Car accidents are an unfortunate reality of life in Omaha, Nebraska. We see them more than we’d like as a wrongful death attorney. They happen more frequently than anyone would like to admit and often result in catastrophic personal injuries, medical expenses, and even wrongful death.
At Demerath Law Office, we have been serving clients in Omaha for over 45 years, offering compassionate and competent legal assistance during their most challenging times. Let’s take a minute to better evaluate the consequences and causes of these fatal accidents and how we can help should you find a loved one who has been killed. When choosing Demerath Lawyers, your trusted Omaha personal injury attorney, you are choosing to have the experts by your side. Our team takes each case seriously and will only accept cases in which we feel we have a chance at winning. When facing a fatality due to a drunk driver’s negligence, do not accept what the insurance company tells you at face value. Make sure you understand your rights and have a clear understanding of what you are entitled to.
While many people believe that a personal injury attorney will make their situations worse, in all reality, we are on your side. We look at what the insurance companies are offering and help you decide if it’s what you are entitled to. Your compensation doesn’t typically come out of the pocket of the driver but of their insurance company, so don’t think of this as a personal attack. However, don’t forget the loss of life you have experienced at the same time. You need someone in this emotionally charged time to help you navigate things to ensure that your family will be okay in the long term.
The Tragic Consequences of Drunk Driving
Fatal accidents caused by drunk driving are not just tragic events. They are shattering experiences that leave indelible scars on victims and their families. Such accidents cause profound pain and suffering that extends far beyond the physical injuries sustained in the crash during the aftermath.
Emotional Turmoil
The emotional toll of losing a loved one in a fatal drunk-driving accident is immeasurable. Families are thrust into a whirlwind of grief, anger, and disbelief. The sudden loss of a family member or friend leaves an emptiness that can never be filled. Coping with the emotional trauma is an uphill battle that can last a lifetime. Because of this, it’s important to not only look at the immediate ramifications of this but also at the long term. Will this affect your life long term? The answer is yes, which means you need to ensure your future with proper compensation that provides the means you need to continue.
The Financial Toll of Fatal DUI Accidents
Following a fatal DUI (Driving Under the Influence) accident, surviving family members not only experience emotional pain but also bear a significant financial burden. These financial challenges compound the already overwhelming emotional distress, making it a doubly challenging time for those left behind.
Funeral Expenses
One of the immediate and pressing financial concerns following a fatal DUI accident is the cost of a funeral. Funeral expenses can be substantial, encompassing the cost of burial or cremation, memorial services, caskets or urns, cemetery plots, and various associated fees. These expenses can place a significant strain on the family’s finances. The sudden nature of the tragedy leaves little time to prepare for these costs.
Medical Bills
In cases where the victim has incurred medical expenses before succumbing to their injuries. These bills can add to the financial burden. Emergency medical treatments, hospital stays, surgeries, and ongoing medical care can quickly accumulate into a substantial debt that the family must deal with.
Loss of Income
The loss of a loved one often results in the loss of their income. It can have a significant impact if they are the primary breadwinner for the family. This loss of financial support can have long-term consequences. It can affect the family’s ability to cover daily expenses, mortgage or rent payments, education costs, and other essential needs. It’s a sudden and unexpected blow to the family’s financial stability.
Timing and Emotional Impact
What makes these financial pressures even more challenging is that they often coincide with the period when emotional support is needed the most. Grieving family members are trying to come to terms with their loss, manage funeral arrangements, and provide emotional support to one another. Handling these financial burdens simultaneously can exacerbate emotional distress. This can create an overwhelming situation.
The Importance of Legal Support
Recognizing these financial struggles highlights the essential need for legal support for families affected by fatal DUI accidents. Legal action can help alleviate the financial burden by pursuing compensation from the responsible party or their insurance. This compensation can cover funeral expenses, medical bills, lost income, and other related costs, offering some financial relief during a trying time.
Community Impact
Fatal accidents caused by drunk driving don’t just affect individual families; they also have a ripple effect on the entire community. These tragedies serve as stark reminders of the dangers of driving under the influence. They call for heightened awareness and a collective commitment to preventing such incidents from happening in the future.
Legal Recourse
It is crucial to recognize that victims and their families have legal recourse in the face of such devastating accidents. The legal system provides a means to seek justice, hold responsible parties accountable, and obtain compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial losses incurred. This is where the expertise of an Omaha personal injury attorney or wrongful death attorney becomes invaluable.
In Omaha, as in many other places, the statistics surrounding fatal drunk driving accidents are sobering. There are approx. 70 fatalities due to drunk driving in Nebraska each year and about 30% of all vehicle crashes are alcohol-related. (Source) Too often, innocent lives are lost due to the reckless actions of impaired drivers. Recognizing the profound consequences of these accidents reinforces the need for legal action. Seeking legal representation is not just a matter of choice; it is a lifeline for those affected, offering hope for a path towards justice and recovery.
