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Claiming Against A Drunk Driver In Northern Ireland

Our firm is committed to helping those who have been injured by drunk drivers in Northern Ireland. Drunk driving poses a significant risk to people on roads, and our solicitors will work tirelessly to hold those responsible for your injury to account. 

Our skilled personal injury solicitors have a track record of success in obtaining compensation for those injured by drunk drivers. We’re here to assist you through the claims process and give you the support you deserve.

Drunk Driver Claims Solicitors in Belfast and Northern Ireland

Drunk driving accidents can cause serious injuries that can have a significant impact on your life. The physical impact of a drunk driving accident can range from shattered bones to traumatic brain injuries and other life-altering injuries. These injuries might have left you with emotional scars like post traumatic stress disorder. It’s also possible for your injuries to leave you with financial problems like medical debt or lost wages.

You shouldn’t be burdened by the actions of an irresponsible drunk driver in Belfast or anywhere else in Northern Ireland. If you’ve been injured, it’s important to have an experienced personal injury solicitor by your side to help guide you through the claims process in Northern Ireland. 

Consequences of Drunk Driving in Northern Ireland

Drunk driving is a colossally stupid thing to do with devastating consequences for individuals as it greatly increases the risk of accidents on the roads. Alcohol reduces a driver’s reflexivity and judgment, which increases the chance of accidents and injuries. Drunk driving not only puts your own life at risk but could result in you being disqualified from driving which could impact your employment. The repercussions also go beyond the immediate effects on the people who are engaged. The loss of a loved one and the ensuing emotional distress can have a profound impact on families and communities.

Drunk driving in Belfast and across Northern Ireland carries serious legal and financial consequences. In addition to a criminal record, fines, as well as the potential of imprisonment, drunk drivers also open themselves to a potential injury claim if they injure anyone on the road. The legal consequences of drunk driving in Northern Ireland are severe, and it’s important to never engage in drunk driving.

Common injuries sustained in accidents with drunk drivers in Northern Ireland

We have helped many people across Northern Ireland who have been injured by drunk drivers. Some of the injuries we have assisted with include: 

  • Whiplash
  • Broken bones 
  • Burns
  • Lacerations
  • Scarring
  • Amputations
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Wrongful death

This is by no means a complete list. If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, please contact our solicitors to see how we can help. 

The process of making an injury claim against a drunk driver in Northern Ireland

It’s important to know that if you’ve been injured by a drunk driver in Northern Ireland, you’re still likely able to make an injury claim. Making an injury claim against a drunk driver is nearly identical to a regular injury claim. The only difference is that the police might file charges against the drunk driver.

A typical claims process goes through the following stages: 

1) Seek Medical Attention

You should always seek medical attention if you have suffered any injuries in an accident with a drunken driver. Even if you feel OK following the collision, some injuries might not manifest for days or even weeks.

2) Report the collision

It’s best to report the accident as quickly as possible to police, particularly if it involves a drunk driver. 

3) Speak with a solicitor

After the accident, it’s critical to get in touch with a personal injury solicitor to get the support you need. You can get help from solicitors at any point in the claims procedure. They will also be able to help you determine who is at fault and start the legal process on your behalf.

4) Gather vidence

It’s important to compile as much evidence as you can in order to build a successful compensation claim against a drunk driver. This includes documenting the accident site with photographs and gathering contact information for witnesses. This evidence will be essential in determining fault and determining how much compensation you should receive.

5) Assess your injuries and calculate damages

Your solicitor will require medical documentation related to your injuries or illness in order to move forward with your personal injury compensation claim. Once this has been obtained we will be able to determine the amount of damages (sometimes referred to as compensation) you could receive. 

6) Reach a settlement

All parties are interested in a speedy, equitable, and reasonable settlement. Following a meeting between claimants and defendants, you may be presented with an offer, which you might accept or reject. You will then receive your compensation. This method of resolution is used for the majority of personal injury claims. 

If the defendant disputes liability, the case may go to court. Usually cases settle out of court, but on the rare occasion that your case does go to court, our solicitors would represent you.

What if the drunk driver fled from the scene in Northern Ireland?

Please note that in the event that the drunk driver flees the scene of the accident, there are still ways to receive compensation for your injuries. The government set up a body called the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) to assist with untraced and uninsured drivers. We have helped many people across Northern Ireland navigate this system and we’ll be happy to assist you as well.

How our solicitors can help with an injury claim against a drunk driver

While being involved in a car accident caused by a drunk driver in Northern Ireland can be a traumatic experience, it’s important to remember that you have legal rights and options available to you. With the help of an experienced personal injury solicitor at Paschal O’Hare, you can get the compensation you deserve and move on from the accident.

We have years of expertise assisting victims of personal injury incidents, particularly those brought on by intoxicated drivers in Northern Ireland. Our team of knowledgeable personal injury solicitors can help you navigate the process and make sure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.

Do not hesitate to contact us if you were hurt in a car accident in Northern Ireland that was the result of a drunk driver. We provide completely free telephone consultations and our personal injury solicitors will be happy to answer any questions and provide any guidance that you require. You can also visit us in our offices in Belfast, Glengormley and Carrickfergus.

Seymour major solicitor specialising in injury claims

Seymour Major

We’ll take the stress out of your claim against a drunk driver so that you can focus on what’s important: the best possible recovery.”

Case Studies

Claiming against a drunk driver in Belfast & Northern Ireland FAQs

The motorist’s intoxication may help your case because it highlights the driver’s carelessness. But it’s important to note that every case is different and our solicitors will be able to provide you with more specific information about your claim.  

The general rule is that you have 3 years from the date of the accident to make an injury claim in Northern Ireland. There are, however, certain exceptions to this rule, so it’s crucial to speak with a personal injury solicitor to make sure you don’t miss any crucial deadlines.

The particulars of your case will determine how much compensation you are eligible for. Your solicitor can assist you in determining the damages to which you are entitled, including compensation for lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering.

If they reach out, it’s important to contact your personal injury solicitor before giving any statements or signing anything. Insurers are there to protect their own interests. They don’t work for you and won’t ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Yes, it’s possible for you to make a wrongful death claim on behalf of a family member or loved one who was killed by a drunk driver in Northern Ireland. This kind of claim can offer financial support for funeral costs as well as lost wages. In order to learn more, reach out to our personal injury solicitors.