Drunk driving accidents hurt everyone involved. People must recover from painful injuries and emotional scars that can last for years. Many families carry the weight of medical bills, lost pay, and the grief of knowing that the crash could have been prevented.
At The Fitch Law Firm LLC, we understand how much you and your loved ones have been through. Our Delaware drunk driving accident lawyer is dedicated to helping you and your family rebuild your lives after a crash. With over 45 years of experience and tens of millions recovered for clients, our firm brings proven skill, compassion, and focus to every case.
When you work with us, our Delaware car accident lawyer on your side will handle the insurer, which may try to reduce or dismiss your claim for your damages. We will fight for your full financial award. Review your legal options with us today during a free consultation.
Why People Choose The Fitch Law Firm to Represent Them
Choosing the right lawyer after a drunk driving accident can make all the difference in your recovery. Clients turn to The Fitch Law Firm LLC because we combine decades of legal experience with genuine care for the people we represent.
Here’s what sets our legal team serving Delaware, Ohio, apart:
- Experienced leadership: John Fitch has practiced personal injury law for over 30 years, guiding clients through Ohio’s toughest cases.
- Strong track record: Our verdicts and settlements include some of Ohio’s most notable personal injury results.
- No win, no fee: You don’t pay us any attorney’s fees unless we win your case.
- Available anytime: We are here 24/7 to take your call and help you move forward.
- Compassionate service: We care deeply about your recovery. You can expect us to treat you with respect and understanding from day one.
Our Delaware personal injury lawyer will stand beside you every step of the way, offering honest guidance, regular updates, and steady support through an incredibly difficult time. We are ready to meet with you to learn how we can help. Call us today for a free consultation. We are available 24/7.
What Drunk Driving Means Under Ohio Law
In Ohio, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is called Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI). Under state law, a driver commits OVI when they operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or if drugs impair their ability to drive safely.
- Drunk driving accidents often involve:
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Head-on or rear-end collisions
- Crossing center lines or drifting into traffic
- Failing to yield to other drivers or pedestrians
Even a single poor choice behind the wheel can cause devastating injuries. Our attorneys build detailed cases that show how intoxication caused your crash and the impact it has had on your life.
The Last Thing You Should Worry About Is How You’re Going To Pay For Your Medical Bills.
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We Will Take on the Challenges of Your Drunk Driving Case
Drunk driving cases can be complex with a lot of moving parts. Insurance companies may dispute the driver’s level of impairment or argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim.
Evidence such as BAC tests, police reports, or witness statements can also become points of conflict.
Our OVI accident attorneys in Delaware will:
- Gather and analyze evidence, including toxicology reports and police findings
- Work with accident reconstruction experts to show how the accident happened
- Protect your rights in negotiations or court
- Push back when insurers delay or undervalue your claim
We have experience with countering these strategies and others that are common in these cases. We use strong documentation and a clear understanding of Ohio law as we seek justice and a favorable outcome in your case.
Damages Available After a DUI Crash in Delaware, Ohio
If you or a loved one was hurt in a drunk driving crash, our firm will help identify every type of loss you may recover.
You may be able to recover damages for:
- Doctor’s visits, hospital care, and ongoing treatment costs
- Therapy and recovery services
- Loss of income and career opportunities
- Lasting physical, mental, and emotional hardship
- Changes that affect your quality of life or independence
Our team will also work with medical experts to estimate your long-term care needs if you or your loved one suffered permanent or severe injuries. These include injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Internal bleeding
- Broken bones or fractures
- Spinal cord or back injuries
- Severe burns or lacerations
- Neck and shoulder injuries
- Soft tissue damage, including sprains or torn ligaments
- Psychological trauma, such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress
Our Wrongful Death Lawyer Helps Families After Drunk Driving Accidents
If your loved one died in a drunk driving accident, please accept our condolences. We are truly sorry for your loss. No family should have to go through the pain of losing a family member due to another’s carelessness or recklessness.
