Carmel Drunk Driving Car Accident Lawyer

It’s supposed to be a quiet drive home, a short trip through familiar streets. But in one violent moment, your world is upended—because someone else chose to drink and drive. As a Carmel car accident lawyer, our team has seen how these preventable crashes leave innocent people dealing with painful injuries, lost wages, emotional trauma, and sometimes, the devastating loss of a loved one.

We don’t just see a case number—we see your story. And when that story involves the reckless behavior of an intoxicated driver, you deserve justice. At our law firm, we take these cases personally. We’re here to fight for accountability, for full and fair compensation, and for your right to heal in peace.

The Ongoing Threat of Drunk Driving in Indiana

Drunk driving is a persistent and deadly problem on Indiana roads. According to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute’s 2022 traffic safety data, alcohol-impaired driving was involved in over 5,600 crashes across the state in just one year. These crashes resulted in more than 1,800 injuries and 151 fatalities. Nearly 15% of all fatal crashes in Indiana involved a driver impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Hamilton County, which includes Carmel, has seen an increase in enforcement efforts. Still, accidents continue to happen. That’s why the role of a Carmel accident lawyer is so critical—not just to help victims recover, but to send a clear message that this behavior has serious consequences.

What Makes Drunk Driving Cases Different?

Unlike typical car accident cases, drunk driving collisions often involve aggravating factors. When we pursue a case on your behalf, we may be able to seek punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages.

Punitive damages are designed to punish especially reckless conduct and send a message to others in the community. Indiana law permits these types of damages when there is clear and convincing evidence of gross negligence, such as knowingly driving while intoxicated.

There’s also a heightened emotional impact. Clients often tell us they feel betrayed—by a stranger who chose to put everyone on the road in danger. As your intoxicated driving auto accident attorney in Carmel, we work to ensure both your financial recovery and emotional closure.

Your Legal Rights After a Drunk Driving Crash

Under Indiana law, victims of drunk driving accidents can pursue compensation through a personal injury claim. If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, therapy, and future treatment
• Lost income and loss of earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and psychological trauma
• Property damage
• Punitive damages, in cases of gross negligence

In cases involving fatalities, surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death claim. As your car wreck attorney in Carmel, we’ll review all available options and ensure every potential source of recovery is pursued.

Vaughn Knows What You Are Going Through

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Time Is Not On Your Side After An Accident. Call Vaughn Wamsley NOW.

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Indiana DUI and OWI Laws

Indiana refers to drunk driving offenses as OWI, or “Operating While Intoxicated.” A driver is legally intoxicated with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. For commercial drivers, the limit is 0.04%, and for drivers under 21, any measurable amount can result in an offense.

Here are the penalties for a first-time OWI offense in Indiana:

• Up to 60 days in jail for a BAC between 0.08% and 0.15%
• Up to 1 year in jail for a BAC of 0.15% or higher
• License suspension for up to 2 years
• Fines up to $5,000
• Mandatory participation in alcohol treatment or victim impact panels

In addition to these criminal penalties, a drunk driver can be held civilly liable for the damages they caused. That’s where we come in.

Proving Liability in a Drunk Driving Injury Case

To win your case, we must prove that the intoxicated driver acted negligently and that their actions directly caused your injuries. Evidence we gather typically includes:

• Police reports showing arrest or citation for OWI
• Breathalyzer or blood test results
• Field sobriety test observations
• Video footage from dashcams or surveillance
• Witness statements
• Accident reconstruction analysis

If the driver was coming from a bar or restaurant, we may also investigate whether the establishment over-served them. Under Indiana’s dram shop laws, a business can be held liable if it served alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated and that person went on to cause an accident.

How We Build Your Case

When you hire us as your Carmel drunk driving car accident lawyer, we take immediate action. Here’s what to expect:

1. We Investigate Quickly

We collect evidence before it’s lost or destroyed. That includes photos of the crash scene, surveillance video, and records from the bar or restaurant the driver may have visited.

2. We Work With Experts

We consult accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and vocational experts to fully understand your injuries and losses.

3. We Handle the Insurance Companies

Drunk driving claims often involve aggressive insurance adjusters who try to settle fast and cheap. We deal with them directly so you can focus on healing.

4. We Fight for Maximum Compensation

We calculate every economic and non-economic loss you’ve suffered. Whether through negotiation or trial, we push for the result you deserve.

What if the Drunk Driver Is Uninsured?

Unfortunately, not every drunk driver carries insurance. If that’s the case, you may still have options. We can help you file a claim through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policy. Many Indiana drivers carry this protection without even realizing it.

If you don’t have UM/UIM coverage, we may explore suing the driver directly or seeking compensation from a liable third party, such as a bar or social host. As a seasoned car wreck attorney in Carmel, I know how to find the most viable route to recovery.

The Emotional Toll of a Drunk Driving Crash

One of the most overlooked aspects of a crash is the emotional fallout. We’ve worked with victims who suffer from nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety behind the wheel, and even PTSD. These aren’t just “invisible injuries”—they have a real impact on your life, your relationships, and your ability to work.

As your legal team, we don’t minimize these struggles. We document them thoroughly and include them in your claim for damages. You deserve to be compensated for every part of what you’ve endured, not just the medical bills.

Wrongful Death Cases Involving Drunk Driving

If you’ve lost a loved one in a drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim. Indiana law allows certain family members to pursue compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical bills related to the final injury
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship, love, and guidance

These cases are personal, and we approach them with the compassion and respect they deserve. We’ll walk with you every step of the way and fight for justice on behalf of your family.

Don’t Wait to Take Legal Action

Indiana law imposes a strict two-year statute of limitations on personal injury and wrongful death claims. That clock starts ticking on the date of the accident or death. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to seek compensation.

The sooner we get involved, the stronger your case will be. Evidence can disappear quickly, and witnesses’ memories fade. By hiring a Carmel accident lawyer right away, you put yourself in the best possible position to recover everything you’re owed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I still sue the drunk driver if they were acquitted of criminal charges?

Yes. Criminal and civil cases are separate in Indiana. Even if the driver is not convicted in criminal court, you can still file a civil lawsuit to recover compensation. Civil cases have a lower burden of proof, meaning you only need to show the driver was more likely than not responsible for your injuries.

What if I was a passenger in the drunk driver’s vehicle?

If you were injured as a passenger in the vehicle of the intoxicated driver, you may still be entitled to compensation. In Indiana, passengers can bring a claim against the driver’s insurance policy—even if they knew the driver had been drinking. However, your level of awareness and any actions you took may affect the outcome, so it’s important to speak with an attorney.

Do I have to go to court to get compensated?

Not always. Many drunk driving accident cases settle out of court through negotiation. However, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. That puts us in the strongest possible position during settlement talks. If a fair agreement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to represent you in court.

How long will it take to resolve my case?

Every case is different. Some drunk driving accident claims can be resolved in a few months, while more complex cases—especially those involving serious injuries or disputed liability—may take a year or longer. We’ll keep you informed at every stage and work efficiently to get you results as quickly as possible.

What does it cost to hire your firm?

We work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay us nothing up front—we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.

Contact Our Carmel Drunk Driving Car Accident Lawyer Today

Drunk driving crashes are completely preventable—and that makes them especially heartbreaking. If you or someone you love has been injured by a drunk driver, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone.

At our firm, we’re more than just your intoxicated driving auto accident attorney in Carmel—we’re your ally, your advocate, and your voice in the legal system. We offer free consultations, and we don’t get paid unless we win your case.

Let us help you hold the drunk driver accountable. Contact Vaughn Wamsley Law Firm today for a no-obligation case review.