Fishers Drunk Driving Car Accident Lawyer

The aftermath of a drunk driving accident is not just chaotic—it is personal. A Fishers Drunk Driving Car Accident Lawyer understands how lives can change in a single moment, extending beyond crumpled vehicles and emergency room visits. Families must adjust to painful injuries, lost income, and the emotional scars of knowing someone’s reckless choice altered their lives forever.

As a car crash law firm in Fishers, we see the devastation up close. Every client we serve is a reminder that drunk driving is not just illegal—it is preventable. And when it happens, those affected deserve justice and a clear path toward recovery.

We are here to help you take that first step.

As a trusted accident lawyer in Fishers, IN, we stand with victims and families dealing with the consequences of drunk driving. We work to secure maximum compensation and ensure that those responsible are held accountable under Indiana law. Whether you were the injured driver, a passenger, or a pedestrian hit by a drunk driver, we provide focused legal support to protect your rights and your future.

Indiana continues to struggle with impaired driving, and Fishers is not immune. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly one-third of all traffic-related deaths in the United States involve alcohol impairment. In Indiana, over 25% of fatal crashes involve a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute also reports that in 2022, there were more than 4,000 alcohol-related crashes across the state, resulting in hundreds of injuries and fatalities.

These are not just numbers—they represent lives permanently changed.

As Fishers auto accident attorneys, we guide our clients through the legal process with compassion and resolve. Our work starts with listening. We take the time to understand your experience, injuries, and goals. From there, we develop a case strategy rooted in evidence, legal knowledge, and determination.

We do more than pursue compensation—we fight for your right to be heard.

Indiana Drunk Driving Laws: What You Need to Know

Indiana law makes it a criminal offense to operate a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI). Under Indiana Code § 9-30-5, a driver is considered legally drunk if they have a BAC of 0.08% or more. Commercial drivers are subject to a lower threshold of 0.04%, and individuals under 21 may not have any traceable alcohol in their system while driving.

Penalties for a first-time OWI conviction may include:

• Up to 60 days in jail
• Up to a $500 fine
• License suspension for 90 days to 2 years
• Probation, alcohol education programs, or community service

Repeat offenders and cases involving injury or death carry far more severe consequences. For instance, causing serious bodily injury while driving under the influence is a felony offense under Indiana Code § 9-30-5-4.

As a car crash law firm in Fishers, we use these statutes to hold drunk drivers accountable in both criminal and civil court. While prosecutors pursue criminal penalties, we focus on the civil side—helping you recover damages for your losses.

Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Collisions

Drunk driving crashes are often more violent than typical accidents. Impaired drivers may be speeding, veering between lanes, or unaware of traffic conditions. These factors increase the risk of catastrophic injury. Some of the most common injuries we see as Fishers auto accident attorneys include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Broken bones
• Internal bleeding
• Lacerations and disfigurement
• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
• Psychological trauma, such as PTSD

These injuries do not just heal with time. They require months, sometimes years, of medical care, therapy, and support. Many victims never return to their pre-accident lives. Our role is to quantify these losses and demand full and fair compensation from those responsible.

What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Fishers

If you have been involved in a drunk driving accident, your immediate actions can impact your long-term recovery, both physically and legally. Here is what we advise as a car crash law firm in Fishers:

1. Call 911: Ensure that police and emergency services are dispatched to the scene. A police report will later be crucial evidence.
2. Document Everything: Take photographs of the vehicles, license plates, road conditions, injuries, and alcohol containers in the other driver’s vehicle. If there are witnesses, get their contact information.
3. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel “fine,” get evaluated by a medical professional. Some injuries, like brain trauma or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent.
4. Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters Alone: Insurance companies may contact you quickly to settle the case before you speak with an attorney. Politely decline to give a recorded statement until you have legal representation.
5. Contact an Accident Lawyer in Fishers, IN: We can take immediate action to preserve evidence, contact witnesses, obtain traffic camera footage, and build your case.

How We Prove Liability in a Drunk Driving Case

To succeed in a personal injury claim, we must prove that the drunk driver acted negligently and caused your injuries. Fortunately, a criminal conviction for OWI can be used as strong evidence of negligence in Indiana. However, we do not rely solely on that.

As a Fishers auto accident attorney, we gather:

• Police reports and toxicology results
• Body camera footage from law enforcement
• Medical records and injury evaluations
• Accident reconstruction analysis
• Testimony from witnesses and experts

We also examine whether a third party may be liable. For example, under Indiana’s “dram shop” laws (IC § 7.1-5-10-15.5), a bar, restaurant, or even a private party may be held liable if they knowingly served alcohol to an intoxicated person who later caused harm.

Vaughn Knows What You Are Going Through

You Don’t Pay Unless We Win

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

317-846-1080

Recoverable Damages in a Drunk Driving Accident Claim

Victims of drunk driving in Indiana are eligible to recover compensatory damages, which include:

• Medical bills, hospitalization, and future treatment costs
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Property damage

In especially egregious cases, we may also pursue punitive damages. These are awarded not to compensate the victim, but to punish the drunk driver and deter similar behavior. Indiana generally caps punitive damages at three times the amount of compensatory damages or $50,000—whichever is greater.

We pursue every available form of compensation to ensure our clients receive the full value of their claim. As your accident lawyer in Fishers, IN, we seek justice on your behalf.

Wrongful Death Claims After a Fatal Drunk Driving Crash

When a loved one dies in a drunk driving crash, families may file a wrongful death lawsuit under Indiana Code § 34-23-1-1. These claims allow spouses, children, and sometimes parents to recover for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical bills incurred before death
• Loss of companionship or parental guidance
• Lost financial support

These cases are incredibly emotional, and we approach them with the sensitivity they deserve. At the same time, we pursue the drunk driver and any other liable parties with full force. As a car crash law firm in Fishers, we do not let grieving families face the legal process alone.

Why You Need a Drunk Driving Car Accident Lawyer in Fishers

Insurance companies are not on your side. Their primary goal is to minimize payouts. Without strong legal advocacy, you may be pressured into accepting a settlement far below the true value of your claim.

As your Fishers auto accident attorney, we level the playing field.

Our team handles every part of your case:

• Communicating with insurance companies
• Filing all legal paperwork
• Investigating liability
• Working with medical experts to prove injury impact
• Negotiating settlements or taking the case to court

We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Frequently Asked Questions about Drunk Driving Accidents in Indiana

Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?

Yes. Indiana follows a modified comparative fault rule (IC § 34-51-2). You can recover compensation if you were less than 51% responsible for the accident. However, your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How long do I have to file a claim?

Under Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the accident date. Missing this deadline may bar you from recovering any damages.

What if the drunk driver was uninsured?

If the at-fault driver does not have insurance, then a Fishers Drunk Driving Car Accident Lawyer from our law firm can pursue a claim through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist policy, if available.

Will the drunk driver go to jail?

Possibly. That is determined in criminal court. We focus on civil compensation for your injuries, but coordinate with criminal cases when it benefits your claim.

Can I sue the bar that served the driver?

Yes. If evidence shows that the establishment continued serving a visibly intoxicated person or someone under 21, they may be liable under Indiana’s dram shop laws.

We Are the Car Crash Law Firm in Fishers That Fights for You

You do not need to navigate this journey alone. At our firm, we provide more than legal representation—we provide peace of mind. From the moment you call us, we take swift action to protect your rights and pursue the justice you deserve.

Every drunk driving case we handle is more than a file. It is a family, a future, and a fight worth winning.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving crash, contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you rebuild with strength, security, and the legal support you can trust.