Being Hit by a Drunk Driver Is Never Your Fault
If you were injured in a crash caused by a drunk driver in Massachusetts, you are entitled to pursue full compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Drunk driving accidents are entirely preventable, and the law holds OUI drivers — and sometimes the establishments that served them — fully accountable.
Your Right to Sue the Drunk Driver
A drunk driver who causes an accident is negligent in Massachusetts. Their OUI criminal charge or conviction is powerful evidence of negligence in your civil lawsuit. You can sue them for all economic and non-economic damages including medical expenses, future treatment costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Massachusetts Dram Shop Law: Suing the Bar or Restaurant
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 138, Section 69, bars, restaurants, and other establishments that serve alcohol can be held liable when they knowingly serve alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person or a minor who then causes an accident. These dram shop claims are often very valuable because businesses carry commercial liability insurance. Our attorneys investigate where the drunk driver was drinking before the crash and pursue all available defendants.
How the OUI Criminal Case Affects Your Civil Claim
The criminal OUI case and your civil lawsuit run on parallel tracks. A criminal conviction strengthens your civil case, but you do not need to wait for the criminal case to conclude before pursuing civil compensation. Police reports, breathalyzer results, and arrest documentation are all admissible in your civil case.
What to Do Right After a Drunk Driving Accident
Call 911 immediately and ensure police respond. Seek emergency medical care even if you feel okay. Photograph the accident scene and your injuries. Gather witness information. Do not speak to the drunk driver’s insurance company without first consulting an attorney. Contact Larson Law as soon as possible so we can preserve evidence and build your case.
Call Larson Law for a Free Consultation
Drunk driving accident victims deserve maximum compensation. Our Massachusetts OUI accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis — no fee unless we win. Call 508-888-8888 today.