Alcohol-Related Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Drunk Driving and Motorcycles: A Deadly Mix

You already know riding a motorcycle comes with risks. But when you throw a drunk driver into the mix? That’s when things get terrifying. A single bad decision—one too many drinks, getting behind the wheel instead of calling a ride—can leave you with catastrophic injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and a long road to recovery. That’s why having a personal injury attorney at Horn Wright, LLP, on your side can make all the difference in getting the compensation you deserve.

Alcohol slows reaction time, blurs vision, and messes with judgment. For motorcyclists, that split-second delay from a drunk driver—missing a red light, drifting into your lane—can mean the difference between making it home and ending up in the hospital. Unlike drivers in cars, you don’t have airbags or a steel frame protecting you. You take the full impact of a crash, and that often means broken bones, spinal cord damage, or even traumatic brain injuries.

It’s not just reckless—it’s life-changing. And if you’re here because some drunk driver turned your world upside down, you’re probably angry, overwhelmed, and wondering what to do next. That’s where a motorcycle accident lawyer comes in.

DUI Laws Are Tough—But They Don’t Pay Your Bills

Most states have strict Driving Under the Influence (DUI) laws in place. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%, but lower limits apply for commercial drivers and those under 21. If a driver gets caught driving drunk, they could face:

• Fines ranging from $500 to over $10,000, depending on prior offenses and aggravating factors.
• Jail time—many states impose mandatory minimums of 48 hours, but a repeat DUI offender could face years in prison.
• License suspension—often for six months to a year, or even permanently for multiple DUI convictions.
• Mandatory ignition interlock devices—a breathalyzer installed in their car, preventing them from driving drunk again.

Sounds tough, right? But here’s the frustrating part: none of that helps you. Fines and jail time punish the drunk driver, but they don’t cover your medical bills, lost wages, ongoing therapy, or the emotional trauma you’re now dealing with.

That’s why you need to file a civil claim. A personal injury attorney can fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.

What Evidence Do You Need? Strong Cases Win Big.

You might think, The driver was obviously drunk—what else do I need? Unfortunately, insurance companies and defense attorneys will fight back. They’ll look for ways to shift the blame onto you—saying you were speeding, not wearing a helmet, or making an unsafe turn. That’s why having solid evidence is crucial. 

• Police Reports – If officers arrested the driver for DUI, their report is gold in proving fault. Insurance companies will review the police report when determining who was at fault for the crash.
• Breathalyzer & Blood Test Results – If the driver’s BAC was over 0.08%, that’s clear evidence of intoxication.
• Surveillance or Dash Cam Footage – A video showing the driver swerving or running a red light strengthens your claim.
• Witness Statements – Passengers, pedestrians, or bartenders can confirm slurred speech, stumbling, or reckless behavior before the crash.
• Medical Records – If you suffered broken bones, road rash, or head trauma, this proves the severity of your injuries. It is best to get an MRI of your injuries.
• Receipts & Bar Tabs – If the driver was over-served at a bar, you might have a dram shop liability case.

The more evidence you have, the harder it is for insurance companies to deny your claim.

Who Else Can Be Held Responsible? It’s Not Just the Drunk Driver.

Most people assume the drunk driver is 100% responsible, but that’s not always the case. Other parties could share the blame, increasing your chances of getting full compensation.

Bars & Restaurants – Did a bartender keep serving a visibly intoxicated customer? Under Dram Shop Laws, bars, clubs, and restaurants can be held liable if they over-serve a drunk driver who later causes a crash.

Other Drivers – If another driver was texting, speeding, or driving aggressively, they might have contributed to the accident.

Vehicle or Motorcycle Manufacturers – If brake failure or a defective part made the crash worse, the manufacturer could be held accountable.

Holding multiple parties responsible can increase your total compensation.

Criminal Charges vs. Civil Lawsuits: Why You Need Both

If the drunk driver who hit you was arrested, you might think, Good, justice is served. But here’s the harsh reality—criminal cases don’t pay your bills.

Criminal Cases – The state punishes the drunk driver with fines and jail time, but you won’t receive a dime in financial compensation.

Civil Cases – A personal injury lawsuit allows you to recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more—even if the driver isn’t convicted in criminal court.

Even if they avoid jail time, you can still win a civil case because the burden of proof is lower.

How Much Can You Recover? Let’s Talk Compensation.

Every case is different, but here’s what a strong motorcycle accident claim can cover:

• Medical Bills – Emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages – If you’re out of work for months (or permanently), your claim can cover past and future income losses.
• Pain & Suffering – Chronic pain, PTSD, depression—your suffering matters, and it should be compensated.
• Property Damage – If your motorcycle is totaled, repairs or replacement can be included in your claim.
• Punitive Damages – If the driver had a high BAC (0.15% or higher) or was a repeat offender, you could receive additional compensation to punish their reckless behavior.

Some riders walk away with six- or seven-figure settlements—but having an experienced attorney makes the difference.

Don’t Trust Insurance Companies—Trust an Experienced Law Firm.

Insurance companies might pretend to care, but their goal is to pay you as little as possible. They’ll delay, deny, and try to blame you for the crash. 

At Horn Wright, LLP, we know how to fight back. If you want top-tier representation, hire one of the best law firms in America. We’ll handle everything—the evidence, the negotiations, and, if necessary, taking your case to trial.

We’ve helped countless injured motorcyclists get the maximum compensation they deserve. Let’s get you the compensation for your alcohol-related motorcycle accident that you deserve.

Call us today for a free consultation, and let a personal injury attorney fight for your future.