Our Delaware wrongful death lawyer will lead your case for damages, which allows certain family members to recover for:
- Funeral and burial/cremation costs and other final arrangements
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and care
- The emotional pain of losing a loved one
The Fitch Law Firm LLC will handle the legal process so that you and your family can honor your loved one. We will work to hold the drunk driver fully accountable for their actions.
We Will Be
There To Help
You All The Way
How Long Do You Have to Seek Damages for an Ohio DUI Crash?
We know that injury cases require a lot of time and energy. Still, we must stay aware of the deadline in your case. Under Ohio Revised Code § 2305.10, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years from the date of the accident, though there can be exceptions.
For wrongful death cases, families generally have two years from their relative’s date of death, per Ohio Revised Code § 2125.02. However, certain circumstances can extend or change this timeframe.
If you wait too long, you could lose the right to file a lawsuit. We advise you to contact our team as soon as you can. Our Delaware DUI accident lawyer will keep your case on schedule and work to meet every deadline.
FAQs About Drunk Driving Accidents in Delaware, Ohio
Even when the cause of a crash seems clear, victims and families often have questions about what comes next and how it will affect them. You can trust that the team at The Fitch Law Firm LLC will give you straight answers and reliable guidance that keeps you informed about what’s going on with your case.
Below are some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) we hear most often after a drunk driving crash in Delaware, Ohio.
Does a Criminal DUI Case Affect My Civil Case for Damages?
It could affect your civil damages case, but Ohio law handles civil and criminal cases separately. A criminal DUI or OVI case focuses on punishing the drunk driver for breaking Ohio law. The state brings this case and decides the penalties. These may include jail time, fines, or license suspension.
Your civil case, on the other hand, is about recovering damages for the harm the crash caused you or your family. This includes the losses you suffered, such as medical bills, lost pay, and pain and suffering.
Even if the driver is not convicted in criminal court, you could still win your civil case. The standards of proof are different as well. In civil cases, you only need to show the driver was more likely than not responsible for your injuries.
Do I Have to Go to Court for a Drunk Driving Accident Case?
Not always. Many parties settle their claims through negotiations once we present strong evidence of the drunk driver’s fault. However, taking your case to court is possible if the insurance company will not settle your case fairly.
We prepare for that possibility when working on a case. When you work with our team, you will have our full support throughout the process, from settlement talks to trial preparation if necessary.
Can I Still Seek Damages in a DUI Case in Ohio if I Was a Passenger?
Yes, you can. Passengers have the same right to seek damages as drivers. If you were hurt while riding with someone who was under the influence, you can file a claim against the person or people who caused the crash. This also applies if you were in another vehicle when a drunk driver hit you.
Our drunk driving accident attorney in Delaware will look at all sides of the case to determine who’s responsible. That could be the drunk driver, another careless driver, or an establishment that overserved alcohol. We will handle the insurance paperwork and fight for fair damages.
What If the Drunk Driver’s Insurance Isn’t Enough to Cover My Losses?
Drunk driving crashes can cause serious injuries that cost more than the at-fault driver’s insurance will pay. When that happens, you still have options.
Our lawyer will look for other ways to recover what you’ve lost. This could include:
- Filing a claim under your uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, or
- Exploring whether another party shares responsibility, such as a bar or restaurant that overserved the driver.
We will review every detail of your case to help you get the financial award you deserve and take on the insurance companies for you.
Our Delaware Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Is Ready to Help
When a drunk driver has hurt you, you deserve help from a team that cares about your future. Our drunk driving accident lawyer in Delaware, Ohio, is ready to take the lead and handle the legal details while you focus on recovery.
At The Fitch Law Firm LLC, we will review your next steps during a free consultation. We work on a no-win, no-fee basis. This means that if we don’t win your case, you don’t pay.
We are available 24/7 to answer your questions and address your concerns. Contact us today to start putting this painful experience behind you.
