunk driver who caused your crash, they may share liability. You may also have a case against the establishment if the driver was underage. Ohio’s dram shop law allows victims to hold these establishments accountable when their negligence contributes to a crash.
If you were hurt by an impaired driver, you don’t have to figure out your next steps alone. Reach out to Gervelis Law Firm for a free consultation, and our team can review your case and walk you through your options for seeking compensation.
How Gervelis Law Builds a Strong Drunk Driving Injury Claim
Strong cases require fast action and a thorough understanding of the facts. Our Rapid Investigation Team begins working immediately to collect records, review crash details, and identify every party who may be responsible for your injuries. Our goal is to build a claim that fully reflects the impact the crash has had on your life.
Our Rapid Investigation Team Preserves Evidence Early
Evidence can be lost within days of a crash. Skid marks fade, vehicles are repaired or scrapped, and nearby surveillance footage may be erased. Our Rapid Investigation Team acts quickly to prevent that from happening.
Within 24 hours of taking your case, we can visit the scene, collect photographs and video, secure vehicle data, and speak with witnesses. Preserving this evidence early helps build a clearer picture of what happened and strengthens your claim for maximum compensation.
We Know Ohio Law And How to Hold Drunk Drivers Fully Accountable
Our Columbus car accident lawyers have decades of experience handling drunk driving injury claims across Ohio. We are familiar with Columbus-area courts, Ohio’s auto accident laws, and the tactics local insurance adjusters use to minimize payouts.
This knowledge allows us to anticipate challenges and take the necessary steps to protect your right to full compensation. It’s also allowed us to achieve these recent case results:
- $495,000 for a client who suffered multiple fractures and a brain bleed after a negligent driver ran a stop sign and crossed left of center
- $450,000 for a client injured when another driver failed to slow for traffic and struck multiple vehicles
- $200,000 for a client who suffered significant injuries after being rear‑ended by a box truck operated by a furniture company
Aggressive, Experienced, and Effective Representation
Insurance companies aim to pay as little as possible, and their first offer rarely reflects the true value of your case. Our attorneys counter those tactics by conducting a thorough investigation, documenting every loss, and working with experts to strengthen your claim. We don’t back down in negotiations, and we’re prepared to take your case to trial if that’s what it takes to secure fair compensation.
What Compensation Is Available in Columbus Drunk Driving Cases?
You may be entitled to compensation for the full extent of how the accident has affected your life. Every case is different, but these common categories of compensation are often available to drunk driving crash victims.
Medical Expenses and Future Treatment
Drunk driving accidents often cause severe injuries requiring hospital stays, surgeries, and long‑term rehabilitation. Your compensation may include both your immediate medical bills and the costs of long-term treatment.
Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Potential
If you’ve missed work because of your injuries, you can recover compensation for those lost wages. We may also pursue damages for reduced earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work in the future.
Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Distress
Not all losses are financial. Our attorneys may help you seek non-economic damages to compensate you for physical pain, emotional trauma, and the loss of ability to participate in activities you used to enjoy. These losses are intangible but equally impactful on your life.
Why Choose Gervelis Law To Represent You?
Choosing the right attorney after a drunk driving crash can make a significant difference in your case’s outcome. When you turn to us, you’ll benefit from our responsiveness, client-first approach, and strong commitment to the communities we serve.
Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Distress
After a collision, you deserve a legal team that’s available 24/7 to answer your questions. At Gervelis Law, we make accessibility a priority, meaning we meet you wherever it’s most convenient: at home, in the hospital, or in our office.
We’re ready to handle all the legal details, including negotiating with insurers on your behalf. While you focus on your recovery, our drunk driving accident law firm in Columbus will be hard at work fighting for you.
“It would be ill-advised to try to settle a significant injury case without the help of a lawyer.” –Mark S. Gervelis
The Gervelis Guarantee: You’ll Always Know What’s Happening
We believe you should never be left wondering what’s happening with your case. That’s why we created the Gervelis Guarantee. It’s our commitment to keeping you updated, answering your questions promptly, and making sure you always understand your options.
Recognized Leaders in Ohio’s Legal and Civic Community
Our attorneys are proud members of the Ohio Association for Justice Advocates Circle, a distinction reserved for firms leading efforts to strengthen Ohio’s legal system and support its communities. This recognition reflects our commitment to making a positive impact on our clients and the communities where we live and work. That same commitment shows in the testimonials of the people we’ve represented:
As founder Mark Gervelis says, “If you’re trying to negotiate a claim with the insurance company and they make you a settlement offer, they’re going to try to give you an amount that gets rid of you—that’s all they want to do.”
Speak With a Columbus Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today
You don’t have to handle the aftermath of a drunk driving crash alone. Gervelis Law Firm is ready to listen to your story, explain your options, and guide you on a path forward. We’ll meet with you at home, in the hospital, our local Columbus office, or wherever is most convenient.
Day or night, our team is ready to step in and protect your rights, because our clients always come first. Call 866-792-2728 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today.
Our Experienced DUI Accident Lawyers in Columbus
FAQ Section
We answer common questions from drunk driving accident victims and their loved ones.
Do I Need a Lawyer if the Other Driver Was Arrested for DUI?
Yes. A criminal case punishes the driver but doesn’t compensate you for damages. A civil claim allows you to recover this compensation.
Will I Have To Go to Court?
Not necessarily. Most personal injury claims settle outside of court through negotiation. However, we prepare every case for trial in case the insurance company refuses to make a fair settlement offer.
What if I Was a Passenger in the Drunk Driver’s Car?
You may still be entitled to compensation even if you were riding with the at‑fault driver. As a passenger, you typically aren’t considered responsible for the crash, which means you can pursue a claim against the drunk driver’s insurance.
What Does It Cost To Hire Gervelis Law?
There are no upfront costs to hire us. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
How Long Do I Have To File a Drunk Driving Injury Claim in Ohio?
Ohio’s personal injury statute of limitations generally gives you two years from the date of the crash to file a claim. The wrongful death statute of limitations allows you to file a claim within two years of the date of death. We encourage you to contact us as soon as possible so we can build a strong case before the deadline.
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Your best interests always come first at Gervelis Law Firm. Contact us and find out how we can help you.