Westerville Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Drivers in Westerville face various risks on the road, from speeding drivers on I-71 to distracted drivers downtown. While most accidents in the area result from negligence, it is also possible for them to result from illegal misconduct, and drunk driving is the most common example of how this can happen. If a drunk driver injured you or a family member, you need to speak with a Westerville drunk driving accident lawyer at your first opportunity.

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Experienced Legal Counsel for Drunk Driving Accident Claims in Westerville, OH

The team at Gervelis Law Firm has a strong reputation as a leading choice for personal injury representation in Westerville and the surrounding communities of Franklin and Delaware Counties. In every case we accept, we aim to help our client secure the compensation they need to recover as fully as possible from their injury. When a drunk driver has caused an accident, this can complicate the victim’s path to recovery.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol recorded 251,096 accidents statewide in 2024, and 9,303 were classified as alcohol-related. It is illegal for anyone to operate a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but this is a commonly reported criminal offense in Westerville and a potential cause of devastating accidents. The at-fault driver not only faces criminal prosecution for driving under the influence (DUI), but also civil liability for the damages they caused to others.

Our team will help you establish fault for your accident and explain how the illegal nature of the defendant’s actions could influence your recovery. You have a short time to pursue compensation with an auto insurance claim and/or personal injury case, so you must reach out to an experienced Westerville drunk driving accident attorney as soon as possible.

Recovering Compensation for a Drunk Driving Accident

In Ohio, all vehicle accident cases involving multiple parties are resolved based on fault. Whoever caused the accident is liable for the resulting damages, so you must be ready to prove liability before you can claim any compensation for your damages. This may sound straightforward if you were hurt by a drunk driver, but you may still encounter unexpected complications as the case unfolds.

Your Westerville drunk driving accident lawyer can gather the evidence needed to establish liability for the accident. The state will handle prosecuting the at-fault driver for breaking the law, but this criminal case aims to punish their illegal actions, not to compensate the victim. You will need an attorney’s help to claim compensation for your damages, and this will usually begin with an auto insurance claim.

Ohio law requires every driver to have auto insurance that meets minimum coverage requirements for bodily injury liability and property damage liability. Most insurance companies will attempt to settle claims for as little as possible, and many will attempt to devalue or deny claims whenever they can. You should hire a drunk driving accident lawyer before attempting to negotiate with any insurance carrier. They can verify that you are treated fairly.

If you file a personal injury case against the drunk driver, it’s possible to secure compensation for any economic and non-economic damages you suffered. Additionally, a plaintiff harmed by illegal misconduct could also be awarded punitive damages at the court’s discretion. Your Westerville drunk driving accident lawyer can explain all of the variables that could influence the amount of compensation you receive.

The aftermath of a drunk driving accident can be traumatic and uncertain, but the right attorney on your side can help you approach the situation with confidence and peace of mind. The team at Gervelis Law Firm has successfully resolved many of these cases, and we’re ready to leverage our experience in your case. Reach out to our firm as soon as possible so we can begin helping with your recovery.

FAQs

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

A: In Ohio, the penalties for drunk driving usually include driver’s license suspension, fines, and possible jail time. Penalties for DUI increase automatically if the defendant has a record of past convictions and/or if they caused an accident resulting in serious bodily injury or death. The defendant’s conviction will be useful evidence for your civil claim, helping you establish their liability for your damages.

Q: What Is a Drunk Driving Accident Case Worth in Westerville?

A: The value of a drunk driving accident case in Westerville depends on several factors. You may be eligible to claim economic damages such as vehicle repair costs, medical bills, and lost wages, and it is also possible to claim compensation for your pain and suffering. Your Westerville drunk driving accident attorney can accurately estimate the full extent of the damages you are eligible to claim.

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

A: You should hire a drunk driving accident lawyer in Westerville to increase your chances of reaching a favorable outcome in your case. Your attorney can gather and preserve evidence needed to establish liability, accurately calculate your damages, help you with an auto insurance claim, and build a comprehensive personal injury case. They can also explain how the illegal nature of the defendant’s actions could affect the outcome of your civil claim.

Q: What Does it Cost to Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Westerville?

A: The cost to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer in Westerville depends on the lawyer you choose to represent you. At Gervelis Law Firm, we accept personal injury cases on a contingency basis, so there is no cost to you if we are unable to recover compensation for your damages. A contingency fee is a percentage of the total recovered from the defendant, so there is never any risk of paying more for legal counsel than you secure in compensation for your damages.

The team at Gervelis Law Firm has years of experience helping injured clients recover from vehicle accidents, including those resulting from drunk driving. We are confident we can help you recover compensation for your damages, but you have a limited time to build and file your case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Westerville drunk driving accident lawyer and learn how we can help with your recovery.