If you’ve been involved in a drunk driving accident in Plymouth, you’re likely facing a challenging legal situation. You’ll need to gather evidence and establish liability to receive fair compensation.
With the guidance of a seasoned Plymouth drunk driving accident lawyer from Jason Stone Injury Lawyers, we can ensure your rights are protected and your case is presented in the strongest possible light. As your trusted Plymouth car accident lawyer, we will work diligently to secure the compensation you need.
The Importance of Gathering Evidence
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, gathering evidence is an important step in building a strong case. This includes obtaining witness statements from anyone who saw the accident. Additionally, you should get a copy of the accident reports, which can provide valuable information about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
By gathering this evidence, you’ll be better equipped to build a strong case and recover compensation. A skilled Plymouth personal injury lawyer can help you through the process and increase the chances that you’re taking the right steps to build a strong case.
How Long Do You Have to File a Drunk Driving Accident Claim in Plymouth?
If you were hurt in a drunk driving crash in Plymouth, Massachusetts, you typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. This deadline is called the statute of limitations.
If you miss this window, you likely will lose your right to recover compensation, even if the other driver was clearly at fault. That’s why it’s important to act quickly and speak with a lawyer who can help protect your legal rights from day one.
Our team gives you the Stone Cold Guarantee®, and we’re ready to help you hold the liable parties accountable.
Our Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Plymouth Can Help Prove Negligence
Proving negligence in a drunk driving crash involves demonstrating four key legal elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages. Each element plays an important role in building a strong personal injury claim. Our drunk driving accident lawyers in Plymouth can help prove:
Duty of Care
Every driver on the road has a legal duty to operate their vehicle with reasonable care. This includes obeying traffic laws, staying alert, and avoiding behavior that could endanger others. One of the most basic and important responsibilities is to never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
When someone gets behind the wheel while intoxicated, they automatically violate that duty of care. In Massachusetts, this is more than just reckless; it’s illegal. The duty element in a drunk driving case is rarely disputed, as courts recognize that sober driving is a fundamental requirement for road safety.
Breach of Duty
A breach occurs when a driver fails to meet their legal duty of care. Driving while intoxicated is a clear example of this breach. If the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is over the legal limit of 0.08% or if their abilities were clearly impaired, that behavior qualifies as a breach.
Proving a breach may involve police reports, field sobriety tests, breathalyzer results, and even footage from dashcams or surveillance cameras. Witness statements can also show signs of erratic or reckless driving that point to impairment. These pieces of evidence help establish that the drunk driver failed to act as a reasonable person would.
Causation
Causation connects the driver’s breach of duty to the actual crash. It must be shown that the driver’s intoxicated state directly caused or significantly contributed to the accident. This element is important, just proving the driver was drunk isn’t enough if the crash was caused by something unrelated.
For example, if a sober driver ran a red light and hit you while a drunk driver was stopped nearby, the drunk driver wouldn’t be liable. But if the impaired driver swerved into your lane, failed to brake in time, or ran a stop sign, that behavior would likely establish causation. Accident reconstruction experts can also be helpful in proving this element.
Damages
The final element is proof that you suffered harm as a result of the crash. This includes physical injuries, emotional distress, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In drunk driving cases, the injuries can be severe, especially if high speeds or head-on collisions were involved.
Documenting damages involves collecting medical records, employment documents, therapy notes, and expert opinions on long-term effects. This evidence supports your claim for compensation. In some drunk driving cases, courts may also award punitive damages to punish especially reckless behavior and deter others from doing the same.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies in Plymouth
You’ll likely face off against insurance companies that may try to downplay or dispute your claim. They may employ settlement tactics designed to minimize their payout or even deny liability altogether.
As you go through insurance negotiations, it’s important to be prepared and informed. Don’t be intimidated by the insurer’s aggressive claims adjusters or their tactics. You have the right to fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Be cautious of early settlement offers, which may not fully cover your damages. Instead, focus on building a strong case that supports your claim, and be willing to negotiate to reach a fair settlement. Our team of Plymouth drunk driving accident lawyers can help you defend against the tactics the insurance company tries to use.
Why You Need a Local Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
What sets a local drunk driving accident lawyer apart from others is our intimate knowledge of local laws, regulations, and courtroom procedures, which can greatly impact the outcome of your case.
This local experience allows us to go through the legal process more efficiently and effectively, ultimately leading to better results for you. Additionally, a local lawyer can provide you with personalized service tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.
You’ll receive one-on-one attention from an attorney who is familiar with the local community, judges, and court system. This personalized approach can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case, helping you recover the compensation you need.
Contact Our Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Plymouth
You’ve faced the severe consequences of a drunk driving accident in Plymouth, and now it’s important to understand the importance of hiring a focused drunk driving accident lawyer. At Jason Stone Injury Lawyers, we are committed to securing fair compensation for you and your loved ones.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you never need to reach into your pocket to pay us.
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