Newport News Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Drivers who choose to drive while intoxicated put others in danger. With approximately 37 drunk driving fatalities a day in the US, these incidents are no accident. If you suffered injuries in a drunk driving accident in Newport News or surrounding areas, you have legal options to hold the at-fault driver responsible with the help of an award-winning lawyer. At Waterman Law Centers, PLLC, we build your case while you focus on recovery. 

Attorney Avery T. “Sandy” Waterman, Jr., Esq. at Waterman Law Center, PLLC, has 40 years of award-winning service, helping many drunk driving accident victims seek compensation and justice for the injuries he or she suffered. We know drunk driving is a serious crime and civil wrongdoing in Virginia. With our extensive resources, we leave no stone unturned in seeking the resolution you deserve. 

How a Newport News Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Helps Your Claim

At Waterman Law Centers, PLLC, we know the implications of a drunk driving accident, and we are here to support you during this challenging and uncertain time. We will explore your best legal options to ensure you recover the full extent of the compensation you deserve for physical, emotional, and financial losses. 

We handle the following aspects of your claim to increase your chances of success and hold the driver responsible:

  • Gathering evidence like police reports, medical records, and employment records
  • Answering all your legal questions
  • Making your claim timely and otherwise properly 
  • Negotiating with insurance companies
  • Determining who is liable for your injuries
  • Calculating your damages
  • Utilizing resources like healthcare providers and accident reconstruction specialists
  • Taking your case to trial if necessary
  • Researching medical and technical literature

In 2019, 18,648 drivers were convicted of DUI in Virginia. When drivers opt to get behind the wheel with a BAC of 0.08% or higher, he or she often causes lifelong suffering to victims in drunk driving accidents. For legal guidance, speak with the award-winning lawyer at Waterman Law Centers, PLLC, today. 

How to Prove Negligence in a Newport News Drunk Driving Accident Claim

Proving negligence in a drunk driving accident claim is vital for obtaining compensation for your injuries and losses. In such cases, your Newport News drunk driving accident attorney must prove the following elements: 

  • Duty of care: Your lawyer must show that the intoxicated driver owed you a duty of care. Every driver has a duty to operate his or her vehicle safely and obey all traffic laws. This duty includes refraining from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 
  • Breach of duty: Your lawyer must prove the intoxicated driver breached his or her duty of care by driving while intoxicated. This is often established through evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and blood alcohol concentration test results. 
  • Causation: Your lawyer must prove a direct link between the drunk driver’s breach of duty and the accident that caused your injuries. 
  • Damages: Your lawyer will show you suffered damages as a result of the accident, which includes economic and non-economic losses. 

Proving negligence is complex, but with the right Newport News drunk driving accident lawyer by your side during the legal process, you increase your likelihood of securing the compensation you deserve. 

Compensation in a Drunk Driving Accident Claim

In a successful drunk driving accident claim, victims are eligible to recover various types of economic and non-economic damages, such as: 

  • Pain, suffering, and inconvenience 
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Continuing disability and limitations
  • Medical bills
  • Property damage
  • Lost wages from missed work
  • Mental anguish

The specific compensation awarded varies depending on the circumstances of the case, such as the severity of the injuries, the level of negligence of the drunk driver, and others. It is in your best interest to consult the Newport News, VA drunk driving accident attorney at Waterman Law Centers, PLLC, to assess your case, estimate potential damages, and fiercely advocate for the maximum compensation you deserve. 

Under ​​Virginia Code §8.01-44.5, punitive damages are awarded when the driver’s blood alcohol content was at least 0.15% and the driver knew he or she was too impaired to drive but did so anyway. Additionally, punitive damages are awarded when a driver’s conduct is reckless or malicious, regardless of BAC.

Speak With the Newport News Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer at Waterman Law Centers, PLLC

If you suffered injuries due to a drunk driving accident, speak with the award-winning lawyer at Waterman Law Centers, PLLC. Attorney Avery T. “Sandy” Waterman, Jr., Esq. was named to The Best Lawyers in America for Personal Injury during 2007-2024 and was voted its “Lawyer of the Year” for Personal Injury by his peers in Southeast Virginia in 2022; and Waterman Law Centers has been listed as a Metropolitan Tier 1 Best Law Firm for Personal Injury in U.S. News & World Report for 2021-2023. 

With 40 years of award-winning service, we guide you through the legal process, build a robust case on your behalf, and aggressively negotiate with insurance companies or fiercely represent you in court. Schedule a complimentary consultation today by calling (757) 881-9881 or filling out a contact form