Des Moines Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

The trauma of a drunk driving accident extends far beyond the initial impact – it can leave deep emotional and physical scars. At Galligan Law, we understand the immense pain and disruption such an event brings into your life. Whether you now suffer from new injuries or you lost a loved one, our attorneys can help you find the path to justice and healing.

Our personal injury lawyers at Galligan Law have built a strong tradition of service in the Des Moines area and throughout Iowa. We are dedicated to holding those responsible for your suffering accountable, tirelessly working to promote a safer community and to prevent future tragedies caused by drunk driving. You can trust our established history of success and our commitment to helping you shoulder the legal burden so that you can focus on your recovery.

The Guidance You Need To Fight For The Compensation You Deserve

In Iowa, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense that can lead to catastrophic accidents. The law is clear: operating a vehicle while impaired is illegal and puts everyone at risk. In the wake of such an accident, it is crucial to work with an attorney who can navigate the legal system and advocate for your rights.

Victims of drunk driving accidents often face a range of severe injuries, including brain injuries, spinal cord damage, back injuries and broken bones. The cost of medical care and ongoing treatment can be staggering, but you should not have to carry this financial burden alone. You have the right to file a personal injury claim to obtain compensation to help you move forward.

Following a drunk driving accident in Iowa, you may be entitled to compensation that addresses both economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income and diminished earning capacity. Noneconomic damages compensate you for the pain and suffering, disfigurement and emotional distress you have endured. If you lost a loved one in a drunk driving accident, you can file a wrongful death claim to obtain compensation for funeral costs and loss of companionship. Our experienced personal injury lawyers can help you obtain the comprehensive compensation you need to move forward and rebuild your life.

Understanding How Drunk Driving Accidents Are Handled In Iowa Civil Court

Drunk driving accidents involve two separate legal proceedings with different purposes. Criminal proceedings focus on punishing the drunk driver through fines, license suspension, jail time and alcohol treatment programs. These cases are handled by prosecutors and do not provide compensation to victims.

Galligan Law does not provide criminal defense services. We represent only drunk driving accident victims in civil negotiations against impaired drivers and other liable parties.

Civil proceedings, which Galligan Law handles exclusively, focus on obtaining financial compensation for injury victims through personal injury claims. We prove the drunk driver’s negligence caused your injuries and calculate damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Civil cases use the lower standard of preponderance of evidence, making it easier to establish liability than criminal cases, which require proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

What Immediate Steps Should I Take After An Accident With A Drunk Driver In Iowa?

Taking proper steps immediately after a drunk driving accident protects your health and strengthens your potential civil case. Essential actions include:

• Call 911 to report the accident and request police and medical assistance
• Specifically mention to officers if you suspect the other driver was intoxicated
• Seek immediate medical attention even if you feel uninjured
• Document the scene by photographing vehicle damage, accident location and visible injuries
• Collect contact information from witnesses who observed the driver’s behavior

The police report provides a professional assessment of intoxication levels, while immediate medical records establish a clear connection between the crash and your injuries.

Who Can Be Held Responsible For A Serious Accident With An Iowa Drunk Driver?

Multiple parties may bear liability for drunk driving accidents beyond just the impaired driver. Potentially responsible parties include:

• The drunk driver: Primary liability for choosing to operate a vehicle while intoxicated
• Bars, restaurants or liquor stores: Iowa’s dram shop laws allow claims against establishments that served alcohol to visibly intoxicated patrons or minors
• Social hosts: Private party hosts who provide alcohol can face liability, particularly when serving minors or continuing to serve visibly intoxicated guests
• Employers: May be responsible when accidents involve company vehicles or occur during work-related activities, including work functions where alcohol was consumed

These cases require proving the party knew or should have known about the person’s intoxication level. Our experienced attorneys investigate all potential sources of liability to maximize your compensation recovery from every responsible party.

Let Us Help You Fight For The Justice You Deserve

If you or a loved one suffered in a drunk driving accident, now is the time to reach out for support. Contact Galligan Law at 515-316-6179 or through our online contact form to schedule a free consultation. We will stand by your side, offer our compassionate support and work diligently to secure the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve.