Fairfax And DC Metro Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that impaired drivers cause 32 traffic fatalities daily in the United States. Every 44 minutes, an alcohol-involved collision costs another person their life.

People who choose to drive after drinking quickly convert their car or truck into a two-ton missile. Study after study has shown that drunk driving increases not only the likelihood of an accident, but also the severity of the crash.

Virginia criminal law punishes these drivers for putting innocent people at risk. However, criminal prosecution does not pay for a victim’s medical bills or lost wages. Our attorneys at Weiner, Spivey & Miller, PLC, in Fairfax can help you get the compensation you need and hold drunk drivers accountable. Request your free initial consultation by emailing us today.

We Are Advocates For The Injured

If you have been injured by a drunk driver, getting solid legal counsel now will have a direct impact on if, and how much, you are compensated later.

Our personal injury lawyers will fight for you to receive the compensation you need and deserve. Backed by over 190 years of combined trial experience, our attorneys have secured high-value settlements and verdicts for personal injury clients. This dedicated approach has earned our firm high regard across the northern Virginia and DC Metro legal communities.

Understanding The Civil Process And Punitive Damages

While criminal courts focus on punishing the drunk driver through fines or jail time, a civil personal injury claim seeks financial recovery for your losses. This covers medical costs and lost wages.

Courts may also award punitive damages to punish reckless behavior and discourage others from driving impaired. In Virginia, state law caps total punitive damages at $350,000. Seeking these damages requires clear evidence that the driver showed conscious disregard for human safety.

At Weiner, Spivey & Miller, PLC, our attorneys take on personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis. This means that:

• You pay no upfront legal fees or retainer costs
• We only receive an attorney fee if we successfully resolve your case through negotiation or trial
• You review and approve all court costs and litigation expenses before they occur

This fee structure can give you immediate access to experienced representation. Our team will manage all communication with insurance companies so your family can concentrate on healing.

We Fight For Victims Of Drunk Driving Accidents

Our knowledge of local courts and insurance tactics allows us to hold drunk drivers accountable and secure meaningful recoveries. Here is how we have helped crash victims and their families:

Drunk driver’s actions result in coma and death

Richard was making a quick trip to the bank, when a drunk driver pulled out directly in front of him from a side street. Richard couldn’t stop in time and the two cars collided. While initially, Richard seemed fine, he collapsed at the scene just after EMTs arrived. At the hospital, Richard fell into a coma from internal injuries and brain damage. The doctors were clear that he would not regain consciousness. Six days later, his wife, Linda, had to make the hardest of decisions – to withdraw Richard from life support. Richard was 79 and had been in good health and had an active lifestyle. Lawson Spivey negotiated a settlement of $825,000, which was the entire amount of the drunk driver’s auto insurance policy; and the “under-insured” motorist coverage (UIM) from Richard and Linda’s own auto insurance policy.

Pedestrian struck in crosswalk by drunk driver

Amanda, 60 years old, was an avid runner and participated in marathons periodically. Her work as a military contractor involved extensive international travel. She and her husband were walking in a crosswalk in Old Town Alexandria, when Amanda was struck by a car. She suffered fractures to her tibia and fibula, just below her left knee, as well as nerve damage in her left leg. The defendant had been drinking at a nearby restaurant. He made a sudden left turn to avoid a traffic light that had just turned red a block ahead. The driver was charged with DUI. The accident had a significant impact on Amanda’s mobility. The highest offer from the defendant’s insurance company was $240,000. Gene Miller and Ed Weiner tried the case. The jury awarded Amanda $550,000.

Tragic crash while brother at the wheel

Andres, a 42-year-old married father of five, was a hard worker who loved to play soccer on Sundays. Andres was a passenger in his brother’s car after a game, when his brother, who was driving under the influence, lost control of his car and crossed the median. Their car was struck by a driver heading in the opposite direction. Andres was killed. Ed Weiner obtained a settlement for $100,000 – the total of the amount available from all auto insurance policies. Ed then guided the family through court approval of the distribution of funds for Andres’ dependents.

Read more about our case results to see outcomes we have achieved for other clients.

Answers To Your Questions About Drunk Driving Claims

Drunk driving claims involve distinct rules that differ from standard traffic accidents. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive from our clients.

How does a Fairfax County or DC metro criminal DUI conviction impact my civil claim?

A criminal DUI conviction helps establish that the driver acted negligently under the law. Because criminal cases require proof beyond a reasonable doubt, a conviction can provide you with strong leverage when negotiating with insurance adjusters. It can also strengthen your claim for punitive damages in civil court.

Can I sue the bar in Virginia, Maryland or Washington, D.C., that overserved the driver?

In most situations, civil liability stays with the driver rather than the business:

• Virginia: State law does not recognize dram shop liability, so you cannot sue a bar for overserving an adult driver.
• Maryland: Courts generally do not hold businesses liable for injuries caused by intoxicated adult patrons.
• Washington, D.C.: District of Columbia law prohibits serving alcohol to intoxicated persons. However, civil claims against venues remain strictly limited.

Because local laws restrict dram shop lawsuits, our lawyers will focus on identifying all available auto insurance policies to cover your losses.

What if the drunk driver in the DC metro area was uninsured?

If an impaired driver lacks insurance or carries insufficient policy limits, you can file a claim through your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) or Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage. UIM coverage pays the difference between the driver’s policy limits and your total damages. Our attorneys regularly negotiate with local insurance adjusters. We will work relentlessly to ensure you receive the full benefits of your coverage.

We Won’t Let A Drunk Driver Get Away With Harming You

If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident, do not hesitate to call our experienced attorneys at 703-997-5254 or contact us online for a free consultation.