At Demerath Law Office, our mission is to stand by the side of victims and their families during these trying times. We understand the depth of suffering caused by fatal DUI accidents and commit to offering the necessary legal support for navigating the complex legal landscape. Our dedicated team of experienced lawyers is here to help you pursue justice and fair compensation for your losses, making the path to recovery smoother. If you’ve been impacted by drunk driving, whether it resulted in a fatality or not, you should contact an Omaha personal injury attorney to understand your rights. Our number is 402-677-5656 to find out more.
Understanding Fatal DUI Accidents
A fatal DUI (Driving Under the Influence) accident is a heart-wrenching event that occurs when a driver operates a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, resulting in the tragic loss of another person’s life. In Nebraska, as in many states across the United States, the legal system takes a firm and unwavering stance against drunk driving due to its severe and often catastrophic consequences.
Alcohol and Drug Impairment
To qualify as a DUI, a driver must be operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level exceeding the legal limit of 0.08%. Additionally, impairment by drugs, whether they are prescription medications or illegal substances, can also lead to a DUI charge if it impairs a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Legal Consequences
When a fatal DUI accident occurs, the legal consequences for the responsible party can be severe. Nebraska’s laws are designed to deter individuals from drinking and driving by imposing strict penalties on those found guilty. These penalties can include:
- Criminal Charges: The driver who caused the fatal accident may face criminal charges, such as vehicular manslaughter or vehicular homicide. These charges can result in substantial fines and, in some cases, imprisonment.
- License Suspension: Convicted DUI offenders often face the suspension or revocation of their driver’s licenses, further restricting their ability to drive legally.
- Civil Liability: Apart from criminal charges, the responsible party may also face civil liability for the accident. This means they may have to compensate the victims or their families to cover medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Importance of Legal Representation
Understanding the complex laws and regulations surrounding drunk driving accidents is crucial when seeking justice for victims and their families. Navigating the legal process can be overwhelming. This is especially true for those who are already grappling with the emotional aftermath of such a tragic event.
This is where the expertise of an Omaha personal injury attorney or wrongful death attorney becomes indispensable. An experienced attorney can help victims and their families understand their legal rights, guide them through the legal proceedings, gather evidence, and build a strong case for seeking justice and compensation.
Demerath Law Office specializes in handling Omaha personal injury and wrongful death cases, including those arising from fatal accidents due to drunk driving. With over 45 years of experience, our Omaha personal injury attorneys have the knowledge and expertise to navigate complex legal proceedings and advocate vigorously for our clients.
Why Choose Demerath Lawyers for Your DUI Accident Case
When it comes to choosing an Omaha personal injury attorney or wrongful death attorney, you need someone who has the skills, dedication, and experience to fight for your rights. There are many reasons for looking into hiring Demerath. Let’s take a look at some of them.
- Over 65 Years of Combined Expertise: Our team boasts over 65 years of combined experience in personal injury and wrongful death cases, ensuring that you receive the best legal representation possible.
- Family-Based Business with a Personal Touch: We understand the pain and suffering you’re going through and provide a personal touch to every case. We treat you like family and ensure your concerns are heard and addressed.
- Significant Experience in Catastrophic Motor Vehicle Accidents: We have extensive experience handling catastrophic motor vehicle accidents, including fatal DUI accidents. We know how to build strong cases to secure the compensation you deserve.
- Aggressive and Trustworthy Lawyers: Our lawyers are aggressive in pursuing justice for our clients while maintaining the highest ethical standards. You can trust us to be your dedicated advocates.
- Multilingual Services: We offer multilingual services to cater to the diverse needs of our clients, ensuring that language barriers don’t hinder your pursuit of justice.
- Contingency Basis: At Demerath Law Office, we believe in fighting for you without adding to your financial burdens. We handle all cases on a contingency basis, which means you only pay when we win.
Contact Demerath Law Office
Fatal accidents caused by drunk driving are heart-wrenching events that can shatter lives. At Demerath Law Office, we are committed to serving the Omaha community by seeking justice for victims and their families. Contact us today to speak with an experienced Omaha personal injury attorney or wrongful death attorney who will fight tirelessly for your rights. Let us use our 65 years of combined experience to help make your path to recovery a little easier.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a DUI-related fatal accident, reach out to Demerath Lawyers without hesitation. You can contact us at 402-677-5656 or visit our office at. Your initial consultation is free, and we’re ready to provide you with the legal support you need during this challenging time.
Taking the first step toward seeking justice and compensation for your losses can be daunting. But Demerath Lawyers make it easier for you. We offer a free initial consultation to every individual or family in the aftermath of a DUI-related fatal accident. This consultation is an opportunity for you to share your situation with us, ask questions, and gain a clear understanding of your legal options. Furthermore, this is all without any financial obligation.
You have nothing more to lose. Pick up the phone today and find out how Demerath Lawyers can work for you. Call 402-677-5656 to find out more.
We offer personal injury lawyers throughout Nebraska including: Omaha, Lincoln, Fremont, Columbus, Grand Island, Plattsmouth, and Norfolk for your convenience.
