In 2014, an average of one alcohol-impaired-fatality occurred every 53 minutes in the United States. According to a report issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 9,967 people were killed in drunk driver accidents in the U.S. in 2014. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is a crime, punishable by fines and imprisonment. People who have been injured, and the families of those killed, in drunk driver accidents may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation from the responsible parties.
If you or a loved one have been injured or killed in drunk driver accidents, contact Attorney Group today. We offer free, confidential, no obligation consultations. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a claim we can connect you with an affiliated drunk driver accident attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process
Drunk Driver Accidents are Preventable
While some car accidents occur due to no fault of either driver, this is not the case with drunk driver accidents. When drivers choose to get behind the wheel while intoxicated, they knowingly place themselves and others in serious danger.
Drunk driver accidents may result in severe injuries such lacerations and fractures, as well as more serious complications such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and death. If you lost a loved one due to the negligence of a drunk driver, consider seeking legal counsel from a personal injury attorney to file a wrongful death claim and recover damages for your loss.
It is important to consult with a drunk driving attorney who can review the circumstances surrounding the accident and work to help you seek the compensation to which you may be entitled. Drunk driving attorneys can discuss your financial, medical and legal situation and protect your legal rights. Seeking qualified representation is important to protecting the long-term emotional and financial well being of you and your family.
Criminal Liability for Drunk Driving Accidents is Different Than Civil Liability
Regardless of the outcome of any criminal action against the driver, the determination of the criminal court is different than any civil case that may be brought against the driver. In a criminal matter, a person is accused of a crime and, if convicted, can be sentenced to jail or probation. Sometimes monetary fines and restitution are imposed on the guilty party.
However, the outcome of a criminal matter is often not relevant to a civil matter that could be brought against the person committing the wrongful act. A person who drives drunk commits a crime, but if that person also injures or kills another person while driving drunk, he or she may face civil liability in addition to criminal charges.
In a civil case, a person’s actions are not judged on whether they were illegal, but instead on whether they constituted negligence, reckless or malicious behavior, or other fault. If those actions are found to constitute fault, and if those actions caused injury to another person, then the wrongful actor may be held liable to the injured party for the payment of money to compensate for the injuries and other damages caused.
For more information, contact Attorney Group. After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
