Drunk Driving Collisions
Hit by a Drunk Driver? Contact Us
We do not treat drunk driving cases as “accidents”. Drunk driving collisions are set into motion long before the intoxicated driver's vehicle strikes another vehicle or a pedestrian. They start when an impaired driver gets behind the wheel of a car and puts others in danger. Despite the well-publicized dangers, drunk driving is still a serious problem throughout the country. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for drunk drivers to collide with drivers or pedestrians due to delayed reaction time or blurred vision. If you or a loved one was injured in an auto accident caused by a drunk driver, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a drunk driving accident lawyer at our firm today.
Schedule a consultation to learn more about your legal rights.
Hold the Impaired Driver Accountable
Most people equate impaired driving with alcohol, but there are many other intoxicants that can impair an individual's ability to safely drive. Substances such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin or powerful prescription drugs can limit a driver's reaction time or impair his or her perception of the road.
If you were severely injured in an accident caused by the negligence of another driver, it is important that you speak with a drunk driver accident attorney. We can provide an honest assessment of the strength of your case.
We Fight For Maximum Compensation
At Heath & Verser, P.L.C., our drunk driving accident lawyers have extensive experience fighting for monetary compensation on our clients’ behalf. Find out what we can do for you! Depending on the severity of the accident, we will seek compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
In these situations, not only does the defendant have to pay compensatory damages, but he or she may also be ordered to pay punitive damages to punish the drunk driver for his or her conduct.
Punitive Damages
In addition to compensatory damages, Virgina Code Section 8.01-44.5 allows an award of punitive damages if a defendant acts with malice toward the injured party or the defendant’s conduct is so willful or wanton as to show a conscious disregard for the rights of others. The statute establishes the following test by which a defendant's conduct is “deemed sufficiently willful or wanton” to support an award of punitive damages: (1) when the driver began drinking, during the time of drinking, or when operating the motor vehicle, the driver knew or should have known that their ability to operate a motor vehicle would be impaired; (2) at the time of the incident causing injury or death, the driver’s blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) was 0.15 percent or more by weight by volume; and (3) the driver’s intoxication was a proximate cause of injury or death.
In the event that the defendant unreasonably refuses to submit to a blood or breath test, which many drunk drivers do, their conduct is deemed sufficiently willful or wanton if the evidence proves that criteria (1) and (3) above are met and the defendant was intoxicated, which may be established by evidence of the defendant’s conduct or condition.
Virginia Code Section 8.01-38.1 caps awards of punitive damages at $350,000.00. Thus, even if a jury awards punitive damages greater than $350,000.00, the trial judge must reduce the award to $350,000.00.
Results Driven
Put our results-driven legal strategies to work for you. We are your tough courtroom advocates and won't rest until every stone is turned.
If you or someone you love was involved in a drunk driving, contact our experienced law firm now! Contact or call us at (888) 599-4090 to schedule a consultation today.
Why Choose Our Firm
Our exceptional track record of success has earned our partners numerous accolades. We have also achieved the highest rating of AV Preeminent® by Martindale-Hubbell. We can bring to your case this high level of dedication to legal excellence and client-focused care.
Case Results
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$100,000 Auto / Pedestrian Accident
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$1,890,000 Auto Accident
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$275,000 Auto Accident
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$140,000 Auto Accident
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$110,000 Auto Accident
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$90,000 Auto Accident
Client Reviews
At Heath & Verser, P.L.C., your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"Wisdom and Integrity"I am an attorney myself and would recommend Joe to anyone without hesitation.- John
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"I highly recommend this law firm."I highly recommend this law firm. Joe Verser was my attorney and he provided exceptional legal advice and supported me throughout the entire litigation process. He explained exactly what to expect and delivered consistent customer service. He is friendly, easy to work with, and he truly cares about his clients. I am very pleased with the outcome of my case and I am thankful that I had such a great lawyer to represent me!- M.B.
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"He is absolutely the best in the business."Len Heath represented me during a personal injury case. He is absolutely the best in the business. Would recommend talking to him if you need a good attorney.- S.S
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"Hunter Old and his team were focused, professional and achieved positive results, quickly."Hunter Old and his team were focused, professional and achieved positive results, quickly. I highly recommend him and his firm.- C.A.
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"He is very highly recommended by retired Judges."Mr Verser has represented me and family members in two cases. He is very highly recommended by retired Judges. I cannot say enough about how dedicated he is to recommending the best solution to a problem.- Frances
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"You ran circles around the other two lawyers."Thank you for all you did to make sure truth won in our court case. You were knowledgeable, well prepared and an eloquent speaker.- T.E.
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"I would wholeheartedly recommend him."Leonard Heath is a phenomenal lawyer. Not only was he imminently approachable, he was meticulous in all areas of the handling of my case.- S.S.
