The Dangers of Drunk Driving and Impaired Driver Liability
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys – Warsaw, Wabash and Surrounding Areas
The Dangers of Drunk Driving
Driving impaired has caused over 2,200 deaths in Indiana from 2003-2012 according to the CDC. Under Indiana law, anyone driving with a BAC of .08% or more could face criminal charges. Along with possible criminal charges, these drivers may also be held responsible to pay for any damages they have caused. In the United States, one out of every three accident fatalities has involved a drunk driver according to the CDC.
Even those individuals who may not face criminal charges could still be held responsible for driving impaired. Anyone driving with a BAC lower than .08% could still be considered impaired and if you can prove that it was their impairment that caused the accident then you may have a claim against them for compensation. Just because the BAC does not meet the criminal level does not mean that they would not be held responsible for any damages, injuries, or deaths that they have caused. The popular campaigns stating “buzz driving is drunk driving” rings just as true for liability in personal injury cases as it does for criminal cases.
Potential Third Party Liability:
Not only could the impaired individuals be liable for the damages caused but also there could be liability imposed on any establishment that served that individual alcohol. This type of liability is governed by Indiana’s Dram Shop laws. Bars or Restaurants may be responsible for the damages caused if the establishment knew the individual was intoxicated and continued to over serve them. These cases can become very fact senstive and can be much harder to prove than other personal injury cases.
Common damages that can be recovered include: medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of wages, property damage, and compensation for any disability just to name a few of the more common ones.
Have you or someone you know been hurt or injured at the hands of a drunk driver?
The attorneys at Vanderpool Law Firm are here to work for you. At Vanderpool Law Firm you will deal directly with one of our knowledgeable and experienced attorney to help get you the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (574) 268-9995 to discuss your case.
