Need an Injury Lawyer for an Ohio DUI Accident Case?
No matter what type of accident you have been injured in, you might find that your case is extremely stressful as you attempt to navigate the legal system and compensate for your losses. One of the most common types of negligent behaviors on our roads today is from those who decide to drink and get behind the wheel of a car.
In Ohio, the facts stand true: Drunk driving is still an issue at some level. In fact, data was taken between the years 2003-2012 and show that, in this time period, over 3,500 people lost their lives to drunk drivers. This proves how damaging these accidents can truly be. Many of the people who lost their lives were between the ages of 21-34.
What can you do if you have been injured in one of these accidents and need assistance? We can stand up for your rights and help you every step of the way as you make your claim for an Ohio DUI accident.
After You Have Been Injured in a DUI Accident
DUI accidents are complicated, this much is true. One of the first things that you should always do after a DUI accident is to call the police so that your case can be properly documented. When the police investigate and take a closer look at the scene, they will typically be able to tell that a driver is intoxicated. This could lead to an arrest, which will reflect on the accident report. As a result, you will have proper evidence as you make your claim for compensation.
When it comes to DUI accidents, usually the negligent driver was driving at high speeds or veering in and out of traffic, which means that the injuries could be quite severe. Many people don’t walk away from these catastrophic accidents that change lives. As a result, you want to ensure that you receive medical treatment for your injuries so that you can move forward with your claim and feel confident that you are on the road to recovery when this devastating event has taken place.
The evidence that you collect from the scene will be extremely helpful to you in the future. The DUI driver in your case has committed a crime, and this will reflect when you are making a claim for compensation. Turn to an experienced attorney to ensure that you receive the compensation that is owed to you.
Who Do I Hold Liable?
Many people believe that the drunk driver is the liable party in an accident, and this is true. You want to be able to name the driver in your case to work toward the compensation you deserve. However, another party could be liable for your injuries as well under the circumstances: the bar itself. Under many state laws, the bar, tavern, or liquor store who sold the alcohol could also share liability with the negligent driver. This is called a “dram shop law” and applies to those who sell alcohol to those who are already intoxicated.
You must be able to show that, under the law, the seller knowingly sold alcohol to somebody who was already visible intoxicated. There was a greater chance of this individual getting behind the wheel of the car, leading to your catastrophic accident.
The best thing that you can do after your DUI-related accident is to speak to an attorney about your next steps, as every case is different in its own way. In Ohio, DUI accidents happen every year and we want to stand by your side as you compensate for medical bills, lost income, and more. Let us handle your case from start to finish.