Most Buffalo personal injury cases involve compensation for issues such as medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. When a personal injury is caused by a drunk driver, however, under some circumstances, the injured person may also be able to pursue punitive damages. Punitive damages consist of money beyond that actually needed to compensate the injured person for the costs associated with the injury. The purpose of punitive damages is not to provide compensation but instead to punish the defendant in the hopes of deterring similar conduct in the future.
What Needs To Be Proved Against Drunk Drivers?
As Buffalo personal injury lawyers, we believe that all drunk drivers who cause personal injury to others should be required to pay punitive damages. Unfortunately, for punitive damages to be granted, it must be established that the driver acted maliciously or with complete indifference to the safety of others. It is not enough that they were drunk. Instead, a personal injury attorney must also prove that the drunk driver engaged in some additional reckless conduct – such as driving at a high rate of speed or choosing to ignore the rules of the road – before punitive damages may be awarded.
Compensation For Personal Injury By A Drunk Driver
If you have been injured by a drunk driver, we believe you should be fully compensated for your personal injury, and the drunk driver should be punished. We aggressively pursue all forms of compensation available to you. If you would like to speak with us, please call at 716-600-0000. We would be happy to answer your questions.