How Christie Farrell Lee & Bell Builds a Strong Drunk Driving Accident Claim

A Richmond car accident lawyer from our team assists clients by preserving critical evidence, handling negotiations with insurers, and preparing for trial if necessary. Our goal is to hold drunk drivers accountable and secure the financial recovery victims deserve.

Gathering Crucial Evidence in DUI Injury Cases

Proving a drunk driving claim requires solid evidence. Our firm focuses on gathering:

  • Police reports and BAC test results: Document the driver’s level of impairment and the circumstances of the crash.
  • Surveillance or dashcam video: Captures the driver’s behavior before and during the crash.
  • Eyewitness accounts: Provide independent statements about the driver’s actions and demeanor.
  • Bar or restaurant surveillance: Useful when investigating over-service that may support a dram shop claim.
  • Expert toxicology testimony: Clarifies how intoxication contributed to the accident and injuries.

We approach drunk driving injury cases with thorough investigation and aggressive legal action. 

Attorney Insight from Kevin P. Farrell:

“In one case, police reports showed the driver’s BAC, but it was the bar’s security footage that proved the driver was overserved while already visibly intoxicated. That evidence let us pursue a dram shop claim, ultimately doubling the compensation available for our client. It’s why we dig deeper than just police records.”

Speak with a personal injury lawyer today. Call: 317-488-5500

Drunk Driving Accidents in Richmond, Indiana – A Dangerous Local Reality

According to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, there were over 3,300 vehicle collisions involving alcohol-impaired drivers statewide in the last year alone. Alcohol-impaired drivers endanger everyone on the road, including pedestrians, cyclists, and families traveling through Richmond’s neighborhoods. 

After a DUI-related crash, taking legal action helps victims recover damages for medical costs, wage loss, and emotional distress. The Richmond personal injury lawyers at Christie Farrell Lee & Bell can guide you through this complex path, protecting your rights every step of the way.

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Indiana’s Laws on Drunk Driving Accidents and Victim Rights

In Indiana, it’s illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher for standard drivers, or 0.04% for commercial drivers. Under Indiana Code § 9-30-5, drivers operating vehicles while intoxicated face severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time.

Criminal Charges vs. Civil Lawsuits

Criminal charges serve to punish drunk drivers for breaking the law, focusing on penalties such as fines or jail time. 

However, criminal charges address only the public offense, not the harm suffered by victims. Those injured in drunk driving crashes have the right to seek civil compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Importantly, a criminal conviction isn’t required to succeed in a civil claim. Victims can pursue compensation based on evidence of negligence, even if the driver avoids or reduces criminal charges.

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What Compensation Can You Recover After a Drunk Driving Accident in Richmond?

At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, we ensure our clients don’t settle for quick payouts that only cover initial medical bills. We look at the entire picture: ongoing treatment, lost income, emotional distress, and the long-term impact on your family and career.

Potential compensation includes:

    • Medical expenses: Emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, and rehabilitation costs.
    • Lost wages: Compensation for missed work and reduced future earning capacity.
    • Pain and suffering: Damages for physical pain and emotional distress.
    • Property damage: Costs to repair or replace damaged vehicles and personal belongings.
    • Emotional distress: Compensation for anxiety, depression, or trauma resulting from the crash.
    • Punitive damages: Awarded in cases of egregious conduct to punish and deter drunk driving.
  • Wrongful death: In cases involving a fatal crash, families may recover compensation to cover funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support.

Attorney Insight from Tina M. Bell:

“Insurance companies often come in fast with offers after a drunk driving crash, hoping victims accept before knowing the long-term costs. In one of my cases, a client was offered $90,000 initially. Once we showed the future therapy and income loss from a spinal injury, the final settlement was $520,000. It’s critical not to settle until you understand the true value of your case.”

Third-Party Liability – When Others May Also Be at Fault

Drunk driving crashes often involve more than just the impaired driver. At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, we dig deeper to identify every possible party whose actions or negligence contributed to your injuries. This is crucial because expanding liability can mean additional sources of insurance coverage and higher potential compensation for victims facing long-term medical costs, lost wages, and life changes.

  • Dram shop claims: Holding bars or restaurants accountable if they illegally overserved alcohol to the driver.
  • Employers: They can be liable if the drunk driver was acting within the scope of employment during the crash.
  • Rideshare liability: Involving companies like Uber or Lyft when one of their drivers operates under the influence.

We handle these claims with precision, gathering receipts, surveillance footage, employment records, and witness statements to build solid proof of third-party responsibility. 

What To Do If You’re Injured in a Richmond Drunk Driving Accident

What you do in those first hours and days can significantly affect the strength of your legal case. At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, we guide clients through these critical moments so no crucial detail is overlooked. Here’s what we recommend:

  1. Call 911 for immediate help: Quick medical care protects your health and creates official records essential for your insurance and legal claims.
  2. Secure a crash report: File a report with Richmond PD. If you need an official copy, you can request it later through the Indiana State Police’s website.
  3. Document the scene thoroughly: Take clear photos of damage, injuries, and road conditions to preserve evidence that might fade or disappear over time.
  4. Be wary of early settlements: Don’t accept quick settlement offers without legal advice, as they often undervalue your injuries and future medical or financial needs.
  5. Consult a drunk driving lawyer: Professional legal advice helps protect your rights, handle insurance negotiations, and build a strong case for fair compensation.

Why Hire a Richmond Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer at Christie Farrell Lee & Bell?

  • Over 30 years of experience handling serious DUI injury cases across Indiana.
  • Our attorneys have in-depth knowledge of Richmond’s roads, traffic patterns, and local court systems.
  • We offer personalized representation, direct communication with real attorneys—not just case managers—and aggressive advocacy to secure fair results.
  • You pay no legal fees unless we win your case.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Richmond DUI Injury Team

A drunk driving accident can turn your world upside down, bringing sudden medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty. You deserve guidance and fair compensation.

During a free consultation, a lawyer from our team can review your case, explain your legal options, and outline how we can work to maximize your compensation. Contact us now to get started—there are no fees unless we win your case.