When Should You Contact a Reston DWI Lawyer?
If you have been injured in an accident in Reston involving a driver that was intoxicated, it may be a good idea for you to contact a Reston, VA DWI lawyer as soon as possible. When someone is injured because of someone else’s negligence or reckless behavior, they may be entitled to compensation for expenses and problems caused by their injury. If someone tragically dies as the result of an accident with an intoxicated driver, their surviving family members may be able to seek compensation on behalf of their deceased loved one for their loss. If you are grieving over the loss of a loved one or suffering from injuries, a DWI lawyer who is licensed to protect DWI victims’ rights in Reston and throughout VA, may be able to help you.
Virginia DWI/DUI Law
According to Viginia’s DUI statute, “It shall be unlawful for any person to drive or operate any motor vehicle… (iii) while such person is under the influence of any narcotic drug or any other self-administered intoxicant or drug of whatsoever nature, or any combination of such drugs, to a degree which impairs his ability to drive or operate any motor vehicle… safely…”
In other words, in Virginia it is a crime to drive while intoxicated.
Virginia uses the terms DUI and DWI interchangeably to mean the same charge. Driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI) are similar but different charges in other states and in these states, a DWI is often the lesser charge of the two.
While the state of Virginia will be the one charging the intoxicated driver with the crime that caused your injuries and will likely try them for this, they will not be doing this on your behalf.
If you want to hold the negligent driver who has caused you and/or your loved ones pain and suffering accountable for their damaging actions, a good Reston, VA DWI lawyer may be able to help you.
Compensation for DWI Accidents
It is horribly unfair when someone does not follow basic safety laws and other people wind up injured. To add more unfairness, most people who are injured in these kinds of accidents wind up having to pay for their own medical bills and suffer serious financial losses unless they enlist the help of a DUI lawyer in Reston or in Virginia near where their accident happened.
DWI accident victims and/or their families often seek compensation for one or more (or all) of the following:
- Medical expenses, including emergency services, hospital stays, surgeries, procedures, therapies, treatments, medicines, equipment, rehabilitation and nursing facilities, and medical services such as in-home nursing, etc.
- Loss of income
- Loss of childcare
- Loss of household management
- Loss of benefits
- Loss of ability
- Pain and suffering
When tragedy hits a family and they lose a much loved member, the deceased’s surviving family members may also be entitled to compensation for:
- Funeral, burial or cremation, and reception costs
- Loss of consortium (spousal support)
- Loss of parental support and guidance
- Grief and suffering
Depending on your particular situation, you may be able to seek compensation for other damages as well.
If you are looking for a highly rated Reston, VA DWI lawyer, contact Cohen & Cohen for a free case consultation and evaluation.
