Indianapolis Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
When you’ve been injured by a drunk driver in Indianapolis, you need more than just any attorney. You need an experienced Indianapolis drunk driving accident lawyer who understands the complexities of these devastating cases. At Whitfield Crosby Flynn, we’re trial lawyers who prepare every case as if it’s going to court from day one. We don’t treat your case like it’s going to settle. We build strong cases from the ground up, and because insurance companies know we’re prepared to fight, we’re often able to secure higher settlements for our clients without ever stepping into the courtroom.
Drunk driving accidents in Indianapolis often result in catastrophic injuries that can change your life forever. These crashes typically involve higher speeds and more severe impacts than other types of accidents, leading to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and in the worst cases, wrongful death. If you’ve been seriously injured by a negligent drunk driver, our firm is here to stand up for your rights, fight for your future, and help you move forward with the justice and compensation you deserve.
The Devastating Impact of Drunk Driving Crashes in Indianapolis
Indianapolis sees thousands of impaired driving incidents each year, with many occurring on major thoroughfares like Interstate 65, Interstate 70, and Interstate 465 that circle the city. Popular entertainment districts such as Mass Ave, Broad Ripple, and Fountain Square often see increased drunk driving activity, particularly on weekends and during major events like the Indianapolis 500. These accidents don’t just happen at night. According to the most recent available data, approximately one-third of drunk driving fatalities occur during daytime hours.
What makes drunk driving accidents particularly tragic is that they are entirely preventable. Unlike other motor vehicle accidents that might result from split-second decisions or unexpected road conditions, drunk driving represents a conscious choice to put others at risk. This means that victims of drunk driving accidents may be entitled to additional compensation beyond what’s available in typical car accident cases, including punitive damages designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.
The injuries from these crashes are often severe because impaired drivers frequently fail to brake before impact, traveling at full speed into other vehicles, pedestrians, or fixed objects. We’ve seen clients suffer life-changing injuries including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage resulting in paralysis, severe burns, multiple fractures, and internal organ damage. These injuries require extensive medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, and often result in permanent disability that affects every aspect of a victim’s life.
Building a Strong Case Against Drunk Drivers
Successfully handling a drunk driving accident case requires thorough investigation and aggressive legal action. We immediately begin gathering evidence that can prove not only that the other driver was intoxicated, but also that their impairment directly caused your injuries. This includes obtaining police reports, breathalyzer results, field sobriety test footage, and witness statements from the scene.
We also work with accident reconstruction experts who can analyze the crash scene, vehicle damage, and other physical evidence to demonstrate exactly how the accident occurred. In cases where the drunk driver was over-served at a bar or restaurant, we investigate potential dram shop liability claims against the establishment that continued serving alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person.
Our firm has the resources and experience to handle complex litigation involving multiple parties. We’re not afraid to take on large insurance companies or corporate defendants. We dig deep into the facts, uncover the truth, and bring the story of your harm to life. When we represent clients injured by drunk drivers, we’re fighting not just for compensation, but for accountability and justice.
Maximizing Compensation for Drunk Driving Victims
Drunk driving accident victims often face enormous financial burdens in addition to their physical and emotional trauma. Medical bills can quickly reach hundreds of thousands of dollars, especially for injuries requiring surgery, intensive care, or long-term rehabilitation. Lost wages compound the problem, particularly when injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or working at full capacity.
In drunk driving cases, victims may be entitled to recover both compensatory and punitive damages. Compensatory damages cover your actual losses, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and future care needs. Punitive damages, which are less common in typical car accident cases, may be available when the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious. These damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer and send a message that drunk driving will not be tolerated.
We also investigate all available insurance coverage, including the drunk driver’s auto policy, any umbrella coverage, and your own underinsured/uninsured motorist protection. Many drunk drivers carry only minimal insurance coverage, making it crucial to identify all potential sources of recovery. Our firm knows how to maximize every available dollar of compensation while you focus on your recovery.
Indianapolis Drunk Driving Accident FAQs
What should I do immediately after being hit by a drunk driver in Indianapolis?
Call 911 immediately to get medical help and police to the scene. Even if you feel okay, seek medical attention as some injuries don’t show symptoms right away. Take photos if you’re able, get witness contact information, and avoid discussing fault with anyone except the police. Don’t accept any offers or sign anything from insurance companies before speaking with an attorney.
How do I prove the other driver was drunk?
Police reports will typically include information about field sobriety tests, breathalyzer results, and the officer’s observations about the driver’s condition. We can also obtain surveillance footage from nearby businesses, witness statements, and medical records showing the driver’s blood alcohol content. Our investigators work quickly to preserve this evidence before it’s lost.
Can I sue a bar that over-served the drunk driver?
Indiana’s dram shop laws allow injury victims to hold bars, restaurants, and other establishments liable if they served alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated and that person later caused an accident. These cases require proving the establishment knew or should have known the person was already impaired when they continued serving alcohol.
What if the drunk driver doesn’t have enough insurance to cover my damages?
Many drunk drivers carry only minimum liability coverage, which may not be sufficient for serious injuries. We’ll examine your own auto insurance policy for underinsured motorist coverage, look for additional insurance policies the drunk driver may have, and investigate whether any third parties like employers or alcohol vendors share liability for the crash.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit against a drunk driver?
Indiana generally gives injury victims two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible because evidence can be lost and witness memories fade over time. The sooner we can begin investigating your case, the stronger we can make it.
Will the drunk driver face criminal charges?
Drunk driving cases are typically prosecuted as criminal matters by the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office at the City-County Building. However, criminal charges are separate from your civil case for compensation. You can pursue civil litigation regardless of what happens in the criminal case, and you don’t need to wait for the criminal case to be resolved.
What types of compensation are available in drunk driving accident cases?
Victims may recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, and future care needs. In cases involving particularly reckless conduct, punitive damages may also be available. If a loved one was killed by a drunk driver, family members may pursue wrongful death damages including funeral expenses and loss of financial support.
Serving Throughout Indianapolis
- Downtown Indianapolis
- Broad Ripple
- Fountain Square
- Mass Ave
- Irvington
- Butler-Tarkington
- Meridian-Kessler
- Woodruff Place
- Fletcher Place
- Holy Cross
Contact an Indianapolis Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by a drunk driver in Indianapolis, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. At Whitfield Crosby Flynn, we offer free consultations to discuss your case and explain your legal options. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Our Indianapolis drunk driving accident attorneys are ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. We handle cases involving the most serious injuries for people who need significant help and can’t live without it. Contact us today to get started on your path to recovery.