Des Moines Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Fighting For Drunk Driving Accident Victims in Iowa

The Hope Law Firm supports efforts to reduce drunk driving in Iowa. Our lawyers have witnessed firsthand the devastation that impaired drivers inflict upon injury victims and families who lose a loved one in a drunk driving accident. We are proud to seek justice for these victims in Des Moines and the surrounding communities.

At your free case evaluation, our attorneys explain what you should do to preserve your claim and develop an action plan designed for you. Our team thoroughly reviews police reports, Breathalyzer results, field sobriety tests, police video, bar receipts and witness testimony to put together a clear picture of the hours leading up to and the moments immediately before the automobile accident.

Call Hope Law Firm today at (515) 298-5056 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our drunk driving accident attorney in Des Moines.

Understanding the Legal Process For Drunk Driving Accidents

Driving with a blood alcohol level (BAC) of .08 percent or higher is illegal in Iowa. A drunk driver charged with operating while intoxicated (OWI) faces steep penalties in the criminal courts. The OWI sentence increases if the driver caused an accident resulting in serious injuries or property damage.

If the driver who ran into you is found guilty of the OWI offense, a criminal court judge is likely to order victim restitution. Unfortunately, that amount of compensation will probably only be a small portion of your total damages. However, you can pursue financial compensation from the insurance companies and through a personal injury lawsuit. These civil actions are separate from the criminal case. Even if the driver is acquitted on DUI, you may still have a strong argument that the driver was impaired by alcohol or drugs at the time of the car crash. A prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the driver was drunk to win a conviction. The standard for civil court is lower — your attorney must only prove that it was more likely than not that the driver was intoxicated.

Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents

Common injuries may include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries: Head injuries from high-impact collisions could lead to cognitive impairments, memory loss, or permanent disabilities.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Harm to the spinal cord could result in partial or full paralysis, severely altering a victim’s quality of life.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: The force of a collision often leads to broken bones, requiring surgeries, physical therapy, and long recovery periods.
• Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Sudden impacts can cause neck and back injuries that lead to chronic pain and mobility problems.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs, like the liver or spleen, may require emergency surgery and pose life-threatening risks.
• Emotional and Psychological Trauma: Survivors frequently face anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder after the incident.

Iowa Dram Shop Laws

Iowa statutes impose liability on bars that over-serve drunk patrons who consequently cause injuries to others. Thus, you may have a claim against both the intoxicated driver and the drinking establishment under the dram shop provisions.

Our personal injury lawyers develop a timeline to establish the liability of the club or restaurant and gather evidence, such as bar tabs and witness testimony. The third-party complaint may be your best opportunity to recover maximum damages, especially if the drunk driver is uninsured or carries only the minimum liability insurance.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Drunk Driving Accident Claim?

Damages may include:

• Medical Expenses: This includes hospital bills, surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy, and any ongoing or future medical care related to your injuries.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries stops you from working, you can retrieve compensation for lost income, which includes future earning potential.
• Property Damage: Costs associated with restoring or replacing your vehicle and any other damaged personal property can be included in your claim.
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages account for the physical pain and emotional despair caused by the accident and its aftermath.
• Loss of Consortium: In severe cases, family members may be entitled to compensation for the loss of companionship or support due to the victim’s injuries.
• Punitive Damages: In cases involving extreme negligence, like drunk driving, courts may grant punitive damages to punish the offender and prevent similar behavior in the future.

Contact Our Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in such an accident, you deserve skilled legal advocates who will fight for justice on your behalf.

At Hope Law Firm, our Des Moines drunk driving accident attorneys have extensive experience navigating the complexities of personal injury lawsuits. Don’t let a drunk driver’s negligence upend your life without recourse. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward reclaiming your future. 

Contact Hope Law Firm today to get started with our Des Moines drunk driving accident lawyer.