Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Quincy

Injured By A Drunk Driver In The Quincy Area?

Being hurt in a crash that could have been avoided is frustrating and overwhelming. When a drunk driver causes that crash, you may be dealing with medical treatment, missed work, and calls from insurance adjusters, all while trying to process what happened. If you are looking for a drunk driving accident attorney in Quincy to guide you through this, our legal team is here to help.

At Powers & Caccavale, we represent people and families whose lives have been changed by impaired drivers in Quincy and across the South Shore. With more than 35 years of combined experience handling injury and workers' compensation cases, we understand both the law and the practical challenges you are facing. We work on a contingency fee basis under our No-Fee Promise, so you do not pay us unless we recover money for you.

Get clear answers and calm support. Schedule your free consultation today.

Why Choose Us After A Drunk Driving Accident

Choosing the right law firm after a serious crash can feel daunting, especially when you are already dealing with pain and financial pressure. Our goal is to make that decision easier by being clear about who we are and how we work. We focus our practice on workers' compensation and personal injury claims, so we are familiar with the kinds of injuries and financial losses that often follow a drunk driving crash.

Our attorneys bring over 35 years of combined experience to each case. Over those decades, we have seen how a collision can interrupt a career, strain a family, and create long-term medical needs. That experience guides how we evaluate your situation, what evidence we know to look for, and how we present your claim to an insurance company or in court.

One of our partners previously worked within the insurance industry. That background gives us a practical understanding of how insurers analyze claims, what they may try to use against you, and the tactics they sometimes use to limit payouts. We use that insight to anticipate questions, prepare thorough documentation, and push back when an offer does not reflect the full impact of your injuries.

We are also deeply rooted in Quincy and the South Shore. Our office in Quincy, along with our locations in Plymouth and Lynnfield, allows us to meet with clients where it is convenient for them. Being a local firm means we understand the courts, the roads, and the communities where these crashes happen. We combine that local knowledge with personal attention, so you are not treated like a file number at a large, distant firm.

Finally, our No-Fee Promise is designed to reduce your financial stress. You do not owe us a fee for our work unless we obtain compensation on your behalf. We are transparent about how contingency fees work, and we strive to answer your questions in straightforward language from the first conversation.

Drunk Driving Crashes In The Quincy Area

Collisions caused by impaired drivers are a serious problem across Massachusetts, including here in Quincy on the South Shore. Busy commuter routes, local streets near restaurants and bars, and late-night traffic all create opportunities for a drunk driver to cause harm. When alcohol is involved, crashes often happen at higher speeds or with delayed braking, which can make injuries more severe.

After a drunk driving crash, there are usually two different legal tracks. One is the criminal operating under the influence (OUI) case against the driver, which is handled by the Commonwealth and focuses on punishment. The other is a civil claim for compensation, which is about helping you recover for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. Many people are surprised to learn that even if the driver is charged or convicted criminally, the civil claim is not automatic and still needs to be prepared and pursued.

We regularly speak with people in Quincy and nearby communities who are unsure how these pieces fit together. You may have been contacted by the district attorney's office about the criminal case, while at the same time getting calls from insurance adjusters about property damage and medical payments. Our role is to help you understand where you fit in this larger process and to handle the civil injury claim so that the criminal case does not become your only focus.

What To Do After A Drunk Driving Accident

In the minutes and days after a drunk driving crash, it can be hard to think clearly about what to do. Taking a few key steps can help protect your health and your legal rights.

Focus on safety and medical care first:

• Call 911 so that police and emergency medical personnel can come to the scene.
• Accept medical evaluation, either at the scene or at a hospital or urgent care, even if you think you feel fine. Some injuries, including head and soft tissue injuries, may not be obvious right away.
• Follow up with your doctor or a specialist as recommended, and keep records of your visits and symptoms.

Cooperate with law enforcement:

• When officers arrive, provide an honest account of what you remember about the crash.
• If you noticed signs that the other driver was impaired, such as slurred speech or the smell of alcohol, mention that to the officers.
• Request the incident number so you can obtain a copy of the police report later.

Gather information and evidence if you can:

• Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver when it is safe to do so.
• Take photos of the vehicles, the crash scene, and any visible injuries, or ask someone you trust to do this for you.
• Collect names and contact details for any witnesses who saw the collision or the driver’s behavior.

Be careful with insurance communications:

• Report the crash to your own insurer promptly, giving basic facts.
• Be cautious before giving recorded statements or signing forms for any insurance company without understanding how they may be used.
• Remember that an adjuster, even one who sounds sympathetic, works for the insurer, not for you.

Talk with a lawyer early:

• Consulting an attorney soon after the crash allows us to help preserve evidence and advise you before you make decisions that could affect your claim.
• At Powers & Caccavale, we offer free consultations and can explain, in plain language, what your rights are and what the next steps might look like.

