Were you involved in a DUI accident in Manassas, Virginia? You may be entitled to compensation. The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm can help you file a claim for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and more. Call our law offices at (571) 229-1800 to learn more about your legal rights and options.
Our Manassas DUI accident attorneys have 27 years of combined experience and have recovered over $60 million for clients across Virginia. We understand how the law works, and we’ll put the full force of our resources and skills in your favor from the day you hire us.
How Can The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm Help After a DUI Accident in Manassas, VA?
After a DUI accident, the insurance companies may try to downplay your injuries or avoid full responsibility. When you have experienced legal representation, you don’t have to face that pressure by yourself.
At The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm, we know how to push back against these tactics and demand the compensation you deserve.
Our Manassas car accident attorneys can help by:
- Internally investigating the crash
- Determining who is liable
- Adding up all of your damages
- Working with top-rated experts to strengthen your claim
- Protect you from allegations of contributory negligence
- Negotiate a settlement with the opposing party
- File a lawsuit on your behalf if necessary
If you hire us, we’ll work hard to maximize the value of your claim. Contact our Manassas personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation.
What Is the Definition of Legally Impaired?
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only illegal, it’s also extremely dangerous.
In Virginia, a driver is considered legally impaired if they have:
- A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher
- Any amount of alcohol in their system that impairs their ability to drive
- Any detectable amount of illegal drugs or certain prescription medications
This means you can be charged with DUI in Virginia even if your BAC is below 0.08%—as long as your ability to drive is impaired by alcohol or drugs.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Manassas DUI Accident?
If you were injured in a DUI crash, you may be entitled to recover a wide range of damages through a personal injury claim. These can include both economic damages (which have a specific dollar value) and non-economic damages (which are more subjective but still very real).
Some examples of recoverable damages include:
- Emergency room visits and hospitalization
- Ongoing medical care and rehabilitation
- Prescription medications and assistive devices
- Lost income from missing work
- Reduced earning potential if you can’t return to your job
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish, anxiety, and PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In rare cases, you may also be awarded punitive damages. These are not tied to your financial losses but are meant to punish especially reckless behavior. Drunk driving often meets that standard under Virginia law.
What if the Drunk Driver Faces Criminal Charges?
Virginia law allows for both criminal and civil actions after a DUI crash. While the state handles criminal prosecution, a personal injury lawsuit is your path to recovering compensation.
A guilty verdict in criminal court can help support your civil case, but it is not necessary. Whether the driver accepts a plea deal or avoids jail time altogether, you can still hold them financially accountable through a civil lawsuit. That’s because the burden of proof in a civil case (by a preponderance of the evidence) is lower than in a criminal case (beyond a reasonable doubt).
In fact, civil cases may move faster than criminal trials and often lead to settlements outside of court. Our law firm will monitor any related criminal proceedings and work to use that information to your advantage in your injury claim.
Can You Still Recover Compensation if You Were Partly at Fault?
Virginia is one of the few states that follows a pure contributory negligence rule. Under this harsh legal standard, if you are found to be even 1% at fault for the DUI accident, you may be barred from recovering any compensation at all.
This rule can have devastating consequences for injured victims. That’s why insurance companies often try to shift some of the blame onto you—claiming, for example, that you were speeding, distracted, or failed to wear a seatbelt. Even minor allegations can be used to deny your claim completely.
At The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm, we know these tactics and how to fight back.
How Long Do I Have to File a DUI Accident Lawsuit in Virginia?
If you were injured in a DUI accident in Virginia, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations, and missing it could mean losing your right to pursue compensation entirely.
While some exceptions exist, it’s critical to act quickly and consult an attorney to protect your legal rights. The sooner you begin the claims process, the stronger your case is likely to be.
Contact Our Manassas DUI Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation
Were you injured in a drunk driving accident in Manassas, Virginia? You may be entitled to money damages from the responsible party, and The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm is here to help you take action.
You only have a limited amount of time to take legal action, so contact our Manassas DUI accident lawyers today to set up a free consultation.
