Why Choose Christie Farrell Lee & Bell for Your Drunk Driving Injury Case?

When facing the legal and personal consequences of a drunk driving incident, our Fort Wayne lawyers’ expertise and local insight can significantly impact the outcome of your case. We focus on direct communication and start with a detailed screening call to evaluate your situation and outline your legal options.

With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Indiana, Christie Farrell Lee & Bell has consistently achieved substantial compensation for clients injured in drunk driving accidents. Our approach is compassionate yet assertive, aiming to hold negligent parties accountable and support victims throughout the legal process.

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Understanding the Impact of Drunk Driving Accidents in Fort Wayne

Drunk driving accidents remain a persistent issue in Fort Wayne, frequently occurring at high speeds or late at night. These accidents can cause severe injuries or even fatalities due to delayed reaction times, poor judgment, and reckless driving behaviors typical of intoxicated motorists.

Statistics and Scope in Indiana

According to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, there were over 3,300 vehicle collisions involving alcohol-impaired drivers statewide in 2023 alone. Behind each of these crashes lie real people whose health, careers, and families have been disrupted by someone else’s reckless actions. 

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Your Legal Rights After a Drunk Driving Accident

In Indiana, hiring a lawyer after a car accident involving a drunk driver is the best way to safeguard your legal rights. An experienced attorney from our team will clearly explain your rights and ensure your interests come first. Some of your rights after a DUI crash include:

  • The right to file a civil claim for compensation covering all of the incident’s economic and non-economic costs.
  • The right to seek punitive damages in cases involving reckless or egregious conduct by a drunk driver.
  • The right to legal representation to protect your interests during negotiations and court proceedings.
  • The right to fair treatment under Indiana law, ensuring your case can be heard and decided according to established legal procedures.

Civil vs. Criminal Proceedings

While the intoxicated driver often faces criminal charges imposed by the state for breaking DUI laws, victims of drunk driving accidents have separate rights to civil compensation. Civil proceedings involve holding the at-fault driver financially responsible for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

Civil cases function independently from criminal trials, meaning you can seek compensation even if criminal charges are dismissed or reduced. We guide victims through both legal processes, working to recover the maximum compensation available under Indiana law and ensuring those responsible are held accountable.

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Proving Liability in a DUI Crash Claim

Establishing liability is pivotal to recovering damages in drunk driving accident cases. This involves demonstrating that the intoxicated driver’s negligence directly caused your injuries and losses. 

Evidence Used in DUI Accident Cases

At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, we meticulously gather and analyze evidence to build a robust case supporting your claim, including:

  • Police reports and BAC results: These show intoxication levels and record details officers observed at the crash scene.
  • Eyewitness statements: Witnesses can support your version of events and confirm reckless behavior or disputed facts.
  • Surveillance or dashcam footage: Video captures driving errors, violations, and the crash itself, strengthening negligence claims.
  • Expert testimony from medical or accident specialists: We collaborate with experts to explain injuries, their link to the crash, and how the collision occurred.

Is the Drunk Driver Always Liable?

Typically, the drunk driver bears primary responsibility for an accident. However, under Indiana’s comparative fault laws, liability might be shared between parties if evidence indicates that the injured person or other parties also contributed to the crash.

Comparative fault means your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of your responsibility determined by the court. Our attorneys understand these nuances and work strategically to minimize your share of fault, thereby maximizing your potential compensation.

Attorney Lee C. Christie advises:

“If you’re injured in a drunk driving crash, avoid speaking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer. They might record your conversation and later use even simple statements—like ‘I’m doing okay today’—to downplay your injuries or shift blame onto you. Get legal guidance before any discussions.”

What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Fort Wayne

We’ve handled countless drunk driving cases where victims unknowingly made early missteps, like speaking to insurers too soon or failing to preserve crucial evidence such as BAC readings or traffic camera footage. Knowing what to do in those first hours and days can be the key to building a case that truly reflects your injuries and losses. Here’s what our team recommends

  1. Call the police and seek medical attention immediately. An official police report and prompt medical evaluations become essential evidence.
  2. Document the scene and your injuries. Take photos, record videos, and gather contact information from witnesses to substantiate your claim.
  3. Don’t speak with insurance companies without legal representation. Insurers aim to minimize payouts and can manipulate statements to reduce your compensation. An attorney protects you from these tactics.

Our Experience with DUI Crash Victims

Christie Farrell Lee & Bell has helped countless individuals injured in DUI accidents pursue significant settlements and verdicts. Our attorneys practice trauma-informed legal care, recognizing how stressful legal proceedings can be for someone recovering from a serious crash. 

We know how a drunk driving crash can affect every part of life and leave you facing physical pain, financial strain, and uncertainty about the future. Our goal is not only to fight for financial recovery but also to help you move forward with greater confidence and peace of mind.

Speak to a Fort Wayne Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver in Fort Wayne, securing knowledgeable legal representation promptly will improve your chances of recovering maximum compensation. Christie Farrell Lee & Bell offers a free consultation to assess your case thoroughly and advise you on the best course of action.

For effective representation grounded in decades of experience in Indiana, contact us today. A dedicated lawyer will be ready to assist and answer all your questions.