Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers in Wheeling
Over $1 Billion Recovered for Clients Facing Serious Injuries
Fitzsimmons Law Firm, PLLC represents injured drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and families seeking compensation after crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers. The firm has recovered more than $1 billion for clients, including more than 190 verdicts and settlements of at least $1 million.
A drunk driving accident claim may require proof that the driver was impaired, caused the collision, and left the injured person with compensable losses. Relevant evidence may include crash reports, witness accounts, photographs, vehicle damage, medical records, available video, and toxicology or field sobriety evidence.
Prompt medical treatment protects the injured person’s health and documents the harm caused by the crash. Before giving a recorded statement or accepting an insurance offer, the injured person can have the collision and available coverage reviewed.
Call (888) 492-4303 for a free consultation about a Wheeling drunk driving accident and the next steps in a civil claim.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
Trial & Appellate Experience for Serious Injury Cases
Cases involving disputed fault or life-changing harm demand careful preparation for negotiation and trial. The attorneys at Fitzsimmons Law Firm, PLLC bring more than 100 years of combined legal experience and have served as lead counsel in more than 60 published appellate decisions.
The firm serves individuals and families throughout West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Its litigation background is particularly valuable when insurers contest coverage, medical causation, or the extent of a person’s future losses.
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"Fitzsimmons Law does an outstanding job for their clients by having great attorneys and a great reputation. They also have an outstanding reputation for helping their community in many ways. All of the attorneys are great."
Fitzsimmons Law does an outstanding job for their clients by having great attorneys and a great reputation. They also have an ...
Rick -
"Fitzsimmons' Law Firm staff were so helpful and made the process of my lawsuit easy and effortless. They kept me informed at every step and got me the maximum for my personal injury settlement."
Justin and the Fitzsimmons' Law Firm staff were so helpful and made the process of my lawsuit easy and effortless. They kept ...
Stacey -
"The team really took care of me! They were always so responsive and helpful when I contacted them."
Justin and the team really took care of me! They were always so responsive and helpful when I contacted them.
Haley -
"Because of their knowledge in law and empathy was able to get the justice for the loss of a son. For your handling of my case, thank you."
I found this firm and Justin Wiater to possess fairness, knowledge, good judgement, perseverance and experience. This firm ...
Patricia Girts -
If you need a law firm, look no further.
Cannot thank this firm enough for the expertise and efficiency with which they handled my case. True professionals in every ...
Bob Reasbeck -
When our families lives took a tragic turn we knew we needed the best law office to listen to our side and represent us. So ...
Rich S. -
"Professionalism, integrity, and expertise".
Referred by our personal attorney, because of the Fitzsimmons Law Firm's expertise in personal injury cases, we found that ...
Mary -
A Special Thank You
My husband and I recently had some end-of-life documents drawn up by Rocky. From my initial phone call to Kashelle, his ...
K Bauer
Compensation After a Drunk Driving Accident
Available compensation depends on the evidence, insurance coverage, severity of the injuries, and effects on the injured person’s life. A claim may address losses extending far beyond vehicle repairs.
Recoverable damages may include:
- Emergency treatment, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and continuing medical expenses
- Lost income and reduced future earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, emotional distress, and long-term physical limitations
- Property damage and other documented financial losses
Severe injuries may require evidence of future care needs, household limitations, and reduced ability to work or participate in daily activities. The firm develops an individualized legal strategy based on the medical evidence and the crash’s specific consequences.
Compensation After a Fatal DUI Crash
When impaired driving causes a death, eligible family members may pursue a wrongful death claim. Depending on the facts and West Virginia law, recoverable losses may include income, services, companionship, medical bills, and funeral expenses.
Drunk Driving Claims in Wheeling & Brooke County
Founded in Wheeling in 1978, Fitzsimmons Law Firm, PLLC serves people in Brooke County and throughout West Virginia. Evaluating a local claim requires examining where the collision occurred, which court has jurisdiction, where the injured person received treatment, and where relevant evidence can be obtained.
Ohio County and Brooke County are part of West Virginia’s First Judicial Circuit. Depending on the facts and parties, a Northern Panhandle civil case may proceed in the appropriate state or federal court, including Ohio County Circuit Court. Venue and jurisdiction depend on the specific claim, not simply the injured person’s home address.
Common Questions After a Crash
Can Someone Bring a Civil Claim Without a DUI Conviction?
Yes. A civil claim can proceed even if the impaired driver hasn’t been convicted or the criminal case remains pending. The criminal prosecution and civil injury claim involve different legal questions.
What Evidence Can Connect an Impaired Driver to the Crash?
Relevant evidence may include witness statements, law-enforcement records, photographs, available video, vehicle damage, medical records, and sobriety or toxicology evidence. The available proof will depend on the circumstances of the collision.
What If the At-Fault Driver Has Little or No Insurance?
Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may provide another potential source of compensation. The applicable policy and coverage requirements must be reviewed before determining what benefits may be available.
Should an Injured Person Wait for the Criminal Case to End?
No. Legal deadlines apply to civil claims, and evidence can become harder to preserve over time. An injured person can discuss the claim with an attorney while the criminal proceedings remain pending.
Preparing for a Free Consultation
A prospective client can gather any available crash report, insurance information, medical records, photographs, witness details, and insurer communications. Missing documents shouldn’t prevent someone from calling. The consultation can address the collision, known DUI investigation, injuries, treatment, missed work, and potential insurance sources.
The firm can evaluate the available facts and explain potential next steps without promising a particular result. If Fitzsimmons Law Firm, PLLC accepts the case, the firm handles the legal issues while the client focuses on medical care and recovery.