In the US, driving while intoxicated carries serious penalties. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), incidents involving intoxicated drivers result in over 10,000 fatalities annually. Drunk driving does significantly more harm to everyone involved in the collision than just the initial casualties. In addition to facing legal repercussions, intoxicated drivers risk facing civil action from any injured parties due to their carelessness.
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In the event that you or a loved one sustained injuries in an accident involving an intoxicated driver, George Siddell Law’s drunk driving accident attorney may assist you in your pursuit of financial recompense and justice. During this stressful and uncertain period, collaborate with our team to assist your recuperation.
On Drunk Driving Mishaps
Although the number of deadly drunk driving incidents in the US has generally decreased, they are still occurring at worrisome rates. The NHTSA estimates that drunk driving crashes result in one fatality every 50 minutes and cost $44 billion in damages each year. Accidents involving intoxicated drivers have a higher cost than just money. Realistic outcomes from a drunk driving collision include fatalities, lifelong injuries, and severe mental damage.
Legal Process for Drunk Driving
To identify and resolve instances involving intoxicated drivers, law enforcement officials undergo training. In both criminal and civil court, victims who can recollect the specifics of the collision will contribute to the development of a strong case against the intoxicated driver. Holding careless intoxicated drivers accountable for their conduct will be greatly aided by a comprehensive police report that bolsters the victim’s version of the collision.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) threshold of 0.08 percent or more is the gold standard for being considered legally intoxicated and resulting in associated criminal charges. Officers have the authority to conduct investigations into anybody driving a motorized or non-motorized vehicle with a drive train. This means that drunk persons operating boats, riding lawn mowers, mopeds, scooters, and bicycles may be put through field sobriety tests.
The sole need for cops to pull over a car and administer a field sobriety or breathalyzer test is a reasonable suspicion of drunk driving. They can determine this by looking for evidence of careless driving, such as lane splitting, failing to yield, or turning without signaling.
The only way for an officer to determine the driver’s degree of drunkenness following an accident is to use a breathalyzer, blood test, or urine analysis to determine the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC).
Repercussions and Liability in Accidents Involving Drunk Drivers
When someone is discovered driving while under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances, such marijuana or prescription medicines, law enforcement may bring criminal charges against them. The severity of the accident and the particulars will determine the charges. The criminal charges will probably be more serious if the intoxicated driver killed someone or seriously injured someone.
While repeat offenders risk having their driver’s licenses revoked, jail time, and other consequences, first-time offenders may only face costly fines and court costs. It’s crucial to keep in mind that you may still file a lawsuit for damages following the accident, even in spite of the accusations made by state attorneys. When deciding on the best course of action and your greatest possibilities for recovery, an intoxicated driver accident lawyer can assist you.
Liability for drunk driving accidents almost usually lies with the motorist who decided to drive while under the legal limit of alcohol in their system. However, the Insurance Information Institute (III) states that servers—both private and commercial—including bartenders may potentially be held accountable for your injuries.
In addition, 38 jurisdictions hold social hosts legally accountable for overserving their guests, while 42 states and the District of Columbia have passed legislation or developed case law holding commercial sellers—such as bars and restaurants—liable for any damages caused by drunk drivers they serve.
While the negligent driver is often held liable for drunk driving accident damages, hosts or vendors who serve alcohol to guests may also be subject to fines and other penalties.
As you think about your recovery alternatives, it can make sense to consult with a drunk driving accident lawyer because each state has different laws and processes.
Legal Remedies for Victims of Drunk Driving
If you were hurt in an accident caused by someone who was intoxicated, you may be able to get compensation for your losses in terms of lost income, medical costs, and pain and suffering by hiring an attorney. An attorney for drunk driving accidents may manage your case from start to finish, guaranteeing the following:
There is a thorough inquiry of your situation.
Your requirements for a complete recovery are determined.
The responsible parties are informed from your point of view as an accident victim.
Every possibility for recuperation is taken into account. For instance, working business drivers may open doors to remuneration not offered by private individuals.
All required paperwork is timely filed in the civil court system.
When the George Siddell Law team takes on your case, they give priority to the earlier stages. Our attorneys are aware of how each state’s statute of limitations may impact your claim. Our attorneys may start their research more quickly the earlier they start working on your case. You can work together to create a legal plan to further pursue your claim for damages and justice.