We have a zero tolerance for drunk drivers.  Too many of our more seriously injured clients or tragic wrongful death cases are caused by drunk drivers.

 

Across the nation, alcohol is a major factor in traffic accidents. There is an alcohol-related traffic fatality every 30 minutes, and an alcohol-related traffic injury every 2 minutes.

Alcohol-related crashes are defined as those where someone involved, either a driver or a pedestrian, had a traceable amount of alcohol in his or her blood.  According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 17,401 people died in alcohol-related crashes in 2003 and alcohol was involved in 40 percent of all crash fatalities.  About 1.5 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics in 2002 (latest data available).  The arrest rate works out to one arrest for every 137 licensed drivers in the United States.

If you or a family member have been injured as a result of a drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries from the drunk driver and/or their insurer. This remedy is not limited to drivers and passengers of other vehicles, but extends to injured pedestrians, and even close family members of those injured under certain circumstances.

 

Remember also that even if you were injured as a passenger in a vehicle that was driven by a drunk driver who was at fault for the accident, you can still bring a lawsuit for those injuries against that driver. This is because a driver owes a legal duty of reasonable care not only to other drivers and pedestrians, but also to passengers in his or her own vehicle.

It is important to understand that the phrases "driving while intoxicated" (DWI) and "driving under the influence" (DUI) as used in most states do not refer to just drinking and driving. DWI and DUI can also mean that a driver was using a vehicle while under the influence of an illegal drug, such as marijuana or cocaine.

 

Over-the-counter or prescription drugs that significantly impair a driver's ability to operate a vehicle can also lead to a conclusion that a person was "driving under the influence." Such a driver can be legally liable for any injuries caused in a resulting car accident if they failed to follow instructions for taking the medication, or ignored warnings in connection with taking the medication (such as the danger of operating a vehicle). In addition to special and general damages, punitive damages may be available against a drunk driver.

We are available to answer your questions and if possible, assist you with your legal matter. Click here to contact us or call our toll free number at 800-661-7044.