A drunk driving crash changes everything in a matter of seconds. Whether you were stopped at a red light, driving home from work, or simply crossing the street, an impaired driver can cause catastrophic injuries that leave you facing surgery, months of rehabilitation, and an uncertain financial future. Indiana law gives victims of drunk drivers the right to pursue compensation, but building a strong case requires knowledge, resources, and someone willing to fight for what you actually deserve.
When you need a legal team that takes cases like yours seriously, Wagner Reese LLP is ready to help. Our Fort Wayne personal injury lawyers have recovered compensation for accident victims throughout northeastern Indiana, and we bring more than 150 combined years of experience to every case we handle. Both of our founding partners have been recognized as Trial Lawyer of the Year, and our firm holds a Tier-One Best Law Firm ranking from Best Lawyers in America.
⚠ Time-Sensitive — Indiana Law Limits Your Window to File
Injured in Fort Wayne? Indiana’s two-year statute of limitations starts from the date of your accident. Missing this deadline permanently ends your right to seek compensation.
28+ years serving Indiana injury victims. $300 million recovered for clients. No fees unless we win.
Indiana OWI Laws and Your Right to Compensation
Indiana law makes it illegal to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 g/dL or higher, a standard consistent with federal guidelines. When a driver crosses that threshold and causes a crash, they are not only subject to criminal prosecution but also civilly liable for the harm they cause. A criminal conviction or guilty plea can strengthen your civil case, but you do not need to wait for criminal proceedings to conclude before pursuing compensation.
According to NHTSA’s 2023 data on alcohol-impaired driving crashes, Indiana recorded 251 alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities out of 898 total traffic deaths that year, meaning nearly 28 percent of all fatal crashes in the state involved an impaired driver. That figure reflects a persistent and preventable problem on Indiana roads, including those in and around Fort Wayne.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Drunk driving accident claims can include a wide range of damages, and understanding what you may be entitled to is one of the first conversations we have with new clients. The value of any claim depends on the specific facts, but the categories of compensation available under Indiana law are broad.
Damages commonly pursued in drunk driving accident cases include:
- Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, physical therapy, and future medical treatment related to your injuries
- Lost wages: Income you were unable to earn while recovering, as well as future earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the crash and its aftermath
- Property damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any other property damaged in the crash
- Punitive damages: In drunk driving cases, Indiana courts may award punitive damages above and beyond actual losses when the defendant’s conduct was especially reckless
Because the at-fault driver made a deliberate choice to get behind the wheel while impaired, drunk driving claims often support a stronger damages argument than standard negligence cases.
Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Crashes
Drunk drivers frequently cause high-speed, high-impact collisions because impairment delays reaction time and impairs judgment. The result is often a more severe crash than would occur in a typical distracted driving or weather-related accident. Our Fort Wayne car accident lawyers regularly handle cases involving traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, internal organ injuries, and severe lacerations that require long-term care.
In the most tragic cases, drunk driving crashes take lives. If your family has lost someone due to an impaired driver, our Fort Wayne wrongful death lawyers can pursue compensation on behalf of surviving family members. Wrongful death claims in Indiana allow immediate family members to recover damages for loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and the financial contributions the deceased would have provided.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Fort Wayne
The steps you take in the hours and days after a crash can significantly affect the strength of your claim. Call 911 and remain at the scene so law enforcement can document the driver’s impairment through field sobriety tests and chemical testing. Request a copy of the police report and, if possible, gather contact information from any witnesses. Seek medical attention even if your injuries feel minor, as some serious conditions do not present symptoms immediately.
Avoid speaking with the at-fault driver’s insurance company before consulting an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and statements made without legal guidance can be used to reduce or deny your claim. Our team handles all communication with insurers on your behalf, so you can focus on your recovery.
Contact Wagner Reese LLP for a Free Consultation
Wagner Reese LLP has built a reputation across Indiana for taking on difficult cases and pursuing the full compensation our clients deserve. Our founding partners, Stephen Wagner and Jason Reese, have earned Super Lawyers recognition and Trial Lawyer of the Year honors, and the majority of the cases we handle come to us through attorney referrals. We serve Fort Wayne and the surrounding communities of northeastern Indiana, and we handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover for you.
If you or a family member was injured by a drunk driver, do not wait to get legal help. Time limits apply to personal injury claims in Indiana, and the evidence supporting your case is often most accessible in the immediate aftermath of a crash. Contact our team today through our contact page to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
