Drunk driving accidents can unexpectedly turn the lives of victims and their families upside down. For victims involved in a drunk driving accident, the consequences may be particularly serious and can result in injuries and, depending on the severity of the injuries suffered, a lifetime of challenges. In addition to the physical trauma suffered in a drunk driving accident, victims may also suffer emotional trauma.
Victims of drunk driving accidents may find their lives unexpectedly changed in an instant due to a drunk driver. In addition to the criminal charges a drunk driver may face, they may also face liability to compensate injured victims for the harm suffered. A drunk driver is ordinarily considered a negligent driver, which creates responsibility to compensate victims for any damages that result from a drunk driving accident.
A personal injury claim for damages may provide compensation to victims of drunk driving accidents for the physical, financial and emotional harm suffered. To establish a claim for damages, the intoxication level of the drunk driver will need to be established, but criminal charges and citations are commonly considered evidence of negligence. Police reports, witness statements and statements from experts can all be used to establish the liability for the drunk driving.
Once it has been demonstrated that the drunk driver was too intoxicated to safely operate the vehicle and failed to exercise reasonable care for the safety of those on the roadway, the victims may be able to recover compensation for the damages they suffered as a result. A claim for damages against the drunk driver responsible for the harm suffered can help victims with the physical, financial and emotional costs associated with a drunk driving accident, which is why victims should be familiar with the legal protections available to them.
Source: DUI.findlaw.com, “Drunk Driving Accidents,” Accessed Jan. 31, 2017
