It's frightenining to know that each day an estimated 300,000 drivers on the road are intoxicated, according to the FBI. Drugs and alcohol significantly detract from a person's response time, cognitive processes and ability to drive safely. Most states have tough consequences against drunk driving offenders, including criminal charges.
However, on the personal injury side, various states have a wide range of differences when it comes to damages plaintiffs are allowed to claim, compensation cap limits, liability, time you have to file your claim (statute of limitation) and other important legal consideration.
Drunk Driving Liability
A majority of drunk driving civil lawsuits occur in tandem with criminal prosecution. Unlike criminal cases though, there may be multiple defendants or responsible parties in a personal injury case. For instance, depending on the dram shop laws in your state, the restaurant, bar or drinking establishment that allowed the drunk driver to drive away from their premises while clearly intoxicated may hold some share of the financial burden. Consult with a local drunk driving accident lawyer to see whether this applies to your case.
Hit and Run Accidents
People who are impaired enough to think that drinking and driving is permissible are often prone to make other rash and reckless decisions, such as fleeing the scene of the crash. Has this happened to you? If so, after you call the police and inform your insurance company of the hit and run, you should talk to a car accident attorney about the best legal course of action.
Find a Drunk Driving Lawyer Near You
Car accidents caused by drunk driving are without a doubt the most preventable type of accident on our roads. You shouldn't be left out to dry because of the negligence of another person.
Talk to a drunk driving attorney in your area to discuss your right to compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost wages and pain and suffering.