When you’re injured in a crash involving a drunk driver, you have to consider what legal options you have to seek compensation for your injuries, damage to your vehicle, potentially lost wages, and more. This means going through the process to hold the negligent party accountable. However, filing legal action in drunk driving cases is about more than just compensation—it’s also about seeking justice and inciting change. Our Kansas City drunk driving lawyers explain why these factors are so important.
What Justice Does for Some Victims of Injury
While compensation is typically needed to help cover the many financial hardships that stem from experiences suffered after a drunk driving accident, justice is more powerful. First, it helps the victim know that the person who caused it is being held accountable. Second, it means that the individual recognizes their wrongdoings and is, in essence, being punished by having to suffer their own financial burdens as a result of the case. This is crucial closure for a lot of people who seek legal action because it tends to give them some peace of mind.
Accountability also generates more awareness about these tragedies. While there are numerous campaigns to spread the word about the dangers of drinking and driving, sometimes enacting the law is a more prominent message.
Legal Action Incites Change
One of the additional benefits of filing legal action is the potential to create change. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 40 people die each day and thousands more are injured in drunk driving accidents. For an individual who chose to drive while intoxicated, cause negligent harm to others, and receive a DWI charge and it all involves, swift legal action might be a serious wake-up call. If the individual responsible for the crash truly processes the consequences of their actions—both criminal and civil—they may avoid doing it again in the future. While it may not seem like a huge impact, it could mean at least one more drunk driver off the road.
If you or a loved one needs help with your personal injury case after a drunk driving accident, hire an attorney who understands how to uphold your rights to not only fair compensation but also full justice in your case. Here are some key questions to ask during your free consultation.