Being involved in a DUI accident can be a traumatic and life-changing experience. Not only do you have to deal with the physical and emotional aftermath, but you may also face financial burdens due to medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. If you are considering filing a DUI lawsuit, it is important to understand how to calculate a DUI settlement. This comprehensive guide will break down the factors that go into calculating a DUI accident settlement.
Understanding DUI / DWI Lawsuits
Before we dive into the specifics of calculating a settlement, it is important to understand the basics of a DUI lawsuit. A DUI lawsuit is a civil case that is filed against a driver who was under the influence of drugs or alcohol and caused an accident. To have a successful case, you must prove that the driver was at fault for the accident and if you prove that their intoxication contributed to the accident, your damages increase. Get the best Houston drunk driving accident lawyer for your case.
Factors That Affect DUI / DWI Settlement Amounts
Several factors can affect the amount of a DUI accident settlement. These include:
- Severity of injuries: The more severe your injuries, the higher your settlement amount will likely be. This includes both physical injuries and emotional trauma.
- Medical expenses: Your settlement should cover all medical expenses related to the accident, including hospital bills, doctor visits, and rehabilitation costs.
- Lost wages: If you cannot work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages.
- Property damage: If your vehicle or other property was damaged in the accident, you may be able to include the cost of repairs or replacement in your settlement.
- Punitive damages: In some cases, the court may award punitive damages to punish the driver for their reckless behavior.
Using a Settlement Calculator for Drunk Driving Accident Cases
There are many online tools available that claim to calculate a DUI accident settlement amount. However, these calculators are often unreliable and do not consider all of the factors that can affect a settlement. It is best to consult with a personal injury lawyer who can accurately assess your case and provide a more accurate estimate of your potential settlement.
Using a car accident settlement calculator is also not reliable when determining the settlement value of a case after being hit by a drunk driver. DUI injury accident cases are valued much higher than a car wreck where alcohol is not involved. One of the reasons is that Texas juries tend to get mad when learning someone endangered our community by driving drunk, and the results are clear.
Using a Multiplier Method
Some advocates use the multiplier method when determining the value of a car accident injury claim. The multiplier method uses a formula to estimate the settlement potential of a personal injury case by multiplying the economic damages by a factor of between 1.5 and 5 to come up with an injury case settlement range.
However, because Texas juries, on average, award much higher damages when a drunk driver caused the crash and the potential for punitive damages, the general multiplier method should not be used for a realistic value. The multiplier must be adjusted to a much higher variable with drunk driving accident claims.
Speak with a leading DUI accident lawyer in Houston for a free case evaluation. Call us at (281) 587-1111.
The Importance of Legal Representation in DUI Settlements
Navigating a DUI lawsuit can be complex and overwhelming, especially if you are dealing with injuries and other challenges. It is important to seek legal representation from a qualified personal injury lawyer with experience with DUI settlements and serious injury cases. They can help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the maximum settlement amount on your behalf.
Attorney Greg Baumgartner at Baumgartner Law Firm has held drunk drivers accountable for over three decades. We have won millions in settlements in DUI accident cases for our clients.
Read More: Does Insurance Cover Damages from a Drunk Driver in Texas?
DUI Settlements Are More than Other Car Accident Settlements
Calculating a DUI accident settlement is not simple, as many factors can affect the final amount. It is important to seek legal representation and consult with a Texas personal injury lawyer who can accurately assess your case and help you receive the compensation you deserve. If you have been involved in a DUI accident, do not hesitate to seek legal help and fight for your rights.
Baumgartner Law Firm: Trusted Personal Injury Attorneys in Houston, Texas
If you have incurred economic damages as a result of your car accident in Texas, it makes sense to cover these costs by filing an injury claim. Whether you suffered a permanent disability or a straightforward fracture, negligent parties should pay for your medical expenses, missed wages, and property damage.
The Baumgartner Law Firm has been assisting injured plaintiffs in Texas for over 35 years, and we know how financially ruinous car accidents can be. First founded in 1985, our law firm has since gained a solid reputation for helping countless victims and their families. We have a track record of guiding our clients toward multi-million-dollar results – so book your DUI accident consultation today and take your first steps toward meaningful compensation.
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About Our Law Firm
Baumgartner Law Firm is a Houston personal injury law firm headed by Greg Baumgartner.
Our firm was established in 1985 and has helped thousands of injury victims get maximum compensation for their cases. If you have been injured in an accident in Houston, TX, contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. (281) 587-1111.
Helping these areas around Houston
Houston, Sugar Land, Conroe, The Woodlands, Cypress, Spring, Atascocita, Kingwood and Tomball.