Every situation is different, but taking these actions typically gives you a stronger foundation for any civil claim that follows. You do not have to manage this alone. Our legal team can step in to guide you and reduce the number of stressful calls and decisions you are handling by yourself.

How Our Legal Team Helps After A Drunk Driving Crash

Once you reach out to us, our focus is on understanding what happened, how you have been affected, and what needs to happen next. We start by listening carefully to your account of the crash and reviewing any documents you already have, such as the police report, medical records, and correspondence from insurance companies.

We then work to identify the insurance policies that may apply, including the drunk driver's liability insurance and, in some situations, your own coverage. Because one of our partners has experience inside the insurance industry, we are familiar with how these companies evaluate risk and value claims. We use that insight when we present your medical records, lost wage information, and other evidence, so that your claim is organized in a way that is harder for an insurer to dismiss or undervalue.

Our work often includes gathering and reviewing additional evidence, such as witness statements and documentation of your ongoing medical needs. We also look at how your injuries affect your ability to work, care for family members, and participate in everyday life, since those losses are part of the civil claim. We explain what categories of compensation may be available, such as medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering, while being careful not to promise any particular outcome.

Throughout this process, we handle communications with insurance adjusters so that you do not have to respond to frequent calls or confusing letters. We keep you informed and aim to explain each stage of the claim in everyday language. If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, we discuss with you what it would mean to proceed further, including the possibility of filing a lawsuit. Our role is to provide honest guidance so you can make informed decisions about your case.

Who May Be Liable In A Drunk Driving Injury Case

Many people assume that the drunk driver is the only person or entity that can be held responsible after a crash. While the impaired driver is often the primary at-fault party, the full picture can sometimes be more complex. Part of our job is to look at all potential sources of liability and insurance coverage.

In many cases, the civil claim is primarily against the drunk driver and their auto insurance company. The police report, criminal charges, and any test results can be important pieces of evidence in showing that the driver failed to act with reasonable care. However, the outcome of the criminal OUI case does not automatically determine what happens in the civil claim. We carefully review how the criminal proceedings might affect available evidence and timing, then proceed with the civil process based on your situation.

There are situations where additional parties may share responsibility. For example, if the driver was operating a vehicle for work when the crash occurred, their employer's policies and insurance might become relevant. In some circumstances, Massachusetts law may allow claims related to alcohol service, such as where a business continued to serve someone who was visibly intoxicated. Whether those types of claims are available depends on specific facts, so we evaluate them on a case-by-case basis rather than assuming they will apply.

By analyzing all of these angles, we aim to identify every realistic path for financial recovery. Our investigation is tailored to your crash, your injuries, and the policies that may exist, instead of relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

Common Injuries & Losses After A Drunk Driving Crash

Crashes involving alcohol often happen at times and in locations where speeds are higher and reactions are slower. As a result, the injuries can be significant. We regularly speak with clients who are coping with fractures, head injuries, neck and back problems, and soft tissue damage. Some people face long recoveries, surgery, or lasting pain that affects how they move through daily life.

The physical injuries are only part of the picture. There are also financial and emotional losses. Emergency room visits, imaging, follow-up care, and medications can create medical bills quickly. If you miss work, even for a short period, household expenses can start to pile up. In more serious cases, you may not be able to return to the same job, or you may need to reduce your hours, which affects your long-term earnings.

Many people also experience anxiety, sleep problems, or fear of driving after being struck by a drunk driver. While these reactions are common, they can be difficult to talk about and may not be fully captured in a short medical note. Part of our role is to help you document the full range of your losses, both physical and emotional, so that they are considered in your claim.

When we pursue compensation, we look at how the crash has changed your day to day life, not only the bills you have already received. This broader view helps us present a clearer picture of the harm you have suffered to the insurance company or, if needed, to a court.

Why Working With A Local Quincy Law Firm Matters

After a serious crash, convenience and familiarity matter. Working with a firm that is based in Quincy means you are not dealing with a distant office that treats your case like a number. You can meet with us in person at our Quincy office when that is helpful, and we also have offices in Plymouth and Lynnfield for clients elsewhere on the South Shore.

Local presence also means we understand where your case is likely to be heard. Injury and OUI-related matters connected to this area can involve courts in Norfolk County or nearby jurisdictions, depending on the facts. Being familiar with the procedures and expectations in these courts helps us manage timelines and communication more effectively. We also see how insurers that operate in this region tend to handle claims, and we use that knowledge when planning a strategy.

Just as important, we care about what happens on the roads where our own families and neighbors drive. When we represent someone injured by a drunk driver here in Quincy or in surrounding communities, we are working for a member of our broader community. That perspective shapes how committed we are to pursuing a fair result and to keeping you informed during the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need A Lawyer If The Other Driver Was Clearly Drunk?

