A drunk driver can cause more serious injuries in an accident than a sober driver, which can increase the compensation you can receive for your injuries. The driver’s decision to drink, however, does not automatically change the compensation you can receive for your injuries following an auto accident.Your lost income or lost earning potential. A drunk driving accident can have you out of work for a long time, especially if you suffer severe or life-altering injuries. You may miss work in the immediate aftermath of the accident, as you start the recovery process. Depending on your job, you may have the ability to return to work in a part-time capacity or to modify your daily job responsibilities to allow you to take them on in spite of your injuries. Unfortunately, not everyone has that option. Include your lost income as part of your personal injury claim to make it easier to pay your bills and support yourself financially after your accident. Victims who permanently lose the ability to return to work in their previous professions can also claim lost earning potential.
Your pain and suffering. Consulting with an attorney can help you get a better idea of how to quantify pain and suffering following your accident. An attorney will advise you to consider not only physical pain, but also the emotional impact that your accident has had on your life.
The drunk driver’s insurance policy may also act to limit the compensation you can receive for your injuries. In New York, drivers carry a minimum of $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident. If your injury costs exceed that amount, you may not receive additional compensation. You will also turn first to your personal injury protection insurance to cover your medical bills. Some drivers, including commercial drivers, may carry much higher policies to help protect victims injured in accidents with those drivers.