Injured by a Drunk Driver? Here’s What You Should Know
Every time someone gets behind the wheel after drinking, they make a choice that puts everyone else on the road at risk. Unfortunately, innocent drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians often pay the price for that reckless decision.
If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver in Ohio, you may be facing serious injuries, mounting medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about what comes next. While a criminal DUI case may hold the driver accountable, it does not automatically compensate you for the financial and emotional impact of the crash.
At Zaber Law, we help victims of drunk driving accidents understand their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.
A Criminal Case Is Separate From Your Injury Claim
Many people assume that if the at-fault driver is arrested or convicted for operating a vehicle while impaired (OVI), their damages will automatically be covered. Unfortunately, that’s not how the legal system works.
The criminal case is intended to punish the impaired driver for breaking the law. A personal injury claim, on the other hand, is designed to compensate you for the losses you’ve suffered because of the crash.
Even if the drunk driver is convicted, you may still need to pursue a civil claim to recover compensation.
What Compensation May Be Available?
If a drunk driver caused your injuries, you may be entitled to recover compensation for damages such as:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Property damage
Every case is unique, and the value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries and how the accident has affected your life.
Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Crashes
Alcohol impairs judgment, reaction time, and coordination, often resulting in high-speed or head-on collisions. These crashes frequently cause catastrophic injuries.
Some common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Concussions
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Severe lacerations
- Burns
- Permanent disabilities
Many victims require months—or even years—of treatment and rehabilitation before they can return to work or resume normal activities.
What Should You Do After the Accident?
The actions you take immediately after a drunk driving crash can help protect both your health and your legal claim.
Seek Medical Care Immediately
Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to be evaluated by a medical professional. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal bleeding, may not produce immediate symptoms.
Call the Police
Always report the accident. If officers suspect impairment, they may conduct field sobriety tests or chemical testing, which can become important evidence in your case.
Document Everything
If you’re physically able:
- Take photographs of the vehicles.
- Photograph your injuries.
- Capture road conditions and skid marks.
- Gather witness contact information.
- Save copies of all medical records and bills.
Avoid Speaking to the Insurance Company Alone
Insurance adjusters may contact you soon after the crash and ask for a recorded statement or offer a quick settlement. While these offers may seem tempting, they often fail to account for future medical expenses, ongoing treatment, or long-term impacts.
Before accepting any settlement, it’s wise to understand the full value of your claim.
Can Someone Else Be Responsible?
In some situations, additional parties may share responsibility for your injuries.
For example, if a business knowingly served alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated and that person later caused a crash, there may be circumstances where additional legal claims should be explored.
An experienced personal injury attorney can investigate all possible sources of compensation.
Don’t Wait Too Long
Ohio law limits the amount of time you have to file a personal injury claim after an accident. Waiting too long can make it harder to preserve evidence, locate witnesses, and protect your legal rights.
The sooner an attorney begins investigating your case, the better positioned you’ll be to build a strong claim.
How Zaber Law Can Help
Recovering from a serious accident is difficult enough without having to battle insurance companies on your own.
At Zaber Law, we work to:
- Investigate the crash
- Gather evidence
- Obtain police reports and medical records
- Calculate the full extent of your damages
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Fight for the compensation you deserve
Our goal is to allow you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal process.
Contact Zaber Law Today
Being injured by a drunk driver can change your life in an instant. You shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden caused by someone else’s reckless decision.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident in Ohio, contact Zaber Law for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