Even when the fault seems obvious, having a lawyer can make a significant difference in how your claim is handled. Insurance companies still look for ways to minimize what they pay, including questioning the extent of your injuries or arguing that some of your treatment was not necessary. We draw on our experience with injury cases and our understanding of insurer tactics to prepare and present your claim in a way that addresses those arguments.

Without legal guidance, you may feel pressure to accept an early settlement that does not fully account for future medical needs or lost income. Our team works to evaluate any offer in light of your complete situation, not just the first few bills. Because we work on a contingency fee basis, you do not have to pay us upfront to get that level of review and advice.

How Does The Criminal OUI Case Affect My Injury Claim?

The criminal OUI case and your civil injury claim are related but separate. The criminal case in Quincy District Court or another appropriate court focuses on whether the driver violated the law and what penalties they may face. Your civil claim is about compensation for your injuries and losses. Evidence from the criminal case, such as test results or officer observations, can be useful in the civil claim, but the timing and outcome are not automatically the same.

We monitor the criminal proceedings to understand what information may become available and when. In some situations, it may be helpful to obtain certain records once the criminal case reaches a particular stage. We explain how these pieces fit together so you know what to expect and do not feel caught between different systems.

What Will It Cost To Hire Your Firm For My Drunk Driving Case?

There is no upfront cost to hire our firm for a drunk driving injury case. Under our No-Fee Promise, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means our fee is a percentage of the money we recover for you. If we do not obtain compensation, you do not owe us a fee for our work.

During your free consultation, we explain how the contingency arrangement works and answer any questions you have about costs. Our goal is to make sure you understand the financial side clearly before you decide whether to move forward. We believe that worry about legal fees should not stop you from getting advice about your rights.

What Should I Bring To Our First Consultation?

For your first meeting with us, bring whatever information you already have, even if it feels incomplete. Helpful items often include a copy of the police report or the incident number, photos of the scene and your injuries, medical records or discharge papers, and any letters or emails from insurance companies. If you have documentation of missed work or reduced hours, that can also be useful.

If you do not have many documents yet, we can still talk. We can help you identify what records to request and from whom. The most important thing at the beginning is your account of what happened and how you have been affected so far. We build from there together.

How Long Does A Drunk Driving Accident Claim Usually Take?

The length of an injury claim after a drunk driving crash can vary based on several factors. These include how complex your medical situation is, how long it takes your doctors to understand your prognosis, the number of insurance companies involved, and whether the case can be resolved through settlement or needs to move into litigation. Some claims resolve in a matter of months, while others take longer when injuries are severe or there are disputes about liability or damages.

We discuss timing with you at different stages of the case, so you are not left wondering what is happening. Our firm works to move your claim forward while also making sure that we have enough information about your medical condition and financial losses to support a fair resolution. We keep you updated when we reach key points, such as when we send a settlement demand or receive a response.

Can You Help If I Was Hurt While Driving For Work When A Drunk Driver Hit Me?

Yes, if you were driving for work when a drunk driver caused a crash, there may be both a workers' compensation claim and a separate injury claim against the at-fault driver. Because our practice includes workers' compensation and personal injury, we are familiar with how these two types of claims can interact. Each follows different rules and timelines, and the way they are handled can influence your overall recovery.

We review the facts of your job related crash, explain what benefits might be available through workers' compensation, and also look at the civil claim against the drunk driver and any other responsible parties. Managing these claims together helps reduce confusion and supports a more coordinated approach to your medical treatment and wage replacement.

Will I Have To Go To Court For My Drunk Driving Injury Case?

Many injury claims are resolved through settlement without a full trial, but some cases do require court involvement. Whether you will need to appear in court depends on how the insurance company responds, how far negotiations go, and whether filing a lawsuit becomes the best option for seeking fair compensation. If a lawsuit is filed, there can be different types of court appearances, some of which may not require you to testify.

If your case reaches that stage, we prepare you for what to expect and guide you through each step. Our team handles the legal filings, court deadlines, and communication, so you are not facing that system alone. We talk openly with you about the pros and cons of settlement offers versus continued litigation, so any decision to go to court is one you make with full information.

Talk With Our Legal Team About Your Drunk Driving Accident

After a drunk driving crash, you do not have to face insurance companies and legal questions on your own. Speaking with a drunk driving accident lawyer in Quincy can give you clarity about your rights and your options. When you contact Powers & Caccavale, you can talk directly with our team about what happened and what you are dealing with now.

We offer free consultations and work under our No-Fee Promise, so there are no upfront fees and no attorney's fees unless we recover money for you. With decades of combined injury experience and insight into how insurers approach these cases, we strive to take the legal and paperwork burden off your shoulders. That way, you can focus more fully on your medical care, your family, and your recovery.