Protecting The Rights Of People Injured By Drunk Drivers
Last updated on March 31, 2026
After decades of awareness campaigns, heartbreaking stories, and punishment for offenders, drunk driving remains a serious problem. In Indiana and Illinois, hundreds of people are killed or seriously injured each year by people who get behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
If someone in your family was hurt because of the negligence and selfishness of a drunk driver, you should talk to an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney about your legal rights. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income, and/or other damages, but you will need a lawyer to represent you.
Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable
At Greene & Schultz, based in Bloomington, Indiana, we have extensive experience handling drunk driving cases. Through personal injury and wrongful death litigation, our attorneys have been highly successful in holding drunk drivers accountable for their dangerous behavior while securing maximum compensation for our injured clients and their families.
Every car accident case is different. Even if the driver who caused the accident was blatantly drunk and negligent, his or her insurance company will work hard to fight your claim. If you or a loved one was hit by a drunk driver, it is important to get the advice of a knowledgeable lawyer as soon as possible.
Drunk Driving Accidents FAQs
Below, we have answered common questions regarding drunk driving accidents.
How long do I have to file a claim after a drunk driving crash?
In Indiana, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years from the date of the crash. This window applies whether the collision involved a car, truck or motorcycle. Missing this deadline can mean losing the right to pursue compensation altogether.
Certain situations have special timelines. If a government employee or vehicle was involved, a notice of claim may be required within 180 days. In wrongful death cases, the two-year period generally starts from the date of death rather than the crash itself.
- Preserve evidence early; do not wait. Waiting too long can affect your ability to recover damages.
Call us via 812-558-0198 before it is too late.
Can I hold a bar, restaurant or social host responsible for serving the drunk driver?
Yes, in certain cases. Indiana’s Dram Shop and Social Host laws allow victims to pursue claims against an establishment or even a private individual who knowingly serves alcohol to someone already visibly intoxicated. If that person later causes a crash, the server or host may share in the legal responsibility.
These cases are complex and often rely on detailed evidence such as:
- Receipts
- Security footage
- Witness accounts showing that the intoxicated driver was served despite clear warning signs
Acting quickly matters, since businesses are not required to hold onto such evidence for long. Schedule a free consultation with our team now to investigate potential third-party liability.
Does the driver’s arrest or conviction automatically mean I will be compensated?
Not necessarily. A criminal DUI conviction shows that the driver broke the law, but it does not cover your personal losses. Civil claims are separate and focus on medical bills, lost income, pain and the emotional toll of the accident. Even when guilt is clear, insurance companies may still dispute how much your injuries are worth.
To protect your rights, it is important to maintain thorough records of your medical care and expenses. Keep communication with insurers documented and do not feel pressured to accept a quick payout before understanding the full extent of your damages.
Civil recovery is about restoring what was taken from you, something the criminal process does not address.
Speak with our Indiana accident attorney for a free case evaluation.
Contact Greene & Schultz To Get Your Case Evaluated
In addition to seeking compensation from the intoxicated person who caused the alcohol-related accident, victims can also pursue compensation from the business, person, or social host who sold, served, or furnished alcohol to the inebriated person. Losses recoverable under such dram shop and social host claims include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact Greene & Schultz at 812-558-0198 for a free case evaluation. We handle serious injury cases in Indiana and Illinois. We can evaluate your accident case with no charge and no obligation.