Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

The impact of drink driving in the UK

Despite years of awareness campaigns, drink driving still accounts for thousands of casualties on UK roads each year. In 2023 alone, an estimated 6,310 people were killed or injured in crashes involving at least one driver over the legal alcohol limit. (GOV.UK).

• Among these, approximately 1,860 people were killed or seriously injured.
• Of the total road deaths in 2023, an estimated 260 were due to drink driving. Drink driving accounted for 16% of all road fatalities.
• It’s estimated that 5% of all road casualties in 2023 involved drink driving.

Supporting victims of drink driving accidents

At Osbornes Law, we represent individuals and families who have suffered injuries due to a driver’s decision to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. We help:

• Drivers and passengers injured by a drunk driver
• Pedestrians or cyclists hit by motorists under the influence of alcohol
• Families bringing fatal accident claims on behalf of a loved one

Our goal is to help you secure compensation that reflects the true impact of the accident on your life.

Claim compensation for a drunk driving accident

If you were injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you have the right to make a civil claim for compensation, regardless of whether the driver was prosecuted or convicted in a criminal court.

Compensation can help cover:

• Pain and suffering
• Medical treatment and rehabilitation
• Loss of income and future earnings
• Long-term care or support needs

Our team will assess your situation and advise you on your options.

What steps should you take following a drink driving accident?

Taking the right steps after an accident can make a significant difference to your claim:

• Report the accident to the police
• Seek medical attention, even for minor injuries
• Gather witness and driver details, including registration numbers
• Keep detailed records of your injuries, treatment, and expenses
• Speak to a specialist personal injury solicitor as soon as possible

How our drunk driving accident lawyers can support you

Osbornes Law provides expert support tailored to the unique challenges of drink-driving cases:

• No win, no fee legal advice to reduce financial risk
• Negotiating with insurers and the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) when the driver is uninsured or untraced
• Specialist representation in serious injury claims, including brain and spinal injuries
• Assistance with interim payments and access to rehabilitation while your case progresses

Our accident claims process

1. Initial consultation to assess your claim

At your first consultation, we will review how the accident happened, confirm whether alcohol was a factor, and identify who may be legally responsible. We will assess the extent of your injuries and how they have affected your day-to-day life, check what insurance cover is available, and explain our “no win, no fee” funding options clearly so you know exactly what to expect.

2. Gathering evidence

To build a strong case, we may:

• Obtain police reports, including any breathalyser or toxicology results confirming the driver was over the limit
• Take witness statements and collect driver details
• Gather medical records and independent expert reports to evidence your injuries
• Secure CCTV or dashcam footage of the collision
• Review financial records to show lost income, care needs, or long-term impact

This evidence allows us to demonstrate both the driver’s fault and the true extent of your losses.

3. Establishing liability

In drink driving cases, the driver is usually the primary party responsible. However, liability can also involve:

• Uninsured or untraced drivers – where we pursue compensation through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB)
• Other motorists – if more than one driver contributed to the crash

Even if you were a passenger in the car, you may still be entitled to claim. In such cases, the court may consider contributory negligence, but we work to minimise any reduction to your compensation.

How much compensation could I get for an injury due to drink driving?

There is no set amount of compensation for this type of accident. Each drink driving claim is unique and depends on the specific circumstances of the accident and resulting injuries. Your solicitor will consider several factors when determining the value of your claim, including:

• The type injuries and how serious they are
• How long it will take you to recover
• Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs e.g. physiotherapy
• The cost of vehicle repairs
• The value of your vehicle if it has been written-off
• Loss of earnings
• Future financial losses, such as ongoing medical treatment or loss of future earning potential
• Other expenses, such as transport costs or car adaptations if they are needed to help you remain mobile

As part of this process, you may be asked to attend an independent medical assessment. The medical specialist will examine your injuries and give their opinion on how long it will take you to recover and how long you may be unable to work. Their report will be used as evidence in your claim and help determine the compensation amount.

Will I have to go to court?

Most claims are settled without going to court. Our solicitors prepare strong evidence to support your claim and challenge any low offers. If necessary, we are experienced in taking claims to trial and will:

• Meet all deadlines under the Limitation Act
• Guide you through each stage of the process
• Present complex liability issues clearly to the judge
• Protect your interests from start to finish

Is there a time limit for making a drink driving accident claim?

The sooner you instruct a solicitor, the better. In most cases, you have up to three years from the date of the accident to make any personal injury claim. However, it’s always best to begin the process as soon as possible while evidence is still fresh and witnesses can be easily contacted.

Accidents involving children and vulnerable people who do not have the capacity to manage their own affairs are subject to different time limits. A solicitor can advise you on the specific time limit for your claim.

Why choose Osbornes Law?

At Osbornes Law, we have a dedicated team of personal injury lawyers with extensive experience in handling road accident claims. Our compassionate approach means we prioritise your well-being. We will support you throughout the entire process, taking care of all legal aspects so you can focus on getting back on your feet.

• Ranked as leading personal injury solicitors in Chambers UK and The Legal 500
• Accredited by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL)
• Proven track record in serious injury and complex road traffic accident claims
• Rated “Excellent” on Trustpilot
• “No win, no fee” funding available

Contact us

If you’ve been injured in an drunk driver accident, contact our expert team today.

• Call 020 7485 8811 or
• Complete our online enquiry form below.