After a drunk driver has crashed into your rear-end, you will need the assistance of a legal professional. Bautista Leroy LLC has a legal team with expertise in medical malpractice, nursing home, personal injury, sexual abuse/assault litigation and railroad crossing litigation. Our attorneys have been serving the public in Southern Illinois and the surrounding areas of St. Louis.

In this article, we will discuss the impact of a drunk driving rear-end accident on the victims and explain how to prove fault.

How Does Drunk Driving Lead To A Rear-End Accident?

When someone is drunk but still chooses to drive, it could end up in a disastrous rear-end crash. This may seem minor, but when alcohol is involved, it could be fatal. Here's why:

• Impaired reaction time
• Poor judgment
• Reduced motor control
• Aggressive or reckless behavior
• Distraction + multitasking

The Impact Of Drunk Driving Rear-End Collisions On Victims

After a drunk driver struck your car from behind, you could suffer severe injuries and the most common one being whiplash. However, the impact of these accidents goes beyond physical pain. You might also carry a financial burden because of these damages. 

Even after recovering from physical injuries, victims could still suffer from anxiety and post-traumatic stress. When you have these psychological injuries, it can be hard to provide for your family's needs because it may limit you from working or simply interacting with them.

How Is Fault Determined In Drunk Driving Rear-End Accidents?

Typically, the driver who crashed into your car from behind should be held responsible. When there is enough evidence that the at-fault driver is intoxicated with alcohol, they could face severe punishments and could even be considered a crime.

Here are the pieces of evidence to prove fault:

• Police Reports
• Witness Statements
• Traffic and Dash Cameras
• Medical and Toxicology Reports

Why Hiring A Personal Injury Attorney Is Beneficial?

Victims of rear-end accidents caused by a drunk driver might face the confusing process of legal cases and might still be healing from their injuries. Which is why having the guidance of a personal injury attorney could be very beneficial. Here's why:

• Protection Against Insurance Tactics
• Accurate Valuation of Damages
• Evidence Gathering 
• Negotiation and Litigation

When Is The Right Time To Hire An Attorney?

Hiring a personal injury attorney early, while medical assistance is ideal. Immediate assistance from these professionals allows you to:

• Protect pieces of evidence
• Negotiate with insurance companies or other parties
• Meet legal deadlines and documents needed

What Are The Criteria For Finding A Good Attorney?

• Expertise: You will need a personal injury attorney who has extensive experience representing victims of drunk driving accidents.
• Negotiation Skills: An attorney who can negotiate well and has experience representing clients in court will increase your chances of getting favorable case outcomes.
• Communication Skills: Choose a personal injury attorney who can explain the process simply and place great importance on communicating.

Why Choose Bautista LeRoy LLC?

Bautista LeRoy LLC has been representing victims of drunk driving accidents for many years. Our attorneys strive to assist victims in recovering from their losses and protect their rights when negotiating and representing them in court.

Our firm provides personalized attention and always prioritizes the needs of the accident victims. We keep them informed so that they will not feel left behind about the status of their case.

Suggested Action Steps

Take these actions after suffering from a rear-end accident:

• Seek medical attention
• Call law enforcement
• Document the scene
• Preserve evidence
• Avoid recorded statements
• Consult an attorney promptly
• Track all damages

Drunk drivers have been a long-standing problem on our roads. They can cause severe injuries to others and their choices could even kill someone. If you or your loved one has been a victim of a rear-end accident caused by drunk drivers, seek legal assistance from the personal injury attorney of Bautista Leroy LLC to achieve justice and maximum compensation. Contact us today at 833-381-6589 or send us an email on our Contact Page. Serving St. Louis and the surrounding areas of Boone County and Benton County.