Seeking Guidance After an Accident with a Drunk Driver: What Should We Do Next?

Hello, readers!

I’m reaching out to share a recent experience and seek your insights on navigating the aftermath of a car accident caused by a drunk driver.

Last week, I was driving with my sister in the evening when we were halted at a red light in a left-turn lane, the only vehicle waiting there. Suddenly, out of nowhere, another car collided with us from behind, hitting us with such force that we were propelled into the intersection. The driver responsible for this reckless act was intoxicated and was promptly arrested at the scene. Both vehicles were deemed total losses, with ours unfortunately being among them.

Following the incident, both my sister and I were taken to the emergency room due to the impact and the intrusion of his vehicle into ours. Thankfully, our scans showed no major issues, but we suffered from concussions and significant soreness in our necks for several days after the accident. I had to miss some work and an entire week of classes simply because I couldn’t manage the weight of my backpack due to the pain.

Now, as we take stock of our situation, I’m facing a dilemma regarding legal representation. We’re currently in touch with a lawyer who is willing to take a third of any potential settlement. While I understand this is fairly standard, I can’t help but wonder if it would be more beneficial to negotiate directly with the insurance agency.

I’m curious if anyone here might be able to provide some clarity on what kind of compensation we might expect for personal injuries and the pain and suffering we’ve experienced. There are a few unique factors to consider: my sister had only recently purchased the car—less than two months ago—and had just received her license two weeks prior to the incident.

Although this has been a distressing experience for both of us, we know it could have been worse, as no serious injuries occurred. I have no plans to pursue additional medical appointments or physical therapy because balancing my studies and job feels more pressing. The entire situation has become frustrating, and I’m unsure whether to accept whatever the insurance company decides to offer us once the case is settled.

Here are a few key details to keep in mind:
– I was the passenger, and my sister was driving.
– The driver responsible for the crash has a history of DUIs and is currently detained without bail.
– His insurance provider is Progressive.
– We reside in Idaho.

I greatly appreciate any advice