Our Clients Know Who You Trust Matters – Hear Their Stories
We Win or You
Pay Nothing
We have staff standing by at all hours to help you.
Immediate
Medical Care
Receive the treatment you need, as soon as you need it, with usually no out-of-pocket cost to you.
24/7
Access to Us
Speak with a real human being, no matter what time it is.
Client
Satisfaction
Enjoy working alongside a firm with a sterling reputation for 1,400+ 5-Star Google Reviews.
Talk With a Trusted DUI Injury Lawyer About Your Accident
Accidents involving alcohol or drugs are different from many other types of crashes. Instead of a brief lapse in attention or a simple driving mistake, impairment affects judgment, coordination, and reaction time in more sustained and predictable ways.
The problem is also widespread: 2023 crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed that nearly 6,000 fatal crashes involved at least one driver using alcohol or drugs (slightly more than 10% of all deadly crashes and the second most common factor behind speeding).
If you were injured in a crash and believe another driver’s impairment played a role, understanding how it contributed can help you determine your options and potential next steps. Trust Guss Injury Lawyers often works with DUI accident victims who are navigating medical care, insurance claims, and questions about responsibility. Contact us 24/7 for your free case review.
Get Your Free Case EvaluationOur Reputation Is Built on Real Results
$2.1M
for Client Injured by Drunk Driver
$1.18M
for Commercial Truck Accident Victim
$1.3M
for Motorcycle Accident Victim
How Drunk Driving Leads to Car Accidents
Alcohol and drugs interfere with the mental and physical functions required for safe driving. Unlike momentary distractions, impairment can affect a driver continuously from the time they get behind the wheel.
Common effects of impaired driving include:
- Reduced reaction time when traffic conditions change
- Poor judgment when estimating speed or distance
- Difficulty maintaining lane position or vehicle control
- Slower decision-making in complex driving situations
These impairments often lead to recognizable crash patterns, such as:
- Drifting between lanes or off the roadway
- Failing to stop in time at intersections or traffic signals
- Driving at inconsistent or unsafe speeds
- Colliding with stopped or slower-moving vehicles
Because these behaviors can persist throughout the drive, the risk of a crash often increases the longer the driver remains on the road.
Common Injuries in Impaired Driving Accidents
Crashes involving impaired drivers are often more severe due to delayed reactions and a lack of control. In some cases, the impaired driver does not attempt to brake or avoid impact at all.
This can result in injuries such as:
- Head injuries and concussions, including traumatic brain injuries
- Neck and back injuries, including whiplash and spinal damage
- Soft tissue injuries that damage muscles and ligaments
- Broken bones or fractures from high-impact collisions, including rear-end, rollover, and head-on accidents
- Internal injuries, depending on the force of impact
Because these crashes can happen at higher speeds or without warning, injuries may be more extensive and require longer recovery. For more information about navigating medical treatment when you’ve been the victim of a drunk driving accident, see these additional FAQs.
How Responsibility Is Often Evaluated in DUI Accident Cases
When a crash involves an impaired driver, responsibility may be viewed differently than in other types of accidents.
Factors that may be considered include:
- Whether the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Evidence of impaired behavior before or during the crash
- Police reports, field sobriety testing, or other documentation
- The sequence of events leading up to the collision
In many cases, impairment becomes a central factor in understanding how the accident occurred. However, other contributing elements, such as road conditions or actions of other drivers, may still be reviewed. A qualified DUI injury lawyer can often help your claim by uncovering these details to reveal the full story behind your accident.
What Evidence Can Support Your DUI Injury Claim?
In drunk driving accidents, there is often more direct documentation of what happened, especially when law enforcement is involved at the scene. Key evidence might include:
- Police reports documenting suspected or confirmed impairment
- Results of breath, blood, or field sobriety testing
- Witness statements describing driver behavior
- Video footage from traffic or nearby cameras
- Crash reconstruction analysis
Gathering and preserving this information early can help clarify how the crash occurred, so the steps you take immediately after a DUI accident can make all the difference. Check out our FAQS on what to do after an accident to learn more about protecting yourself.
Insurance Claims for DUI Accident Victims Today
Insurance claims involving impaired drivers can unfold differently from other types of accident claims, especially when there is concrete evidence of alcohol or drug use. Some factors that may come into play include:
- How fault is evaluated: Evidence of impairment can strongly influence how responsibility is viewed, but insurers may still examine the full sequence of events and any contributing factors
- The role of criminal proceedings: A DUI investigation or charge may develop alongside the insurance claim, creating separate timelines and additional documentation
- Coverage limitations or disputes: Some policies may have exclusions, limits, or conditions that affect how claims involving impaired drivers are handled
- Delays tied to evidence and investigation: Insurance companies may wait for police reports, test results, or other findings before making decisions
- Potential involvement of additional parties: In certain situations, questions may arise about vehicle ownership, employer responsibility, or other sources of coverage
Because of these factors, claims involving impaired drivers may take longer to resolve or involve additional review compared to other accidents. Understanding how these elements interact can help you better prepare for the process and avoid unexpected setbacks. See these additional FAQs about insurance and car accident claims to learn more.
When Should You Contact a DUI Injury Attorney?
Not every accident requires legal support, but injury cases involving impaired drivers often involve more complex questions about responsibility, evidence, and how the claim moves forward.
Consider seeking legal support if:
- You suffered injuries and are continuing treatment
- There is evidence of alcohol or drug involvement
- Insurance responses feel delayed, unclear, or disputed
- You’re unsure how criminal and civil aspects may overlap
Who you trust matters in these situations, and having the right support can make a meaningful difference. Trust Guss Injury Lawyers focuses on clear communication, proactive case handling, and helping you move forward without added uncertainty.
We work with DUI accident victims across the country and are available 24/7 to review your case for free and answer your questions.
Find a DUI Victim Attorney Near You
Trust Guss Injury Lawyers helps DUI accident victims across the nation, with offices in:
Don’t see your city or state? We still encourage you to contact us for a free case review to see how we can support you!
k+
Drivers helped after car accidents.
k+
Clients Helped.
+
Over 25 years of helping drivers with car accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI and Drunk Driving Accidents
Impaired driving generally refers to operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other substances that affect judgment, coordination, or reaction time.
This can include both illegal substances and legally prescribed medications if they impair driving ability.
Not automatically, but it is often a significant factor. Responsibility is still evaluated based on the full circumstances of the crash.
Impairment can strongly influence how fault is determined, especially when it contributes directly to the collision.
Evidence may include police reports, chemical test results, witness observations, and video footage.
Because law enforcement is often involved in DUI cases, there may be more documentation available compared to other accidents.
Yes, a criminal charge and a civil claim are separate processes. A DUI charge may provide supporting evidence, but it does not replace the need to pursue a claim.
Each process follows its own timeline and requirements.
Who You
Trust Matters
Trust Matters
See Why Our Clients Trusts Guss
Trust Guss Injury Lawyers has over 1,400 Five Star Google Reviews from satisfied clients. Every case is different. Every story is unique. Hear from these actual clients what they experienced and why they now Trust Guss.1,400+
Five-Star Google Reviews from Satisfied Clients
After a Drunk Driving Accident, Understanding What Happened Is Critical
Accidents involving impaired drivers often involve more than just a moment of inattention. The effects of alcohol or drugs can influence every decision leading up to the crash.
If you were injured in a situation like this, taking the time to understand how impairment played a role can help you make more informed decisions about what to do next.
Trust Guss Injury Lawyers is available 24/7 to help you review your situation and move forward with clearer direction.
Get Your Free Case Evaluation