Lake County Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Protecting People Who Are Injured by Drunk Drivers

Drunk driving accidents can leave victims and their families struggling with life-altering injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. When someone makes the irresponsible decision to drive while impaired, their recklessness can have devastating consequences. At Bliven Law Firm, P.C., our experienced Lake County drunk driving accident lawyers are here to fight for justice on your behalf and hold drunk drivers accountable for their actions.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, we are ready to stand by your side. We’ll help you secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life and move forward with confidence.

Call (406) 625-0100 today to speak with our Lake County drunk driving accident lawyers and get the justice and compensation you deserve!

Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving crashes often happen at high speeds or involve erratic maneuvers, resulting in severe injuries. Victims of these accidents may require extensive medical care and face long-term challenges. Some of the most common injuries include the following:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Impacts to the head can cause lasting cognitive impairments, memory loss, and physical disabilities.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: High-impact collisions can lead to paralysis or other permanent mobility issues.
• Burn Injuries: Fires or explosions in car crashes can leave victims with painful and disfiguring burns that require multiple surgeries.
• Broken Bones: Fractures and crushed bones are common, often requiring surgeries and physical therapy to heal.
• Lacerations and Cuts: Shattered glass and debris can cause deep wounds, leading to significant blood loss or scarring.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs may necessitate emergency surgery and long-term medical care.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Survivors can experience emotional distress, anxiety, and depression long after the crash.

At Bliven Law Firm, P.C., we understand how devastating these injuries can be, and we work tirelessly to ensure you receive the medical and financial support you need for recovery.

Montana’s Dram Shop and Social Host Laws

Montana has laws in place to hold establishments or individuals responsible if they serve alcohol to someone who causes a drunk driving accident. These laws include Montana’s dram shop laws and social host laws, which can play a crucial role in determining liability after a drunk driving crash.

Dram Shop Laws

Under Montana’s dram shop laws, bars, restaurants, stores, and other vendors may be held liable for damages in the following situations:

• If they served alcohol to a patron under the age of 21.
• If they served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated patron.

For example, if a bartender overserved a customer who was clearly impaired and that person caused an accident, the establishment could share responsibility for the crash.

Social Host Laws

Montana’s social host laws extend liability to individuals hosting private events or parties. If a social host knowingly provides alcohol to underage individuals or allows visibly intoxicated guests to continue drinking, they may be held accountable for any resulting accidents.

These laws are designed to deter negligence and ensure accountability. Our dedicated drunk driving accident attorneys in Lake County will investigate every aspect of your case to determine if a dram shop or social host violation applies.

Why You Need an Attorney After a Drunk Driving Accident

Handling a drunk driving accident claim on your own can be overwhelming, especially while you or your loved one is recovering from serious injuries. Here’s how an experienced Lake County drunk driving accident lawyer can help you through this process:

1. Case Evaluation and Strategy:
   We’ll analyze the details of your case, identify liable parties, and create a strategy to maximize compensation.
2. Proving Negligence:
   Our team gathers critical evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and toxicology results, to establish the drunk driver’s liability.
3. Negotiating with Insurance Companies:
   Insurance companies often minimize payouts. We’ll negotiate aggressively to ensure you receive a fair settlement for your injuries and losses.
4. Pursuing Additional Liable Parties:
   If dram shop or social host laws apply, we’ll seek compensation from establishments or individuals who contributed to the accident.
5. Litigation:
   If necessary, our trial-ready attorneys will take your case to court to fight for justice and secure the compensation you deserve.

With decades of experience handling personal injury cases, Bliven Law Firm, P.C. is committed to delivering exceptional legal representation and support to our clients.

Types of Compensation in Drunk Driving Accident Claims

Victims of drunk driving accidents may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. At Bliven Law Firm, P.C., we evaluate all aspects of your losses to ensure you receive comprehensive compensation, which may include the following:

1. Economic Damages

• Medical Expenses: Covers emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment needs.
• Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to time away from work.
• Future Earnings: Compensation for diminished earning capacity if injuries prevent the victim from returning to work or advancing in their career.

2. Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and Suffering: Reflects physical pain, emotional distress, and decreased quality of life.
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact on relationships with family members due to injuries or loss of life.

3. Punitive Damages

• Punitive Measures: These damages are reserved for cases involving gross negligence, such as drunk driving, to punish the offender and deter similar behavior in the future.

