Holding Drunk Drivers Accountable For The Damage They Cause
Drunk drivers are responsible for devastation on streets and highways across the U.S., and Cleveland is no exception. If you have been seriously injured in a drunk driving accident or have even lost a member of your family due to drunk driver negligence, there may be nothing that can make things right. But securing the maximum compensation you are owed can be a start.
At the law firm of Bashein & Bashein in Cleveland, we have been representing injury victims in Ohio since 1949. We are active in the community and have practiced in a wide range of courts, including the Ohio Supreme Court. No opponent or venue will intimidate us as we strive to achieve justice in your drunk driving case.
Put our experience to work for you. If you have been injured by a drunk driver, contact our Cleveland drunk driving accident attorneys today for a free initial consultation with a dedicated personal injury lawyer.
Why Choose the Attorneys at Bashein & Bashein?
- We are dedicated to holding drunk drivers accountable. With over 20 years of legal experience, you can trust our firm to fight for your right to justice and craft a compelling case in your favor.
- We have a 99% case success rate and recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients. Your attorney will fight aggressively for your right to financial compensation.
- The aftermath of a drunk driving accident can be painful. Our firm will take care of your claim so that you can focus on recovery, not complex litigation.
Pursuing a Civil Lawsuit versus Criminal Charges After a DUI
Drunk driving is illegal in Ohio, and the state has the right to pursue criminal charges against motorists who commit this dangerous act. At the same time, the victim has the right to file a civil lawsuit against the driver and recover compensation for his or her damages.
At Bashein & Bashein, our firm is dedicated to helping victims of drunk driving pursue these claims and hold drivers accountable for their dangerous actions.
Compensation Available in Ohio Drunk Driving Claims
By filing a lawsuit against a drunk driver, you can hold him or her accountable for any losses that you suffered. There are two general categories of compensation that you could recover: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages involve the financial losses that you suffered due to your accident. These may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and benefits
- Property damage
- Disability accommodations
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation
Non-economic damages refer to the pain and suffering that you endured due to the accident. These damages can be physical in nature, such as chronic pain or permanent disability. You could also recover compensation for emotional pain and suffering, such as mental anguish, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
You May Be Entitled To Punitive Damages
If a drunk driver is responsible for the accident that left you injured, you are entitled to punitive damages under Ohio law. We work closely with experts to investigate drunk driving cases and prove liability for drunk drivers. You can rely on us to leave no stone unturned as we vigorously pursue the punitive damages you deserve.
Unlike economic or non-economic damages, punitive damages are awarded to punish a defendant for dangerous actions. In Ohio, you qualify for punitive damages if you can prove that the defendant acted with malice or aggravated or egregious fraud, or knowingly authorized, participated in, or ratified the DUI accident.
Who Served Them Before The Accident?
Under Ohio law, a liquor permit holder or establishment can be charged under the Dram Shop Act. If someone was served to the point of intoxication and they later caused your accident, we will do everything in our power to make sure they are held accountable for the aftermath. These cases involve complex insurance issues that we are well-equipped to resolve.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident
After being injured by a drunk driver, it is common to feel scared, overwhelmed, and in serious pain. If you find yourself in this situation, you must remain calm, seek help, and start preparing for your future claim.
First, call 911 and report the accident to the police. Tell the dispatcher that you believe that the driver is intoxicated. The police will respond to the scene, create a report about the incident, and administer a blood alcohol test, which can help support your future case.
Next, seek medical attention as soon as you can, even if you do not feel hurt. Some injuries do not show symptoms right away. Go to the hospital and save all records related to your treatment.
If you can, collect evidence at the scene of the accident. Take photographs of your injuries, vehicle damage, and any debris or skid marks in the area. If any witnesses saw the accident, ask for their contact details.
Once you have taken these steps, contact a Cleveland personal injury lawyer at Bashein & Bashein to initiate your claim.
Contact a Cleveland Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
We have a long track record of securing maximum compensation for the victims of drunk driving accidents in Ohio and look forward to helping you get justice. Call 216-771-3239 or toll-free at 800-771-4457 for a free consultation with an attorney.