A drunk driving crash can turn your life upside down in seconds. The toll of medical bills, pain, and time away from work adds up fast. At Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy, we know how to take immediate action after drunk driving accidents in Cleveland. We’ve helped injured drivers, passengers, and families take legal action when careless choices lead to serious harm.
You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. We gather evidence, take on the insurance company, and fight to recover full compensation for your losses. You focus on getting better while we take care of the legal process.
What to Know About Drunk Driving
Between 2019 and 2021, there were 39,951 car accidents due to impaired driving in Ohio, with 2,002 deaths tied to those incidents. That accounts for more than half of all traffic fatalities across the state during that time. Drunk driving accidents continue to cause life-changing injuries and loss.
Alcohol directly affects your ability to drive safely. It slows reaction time, clouds judgment, and reduces awareness. Even a small amount can disrupt coordination, delay your response behind the wheel, and make everyday decisions more dangerous.
Ohio uses the term OVI, or Operating a Vehicle Impaired, for drunk driving cases. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08%. An impaired driver can face serious criminal consequences, but that doesn’t help you recover from the damage they caused. That’s where we come in—holding them financially responsible and helping you move forward.
Drunk Driving Injuries
Drunk driving crashes tend to cause serious injuries because impaired drivers often speed, ignore traffic signals, or veer into oncoming lanes. The damage from these collisions is rarely minor.
Some of the most common injuries resulting from drunk driving accidents include:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries, potentially resulting in paralysis
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Emotional trauma and PTSD
At Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy, we’ve worked with clients who faced long hospital stays, multiple surgeries, and permanent physical limitations because of drunk drivers. Many require years of care and support. When we take on a case, we look closely at the full extent of the injury and how it impacts your life.
Pursuing Compensation After a Drunk Driving Accident
After a drunk driving crash, the costs can hit fast. Medical bills, lost income, and long-term care needs create pressure when you’re trying to recover. At Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy, we fight for financial compensation that reflects the full impact of the crash and what it takes from you.
Here are the types of compensation we pursue:
Economic Damages:
- Medical bills, hospital stays, surgeries, prescriptions, equipment, and follow-up care
- Physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other rehabilitation treatments
- Lost income and reduced future earning power
- Repair or replacement of your vehicle and damaged property
Non-Economic Damages:
- Physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish
- Loss of ability to enjoy hobbies, relationships, or daily activities
- Loss of closeness with a partner or spouse
Punitive Damages:
- Awarded in some cases to punish severe misconduct
We determine your damages by reviewing medical records, income history, repair estimates, and long-term care needs. We consult with medical professionals, gather work records, and document every cost tied to the crash. We calculate future losses with input from experts. Everything is backed by facts, timelines, and records that show exactly what the drunk driver’s actions have cost you.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident
The hours after a drunk driving accident are critical. What you do next can affect your health, safety, and any legal action that follows. Stay calm, stay alert, and take steps that protect you physically and legally.
Here’s what you should do right after the crash:
- Call 911.
- Exchange information with the other driver and any witnesses.
- Document the scene through photos and videos.
- Seek medical treatment for your injuries.
- Contact a Cleveland drunk driving accident lawyer.
Every step you take after the accident can help our legal team build your case. Documented medical care reveals the extent of your injuries. Photos and videos capture what the scene looked like before the evidence was touched. Witness statements add details that support your version of events. The more information you gather, the more we can support your personal injury claim.
How Our Cleveland Car Accident Lawyers Can Help
Building a strong drunk driving injury case requires more than just filing paperwork. Our Cleveland car accident lawyers gather key evidence like police reports, surveillance video, BAC test results, and receipts from bars or restaurants that served the driver. We also speak with witnesses and review every available detail to show exactly how the crash happened and who should be held accountable.
Once we understand the full picture, we calculate the financial impact of your injuries, property damage, and time away from work. We handle all communication with the insurance company and push for a full settlement. If the insurer refuses to pay fairly, we’re prepared to take the case to court. You won’t have to face any part of the process alone.
File Your Car Accident Claim With Our Help
If you were injured in a drunk driving accident in Cleveland, the car accident lawyers at Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy is ready to help you take legal action. We’ll handle every part of your claim and fight for the full financial recovery you need. With our No Fee Guarantee®, you pay nothing unless we win for you. Contact us today for a free case review.
