Drunk / Impaired Driver Accidents
Being hit by a drunk or impaired driver is one of the most devastating things that can happen to you. You did nothing wrong. You were simply on the road. And someone else’s reckless decision changed your life.
Our office has been fighting for victims of drunk and impaired drivers in Alaska for over 35 years. We have decades of experience handling cases involving drivers impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs such as methadone, marijuana, and other drugs of abuse. We have seen firsthand the devastating injuries these crashes cause. We know how to fight for you and get you every dollar you deserve.
35 Years of Experience Fighting for Injured Alaskans — Over $100 Million Collected
Our office has been fighting for injured Alaskans for over 35 years. We have collected over 100 million dollars for thousands of Alaskans who were hurt, disabled, or lost loved ones. We know how insurance companies work. We know how to fight them. And we know how to win. See Case Results and Testimonials.
An In-House Physician and Attorney—A Powerful Advantage for Our Clients
When difficult medical questions arise in your case, most law firms have to hire outside medical consultants and wait for their opinion. At Schlehofer Law Offices, we have that medical knowledge in-house. Frank Michael Schlehofer is both an attorney and a licensed physician. When you are hurt, the insurance company has doctors and lawyers working to reduce what they pay you. Now you have both on your side. In serious and complex cases, insurance companies hire their own medical experts to fight your claim. Frank Michael can read your medical records the way a doctor does, speak the same language as their experts, and challenge their opinions — because he is a licensed physician himself.
What you May be Owed when a Driver is Impaired
If the driver who hurt you was drunk or impaired, you may be entitled to
- Medical bills — past and future
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
- Property damage and car repairs
- Car rental costs
- Punitive damages — Alaska law allows victims of drunk and impaired drivers to seek punitive damages in addition to regular compensation. Punitive damages are meant to punish the impaired driver and send a message that this behavior will not be tolerated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my case worth?
Every case is different. The value depends on your injuries, your medical bills, lost wages, and how the accident has affected your life. Call us. There is no charge to talk to us, and we will discuss the details of your case. See Case Results and Testimonials.
Is there a charge to talk to you, and how does your attorney fee work?
There is no charge to talk to us. We do not charge by the hour. We only get paid if you get paid. Our attorney fee is a contingency fee, which is a percentage of the total amount we recover for you, plus reimbursement of our out-of-pocket costs, such as the cost of ordering your medical records. Usually, our attorney fee is 1/3 of the total recovery. Since our fee is a percentage of what we get for you, we are both on the same team trying to get as much as we reasonably can. If we do not get anything for you, then our attorney fee is zero.
Do I have to go to court?
Most cases settle before trial. When the insurance company knows you hired an experienced attorney, they are more likely to settle because it will cost them money to go to court. The decision to settle or go to trial is yours. We are always prepared to go to trial to get you the money you deserve.
What should I do after being hit by a drunk or impaired driver?
Call 911 immediately and make sure police respond and document the scene. Ask that the driver be tested for alcohol and drugs. Take photos of the scene, the vehicles, and your injuries. Get the names of any witnesses. Do not give a recorded statement to the insurance company. Do not assume you are fine just because you felt okay at the scene. If you are not feeling well or have any concerns about your health, you may wish to seek medical attention. Call us right away.
Can I get punitive damages if a drunk or impaired driver hit me?
Yes. Alaska law allows victims of drunk and impaired drivers to seek punitive damages in addition to compensation for their injuries. Punitive damages punish the driver for their reckless conduct. The amount depends on the facts of your case and the type of insurance coverage the driver has. Call us and we will evaluate what you may be entitled to.
Can a driver be held responsible for an accident if they were impaired by prescription drugs?
Yes. A driver does not have to be drunk to be legally responsible for your injuries. We have handled many cases where drivers were impaired by prescription drugs they were taking that affected their ability to safely operate a vehicle. If a driver was impaired — whether by alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medication — and that impairment caused your accident, they can be held responsible. Call us and we will evaluate your case.
What if the other driver does not have insurance?
You may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage. As a former licensed insurance agent, Frank J. Schlehofer is uniquely qualified to review your insurance policy and explain all of your options. Call us right away.
What if I was a passenger in the car with the drunk or impaired driver?
As a passenger, you were not at fault. You may be able to make a claim against the impaired driver, against another driver involved in the accident, or both. Call us and we will review all of your options.
What should I do if the insurance company calls me? Car Property Damage?
Do not give them a recorded statement. Do not agree to anything. Do not sign anything. Insurance adjusters are trained to get information that can be used to reduce or deny your claim. Be polite, get their name and contact information, and then call us right away. One exception — if the insurance company is calling only about your property damage and vehicle repairs, it is generally okay to speak with them. Delaying those conversations can cause your vehicle to sit in storage longer, resulting in unnecessary storage fees that the insurance company may not pay because you did not contact them earlier.
What if my injuries did not show up right away?
This is very common. Whiplash, concussions, back injuries, and soft tissue injuries often do not show symptoms until hours or even days after an accident. Do not assume you are fine just because you felt okay at the scene. If you are not feeling well or have any concerns about your health, you may wish to seek medical attention. Call us. The sooner we get involved, the better we can protect your rights and document your injuries.
How long do I have to file a claim?
In Alaska, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in court against the responsible parties. Do not wait. Evidence disappears and memories fade. Call us right away.
What if I was partly at fault for the accident?
You may still be able to recover compensation. Alaska follows pure comparative negligence. This means your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault — but it is not eliminated. Do not assume you have no case.
DISCLAIMER: Material in this website is only intended for people living in Alaska and is general information only. It is not legal advice, nor is it intended to be, since each case is unique. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual circumstances. Since each case is unique, individual results will vary. Prior case results are no guarantee of future performance. Information sent to or from this site is not meant to create an attorney-client relationship with you. Only after a written fee agreement is signed by both our law office and you, are you our client. Prior to a fee agreement being signed, our law office, its employees, and its attorneys cannot take any actions on your behalf.
Please Note: Frank Michael Schlehofer is an attorney at this firm. He is also a licensed physician in Michigan, not Alaska. His medical training is part of the firm’s general background and experience. He is not your doctor and cannot give you medical advice. No one at this firm is giving you medical advice or medical care. If you have questions about your health, please talk to a qualified health care provider of your choice.