Portsmouth DUI Accident Lawyer

Virginia has some of the toughest laws regarding drinking and driving. But that doesn't always stop offenders from putting their own lives and others' at risk on the road. DUI accidents often leave victims with physically debilitating injuries alongside serious emotional and financial challenges.

Seeking the assistance of a skilled Portsmouth DUI accident lawyer is important if someone driving under the influence has injured you or someone you know. An experienced attorney can handle the complexities of the legal system, build a strong case, and advocate for the victim's rights to obtain the compensation they deserve.

Contact the DUI accident attorneys at The Smith Law Center online or by calling our offices at (757) 244-7000. Allow us to assist you in starting the legal process.

“It was a long process, but it was worth it. The Smith Law Center was great to me. This is my second experience working with them; each time has been exceptional. If you seek a lawyer to fight for every penny you deserve, please contact them. Stewart Gill, who served as my lawyer, maintained constant communication and did a fantastic job.”

Albert B.

Protecting Your Right to a Claim

Following a DUI accident, immediate action will safeguard your legal rights and bolster your claim. Here’s what to do:

• Get to Safety First: If possible, move to a safe location and check for injuries. Call 911 for medical assistance and law enforcement to document the accident.
• Gather Evidence: Take photos of the scene, including vehicle damage, injuries, skid marks, and road conditions. If possible, collect contact information from witnesses.
• Limit Communication with Insurers: Refrain from giving statements or accepting settlements from the at-fault driver’s insurance company without consulting an attorney.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation, as some injuries may not show symptoms immediately.
• Consult an Attorney: Contact an experienced DUI accident lawyer to guide you through the legal process, handle communications with insurance companies, and build a strong case.
  

Following these steps can protect your right to fair compensation and help you navigate the aftermath of a DUI accident effectively.

DUI Accidents in Portsmouth: What You Need to Know

Nationally, the impact of alcohol-impaired driving is devastating. Recent reports highlight a troubling increase in DUI-related fatalities across the country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• In 2020, over 11,000 lives were lost in alcohol-related crashes.
• These crashes accounted for 30% of all traffic-related fatalities in the United States.
• This represented a 14.3% increase in deaths involving alcohol-impaired drivers compared to 2019.

In light of these national trends, Virginia has also seen a significant increase in DUI crash-related fatalities, specifically in Portsmouth. The state recorded the ninth-highest rise in such fatalities nationwide, with over 14,000 people facing DUI convictions every year. In Portsmouth:

• There's been a marked increase in recorded DUIs in Portsmouth, going from 21.8 per 100,000 residents in 2013 to 159.7 in 2022.
• Portsmouth has both the highest and sharpest rise in DUI incidents of all Hampton Roads cities.
• Drunk drivers in Portsmouth tend to be repeat offenders, compounding the danger to others on the road.

Common Injuries in a DUI Accident

DUI accidents occur when a driver operates a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs, or even prescription drugs. A DUI accident can cause devastating injuries that may change the course of your life forever.

Suppose you have extensive medical bills after sustaining a serious injury in a DUI accident. In that case, it is important to consider pursuing legal action against the parties responsible for the harm against you. Again, injuries from DUI accidents are serious and can include: 

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Internal injuries
• Whiplash
• Wrongful death

How Can a Portsmouth Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Help My Claim?

As attorneys, we believe it’s our duty to protect the safety and well-being of our community by holding negligent drivers accountable. For us, it’s not just about seeking compensation—it’s about making Portsmouth safer for everyone. A Portsmouth drunk driving accident attorney can help you with the following: 

• Evaluating your case
• Calculating damages properly
• Negotiating with insurance companies and opposing counsel
• Representing you and your interests in court
  

When you enlist the services of a skilled drunk driving accident lawyer in Portsmouth, you can improve your chances of securing fair compensation for your injuries and losses. An experienced attorney can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and advocate for you. 

What Damages Will a Portsmouth DUI Accident Attorney Pursue for My Claim?

Individuals cause DUI accidents by making reckless decisions, sometimes repeatedly. They disregard laws and endanger lives.

It is our responsibility to ensure the safety of our community by taking legal action against the negligent actions of others. Our Portsmouth DUI accident lawyers will help you seek justice and compensation for the aftermath of any collision. Contact us at (757) 244-7000 or online to initiate the process.

Victims injured by a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be eligible to seek various types of damages in a DUI injury lawsuit. A DUI accident attorney can help you pursue a lawsuit for damages. The specific damages available can vary based on the case's circumstances, the injuries' severity, and the applicable laws in the jurisdiction. 

DUI accident injury lawsuits have the potential to award the following damages:

• Medical expenses: These damages may include compensation for all medical costs related to the injuries sustained in the accident. This can cover emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
• Pain and suffering: This is intended to compensate the injured party for their physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced overall quality of life resulting from the accident and injuries.
• Property damages: You may be able to seek compensation for the repair or replacement of damaged property, such as your vehicle or personal belongings.
• Punitive damages: The purpose of punitive damages is to penalize the defendant for their careless or deliberate actions and to discourage such behavior in the future. This type of damages is not available in every case and is subject to the court’s discretion. An attorney can assist in securing the punitive damages you legally deserve.
• Wrongful death: When another party's negligence or intentional misconduct results in someone's death, the court awards wrongful death damages. The purpose of these damages is to offer financial comfort to the surviving family members who have endured losses as a result of the wrongful death.
  

Note that the availability and calculation of damages vary. The strength of the case, evidence presented, and impaired driver negligence or recklessness can also affect damages.

Drivers charged with a DUI may face fines ranging from $250 to $2,500. But anyone who's experienced a car crash understands this will barely make a dent in medical bills, let alone time for recovery. By examining the details of your case, determining liability, and pursuing fair compensation, a drunk driving accident attorney in Portsmouth can work to recover the losses you’ve suffered.

Contact a Portsmouth DUI Accident Lawyer

“Every day is spent preparing for your case. Your goals become my mission.”

Stephen Smith, Attorney | The Smith Law Center

Hiring an attorney is one of the most important steps in the legal process. If you or a loved one has been involved in a DUI accident in Portsmouth, reaching out to an experienced DUI accident lawyer is a critical step in seeking justice and fair compensation. 

A Martindale-Nolo study demonstrated that those who seek legal representation are more likely to receive a fairer settlement than those who don’t. A skilled attorney experienced in DUI cases can provide invaluable assistance by assessing the details of your case, determining liability, and guiding you through the legal process. Trust your case to a legal team with proven success, getting clients the financial compensation they deserve.

Why Clients Choose The Smith Law Center

The Smith Law Center has been handling lawsuits for over 75 years. We have successfully pursued many DUI accident lawsuits for our clients. Our victories include millions of dollars in damages awarded to our clients, such as a $10 million jury verdict for a woman who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a truck accident. Over the years, we have accomplished the following:

• We have secured more than $1 billion in compensation for our clients.
  
• Our firm has achieved record-breaking results, including securing a $7.5 million state-record settlement for a woman who sustained a traumatic brain injury in a car accident.
  
• With over 75 years of experience, we’ve become one of Virginia's largest and most trusted firms.

We have the experience, knowledge, and resources to give your case the best chance of success. Contact The Smith Law Center online or at (757) 244-7000 to schedule your no-cost consultation.