Boston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Drunk driving is a serious crime and intoxicated motorists injure hundreds of people each year across Massachusetts. These victims not only deserve justice, but they also deserve compensation for the financial losses and physical injuries they have suffered.

At Turco Legal, we represent injured parties in personal injury claims against drunk drivers. These are complicated legal cases. In addition to finding crash-related evidence, we assess whether other entities—like bars, taverns, or social hosts—should also be sued. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your rights.

Who Can Victims Sue?

To recover damages, a person injured in a drunk driving accident should bring a claim against the person or entity responsible for the accident. This may include, but not be limited to:

• The drunk driver;
• A homeowner who served the driver alcohol even though the driver was already intoxicated; or,
• An establishment, like a bar or tavern, that overserved the driver.

We will work with you to identify all the people and entities who should be held accountable for injuries resulting from a drunk driving accident. The sooner we can begin our investigation, the more likely we are to collect the information and evidence necessary to prove liability.

Massachusetts Drunk Driving Law

Under the state’s criminal law (M.G.L. c. 90, § 24), a motorist of legal drinking age is presumed intoxicated when their blood alcohol concentration is at or over 0.08%. Any motorist driving while intoxicated can face criminal charges and, if convicted, fines and imprisonment. A criminal conviction is a powerful evidence in a personal injury lawsuit, which is a separate civil legal proceeding filed by victims.

Insurance Company Settlements

A drunk driver’s auto insurance carrier will generally be responsible for compensating the injured party for harm caused in a drunk driving accident. Other insurance companies may also be on the hook for drunk driving-related losses. For example, if a homeowner hosts a house party and serves a guest alcohol knowing that the guest is intoxicated and likely to drive, then that host’s homeowner’s insurance policy may come into play. Similarly, a business’ insurer may get involved if their employee knowingly overserves a patron who is likely to drive home from the establishment.

We can help accident victims determine which parties and entities should be held responsible for injuries sustained in a drunk driving accident. We can also negotiate an insurance settlement with the driver’s insurer and the insurer of any other liable party. If you were injured by a drunk driver, you may be able to seek compensation for:

• Medical bills;
• Lost income;
• Property damage;
• Pain and suffering; and,
• Emotional distress.

What to Do Following a Drunk Driving Crash

There are certain steps you can take to improve your chances of recovering compensation for your injuries and losses following a drunk driving collision. Your well-being and safety after an accident should be the first priority, however. So, you may be limited as to what you’ll be able to accomplish yourself. Nonetheless, if you’re able, consider the following steps after an accident.

First, remember to call the police to report the accident. This step is vitally important not only to document the accident but also to get the intoxicated driver off the road. When appropriate, an officer may also administer a breathalyzer test to the person who struck you, the results of which may become helpful evidence in your claim.

If possible, we also recommend taking pictures of the vehicles involved and of the scene.

You should also swap personal and insurance information with the other driver. Of course, the driver could be difficult to talk to if drunk, so you might need to wait for the police to arrive.

Gather witness information. Ask bystanders for their names and phone numbers in case you need to contact them later about what they saw. Onlookers may be able to offer testimony about whether the other driver struck you and how he or she acted after the collision.

Drunk Driving Accident Injuries

Visit the hospital as soon as possible following a drunk driving collision. A doctor can examine you and recommend a treatment plan if need be. If a doctor recommends a treatment plan, follow it very closely. Receiving prompt treatment and following your doctor’s recommendations shows your commitment to getting well and may improve the odds of a successful settlement.

A drunk driving accident may result in the following types of injuries, among others:

• Fractures;
• Head injuries;
• Traumatic brain injuries;
• Whiplash;
• Chest injuries;
• Organ injuries, like collapsed lungs;
• Shoulder injuries;
• Paralysis; and,
• Herniated discs.

Mistakes to Avoid with Insurance Companies

The goal of a civil suit is to receive full compensation for your injuries and financial losses. Insurance companies can make this difficult. They might disagree about fault or even whether you are seriously injured. Our Boston drunk driving accident lawyers have ample experience negotiating with insurers.

If an insurer contacts you, please avoid giving a recorded statement. Instead, refer them to your legal team at Turco Legal. Giving a recorded statement without a lawyer present can be a big mistake since the insurer is probably digging for information to place you in a negative light.

It may also be a mistake to quickly accept the first settlement offer. The odds are high that the first settlement offer will be too low. We know how to negotiate to increase the amount of compensation you take home. Contact our law office so we can review any settlement offer and, if necessary, negotiate for more.

Contact Our Boston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today

If you were injured by a drunk driver, contact us by calling (617) 657-4878. We will do everything possible to get you the compensation you deserve. Our consultations are free and confidential.