Drunk Driving and Auto Accidents - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Drunk driving accounts for more than one-third of all auto accident related deaths each year and even more injuries. Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about drunk driving and auto accidents.

How long do I have after a drunk driving accident to start a lawsuit?

Most states have a statute of limitations that requires you to bring a lawsuit within one year of the auto accident. It is best to start the lawsuit as soon as possible, however, to ensure that the statute of limitations has not passed.

What should I do if I am involved in a car accident with a drunk driver?

Your first steps are the same as with any other accident: if the car is drivable and you are able, move to a safe location in a parking lot or on the side of the road near the accident, but out of harm's way. Call the police; seek medical attention for your injuries; obtain a copy of the police report; call your insurance company and contact an attorney as soon as possible.

If I or someone I love is involved in an accident with a drunk driver who just left a bar, can I sue the bar owner?

Most states have some type of "dram shop law" which means that an establishment that serves alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person may be held liable for damages that result as a consequence of being drunk such as an automobile accident.

If a person is a passenger in the vehicle with a drunk driver and is injured in an accident can they sue the driver?

Sometimes, but they would have to prove that they were unaware that the driver was drunk. If you knowingly got into the vehicle with a drunk driver you might actually be partially liable yourself.