Drunk Driving Cases: Why They’re Different
And Why They Must Be Handled Aggressively
Hi, I’m Shane Smith from Shane Smith Law.
Drunk driving cases are some of the most serious and frustrating cases we handle.
This is one of those areas where the law goes beyond just compensation.
What Makes Drunk Driving Cases Different?
In a normal accident case, you can recover for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
But in drunk driving cases, the law allows something more:
Punitive Damages
These are extra damages on top of your normal case.
They are not just about paying you back.
👉 They are meant to punish the driver
👉 And deter this behavior from happening again
Why Punitive Damages Matter
Society has already decided:
Drinking and driving is not just careless.
It is dangerous and unacceptable behavior.
That’s why:
- Criminal courts punish it
- Civil courts allow additional financial punishment
These damages can be significant because they are designed to:
- Send a message
- Hold the driver accountable
- Prevent future harm
How These Cases Are Built
In drunk driving cases, we go deeper than a typical accident case.
We look at:
1. The Criminal Case
- DUI charges
- Arrest records
- Blood alcohol levels
- Court outcomes
2. The Driver’s History
- Prior DUIs
- Prior reckless driving
- Patterns of dangerous behavior
3. Post-Accident Behavior
- Any new DUIs
- Additional accidents
- Whether they actually changed their behavior
👉 This matters because some drivers claim:
“I’ve learned my lesson.”
But the facts don’t always support that.
Why These Cases Must Be Handled Aggressively
These are not ordinary negligence cases.
They involve:
- Reckless decision-making
- Preventable harm
- Risk to everyone on the road
That’s why we pursue:
- Full compensation
- Punitive damages when applicable
- Maximum accountability
Even If You Weren’t Inside the Vehicle
Many people don’t realize this:
👉 You may still have a claim even if:
- Your car was parked
- You were not driving
- You were hit as a bystander
If a drunk driver caused the damage, punitive damages may still apply.
The Bottom Line
Drunk driving cases are about more than just money.
They are about:
- Accountability
- Discouraging future behavior
- Protecting others on the road
If you’ve been impacted by a drunk driver, it is worth having that conversation.
You can request our free Victim’s Survival Guide to Car Accidents here:
👉 https://www.shanesmithlaw.com/car-accident-victim-survival-guide/
Or visit:
👉 https://www.shanesmithlaw.com/
In pain? Call Shane.
📞 980-999-9999
