Perrysburg Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Drivers in Perrysburg face various risks on the road, from speeding on nearby highways like I-75 to distracted drivers downtown. While most accidents in the area result from negligence, they can also result from intentional misconduct, such as drinking and driving. If you are hurt in such an accident, an experienced Perrysburg drunk driving accident lawyer can assist you with claiming compensation for your damages.

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Experienced Legal Counsel for Drunk Driving Accident Victims in Perrysburg, OH

The team at Gervelis Law Firm has years of experience representing clients in Perrysburg and the surrounding communities of Wood County in a wide range of car accident cases. We know the legal challenges you might encounter in the aftermath of a drunk driving accident and how to help you pursue accountability for the intoxicated driver. While the state will handle prosecuting them for driving under the influence (DUI), you need an attorney’s help to secure compensation.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol recorded more than 251,000 vehicle accidents statewide in 2024, and more than 9,300 were classified as alcohol-related. Whenever a driver operates their vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they put themselves and everyone around them at severe risk. DUI can lead not only to severe criminal penalties, but also civil liability for damages caused to others.

Our firm will work closely with you throughout your case. While fault for the accident may seem clear to you, you will still need an attorney’s help to formally hold the drunk driver accountable for the damages they inflicted. Your situation may require filing an auto insurance claim, but a personal injury case could yield a fuller recovery. You should hire a drunk driving accident lawyer at your first opportunity so they can determine the optimal strategy for your situation.

Recovering From a Drunk Driving Accident in Perrysburg

Ohio upholds a fault rule for vehicle accident cases, meaning whoever is at fault for the accident is liable for the damages they caused. Your Perrysburg drunk driving accident lawyer can help you prove that the drunk driver is directly responsible for your claimed damages. Once you have proven this, your attorney can determine how you can recover compensation.

Filing an auto insurance claim against an at-fault driver is usually the first option for recovering compensation for a vehicle accident in Ohio. State law requires all drivers to have insurance, and your attorney can negotiate a fair settlement. However, you may need to file a personal injury claim against the drunk driver to recover compensation. If so, you are more likely to succeed with an experienced attorney representing you.

Some personal injury cases filed in Ohio can be resolved through private settlement negotiations, but litigation is unavoidable in other cases. There will likely be a criminal case against the drunk driver, and your attorney can explain how these proceedings may interact with your civil claim for damages. Gervelis Law Firm prepares every case we accept for trial in the event we must represent our client in the courtroom.

A drunk driving accident can be life-changing. These accidents often result in severe injuries, some of which cause permanent disabilities. The team at Gervelis Law Firm is ready to help you pursue accountability and compensation for your damages, but you have a short time to build and file your case. Reach out to our firm as soon as possible to learn more about our legal services and how we can assist with your recovery.

FAQs

Q: What Are the Penalties for Drunk Driving in Perrysburg?

A: Penalties for drunk driving in Perrysburg vary from case to case, and they can increase automatically if a defendant has a record of prior DUI convictions and/or if they caused severe bodily harm or death. Penalties may include fines, driver’s license suspension, and jail time. Additionally, the defendant is liable for any civil damages they caused to others.

Q: Do I Need to Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer to File an Auto Insurance Claim?

A: It’s a good idea to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer to help you file your auto insurance claim against the drunk driver. Most insurance companies will attempt to justify lowball settlements and aim to settle injury claims for as little as possible. Some will attempt to take advantage of injured claimants, hoping they will accept the first settlement offer out of desperation. An attorney can verify that the insurance company makes a fair offer.

Q: How Do You Prove Liability for Damages in a Drunk Driving Accident Case?

A: To prove liability for damages in a drunk driving accident case, you must show that the defendant is responsible for causing the accident. Next, you must show the full scope of your damages and prove they solely resulted from the defendant’s misconduct. Your attorney can use the defendant’s criminal conviction, along with other physical and digital evidence, to hold them accountable for your damages.

Q: How Much Is a Drunk Driving Accident Claim Worth in Perrysburg?

A: The value of a drunk driving accident claim in Perrysburg depends on the severity of your injuries. If you can prove the drunk driver caused your accident, you can recover compensation for economic losses like vehicle repair costs, medical expenses, and lost income if you cannot work while you recover. Additionally, you can claim pain and suffering compensation and may receive punitive damages at the court’s discretion.

Q: Why Should I Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer?

A: You should hire a drunk driving accident lawyer to increase your chances of reaching a favorable outcome in your case. The right attorney can help you hold the defendant accountable for the harm they have caused, guide you through your proceedings efficiently, and assist you in recovering as much compensation as possible for your damages. It is always worth having legal counsel you can trust for this type of accident case in Perrysburg.

The team at Gervelis Law Firm has extensive experience handling vehicle accident claims for clients in Perrysburg, and we’re confident we can help you secure a favorable outcome in your drunk driving accident case. It’s important to consult legal counsel at your first opportunity after the accident, so contact us today and schedule your free consultation with an experienced Perrysburg drunk driving accident lawyer.