Behind distracted driving, drunk driving is the number one cause of most car accidents in the US and, by far, the deadliest. Alcohol physically changes the brain's chemistry and inhibits common sense, fear, and motor skills. Put that combination behind the wheel of a two-ton metal battering ram capable of going 100 miles an hour, and you have a recipe for disaster. Both young and old are susceptible to the belief that "only one drink won't hurt," as the data shows. Buzzed driving is drunk driving, and it is dangerous. Drinking and driving is a behavior that endangers the lives of drivers and passengers.
Driving under the influence is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents in the United States. Every day, there is an accident that results from drunk driving. Many of the accidents resulting from drunk driving are fatal. Besides the deaths, victims who survive often suffer catastrophic injuries.
Driving under the influence of alcohol affects the driver’s judgment, reaction time, coordination, and more. With an inability to make the right decisions, preventable accidents are bound to happen, leading to death and injuries.
Can You Sue If You Get Hit By a Drunk Driver?
All motorists have a shared responsibility of following all traffic laws, obeying the rules of the road, and taking reasonable measures to keep others safe. Driving while intoxicated is a clear violation of that duty. Not only is drunk driving against the law, but it is also incredibly dangerous and can lead to catastrophic injuries. Often, these incidents are fatal.
When someone sustains a severe injury in a drunk driving accident, who is liable for the resulting damages? Can you sue the drunk driver and have them pay for your medical bills and other losses? Can you hold them accountable for your pain and suffering?
The short answer is yes, you can file a lawsuit against a drunk driver and seek compensation for your damages. Also, in some cases, the drunk driver might not be the only liable party. If he or she was over-served by a restaurant or bar, you could potentially file a claim against that establishment.
There is never an excuse for driving while under the influence of alcohol. Unfortunately, many people make the choice to get behind the wheel of a car after consuming alcohol, leading to countless accidents, injuries, and deaths every year. While drunk drivers face criminal penalties, they can also be held legally accountable for their actions through civil lawsuits.
At Daniels & Scriven, P.C. we represent victims of drunk driving accidents and fight for justice on their behalf. Our firm is dedicated to securing maximum compensation for individuals who have suffered the consequences of someone else’s negligence. Our attorneys are dedicated, compassionate, and will aggressively fight for you!