Filing A Lawsuit After A Fatal Collision With A Drunk Driver
One of the most unfortunate aspects of driving is that sometimes people drive drunk. Sharing the roads with drunk drivers is a big risk because there is a high possibility of one of the drivers causing an accident. Collisions with drunk drivers are commonly fatal, and such incidents can change a victim's life in the blink of an eye. If you were in a car accident with a drunk driver and lost a loved one during the incident, it is important to seek legal help, even if the other party is in jail. As you will learn in this article, a lawyer can assist with suing the other party for your injuries and the loss of your loved one.
Respectfully Discussing Sensitive Topics
Due to the sensitive nature of your case, a lawyer will consult with you in the most respectful manner possible when asking questions. Basically, your lawyer will need to know what happened during the car accident. You might be asked where your deceased loved one was sitting in the vehicle during the incident or similar questions. Your lawyer might also want to know if anyone was ejected from the vehicle or trapped inside due to how severely the vehicle was damaged. The reason why such sensitive questions might be asked during the initial consultation is to give your lawyer a good idea of how to proceed with the case.
Solidifying the Accident Report
Solidifying what was written in the accident is important, even if the other party is in jail and charged with driving drunk. A lawyer will make sure that there is more evidence than what is written in the accident report, as the other party can contest the report. It is common for car accident lawyers to visit the location where the incident took place. By visiting the location, a lawyer can create a sketch or other diagram as a way to reenact what took place and prove that their client isn't responsible for causing the collision. A visit to the accident location is also done to locate possible witnesses.
Gathering Proof of How Your Life Has Changed
Losing a loved one is enough on its own to emotionally change someone's life forever, but it can also lead to other problems. For example, if your deceased loved one was the primary provider of your household at the time of his or her death, tell your lawyer about your loss of income and show proof. Even if you were employed but had to quit working due to emotional distress, give evidence to your lawyer to prove it. A lawyer will let you know about any additional evidence needed to build your case.