We understand the financial strain victims face following a serious accident. Our role is to alleviate that burden by pursuing the maximum compensation available under Montana law.

Why Choose Bliven Law Firm, P.C.?

At Bliven Law Firm, P.C., we are deeply committed to helping victims of drunk driving accidents achieve justice. Here’s why clients in Lake County and beyond choose us for their personal injury cases:

• Extensive Experience: We’ve successfully handled countless cases involving catastrophic injuries and complex liability issues.
• Personalized Advocacy: We tailor our approach to meet your specific needs, ensuring your voice is heard throughout the legal process.
• Compassionate Support: We prioritize your well-being while providing the legal expertise you need to move forward.
• Proven Results: Our team fights tirelessly to secure significant settlements and verdicts for our clients.

Your recovery and future are our top priorities.

Contact a Lake County Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. The experienced Lake County drunk driving accident lawyers at Bliven Law Firm, P.C. are here to protect your rights, hold negligent parties accountable, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call us today at (406) 625-0100 or complete our online contact form for a free consultation.

Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident

Experiencing a drunk driving accident can be chaotic and stressful. Knowing the immediate steps to take can safeguard your rights and facilitate a smoother legal process in collaboration with a drunk driving accident lawyer in Lake County.

• Ensure Safety & Seek Medical Help: Prioritize the safety of yourself and others, moving to a safe location and calling 911 for medical assistance, even if injuries are not immediately visible.
• Contact Law Enforcement: Police reports document accident details and play a crucial role in legal proceedings. Ensure thorough and accurate reporting without admitting fault.

If you need ongoing medical attention, keep records of treatments and expenses, which are vital for building a legal strategy and proving the extent of damages incurred. Furthermore, contacting a reliable attorney as soon as possible can help preserve evidence, secure witness accounts, and protect your legal rights.

• Document the Scene: Take photographs and gather witness information to assist in proving liability and supporting your case.
• Avoid Detailed Statements: Refrain from providing detailed accounts to insurance companies or the opposing party until you have consulted with Bliven Law Firm, P.C..
• Consult a Drunk Driving Accident Attorney: Engaging a skilled attorney from Bliven Law Firm, P.C. ensures your rights are protected and enhances your chances of obtaining fair compensation.

FAQ Section

How Can I Prove the Other Driver Was Drunk?

Proving another driver’s intoxication involves gathering evidence such as police reports, which may include details from breathalyzer tests administered at the scene. Witness testimonies and any visual or behavioral cues observed by officers can further substantiate the driver’s intoxication. Legal representation from Bliven Law Firm, P.C. is crucial here, as our attorneys will assist in collecting and presenting this evidence effectively. We collaborate with experts to reconstruct accident scenes or challenge any defense claims, ensuring your rightful compensation is pursued vigorously.

Moreover, technology plays an increasing role in proving DUI cases. Dashcam footage from either involved vehicles or nearby traffic cameras can offer undeniable evidence of a driver's conduct at the time of the accident. This type of evidence is becoming more widely used, as technology continues to advance and cameras become more prevalent on roadways.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim for a Drunk Driving Accident?

In Montana, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those involving drunk driving, is typically three years from the accident date. Acting swiftly is advisable to preserve evidence and build a compelling argument. Delays can hinder your ability to achieve a favorable outcome. Consulting with Bliven Law Firm, P.C. early maximizes your strategic advantage, guiding you through claim procedures efficiently.

Starting the legal process early opens up more opportunities for gathering pertinent information, such as eyewitness testimonies and expert evaluations. Additionally, it helps ensure compliance with all legal deadlines, as untimely filings can impede your ability to receive fair compensation due to procedural bans.

Why Is Legal Representation Essential in Drunk Driving Cases?

Legal representation is crucial in drunk driving cases to navigate the complexities of personal injury law and ensure the responsible party is held accountable. Bliven Law Firm, P.C. offers the guidance needed to challenge insurance companies and their tactics. Our focus is on achieving a fair settlement that reflects your losses and protects your future well-being. With our dedicated team, you gain an ally who prioritizes your recovery and seeks justice on your behalf.

Having an attorney by your side allows for thorough investigation into all factors of the accident and helps uncover hidden aspects that may not be obvious. This comprehensiveness is invaluable in ensuring that your compensation is as complete as possible, covering all potential future impacts of the accident.