Driving intoxicated is illegal, and operating under the influence (OVI) is an offense in Columbus. According to Ohio Revised Code (ORC) §4511.19(A), you cannot operate any vehicle if you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both.
Unfortunately, drunk driving causes daily fatalities across the United States. According to figures provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 29 people die every day in accidents with intoxicated drivers.
A drunk driver deliberately puts themselves as well as all other road users at risk. Unfortunately, some people have a cavalier attitude towards drinking and driving, thinking that a few drinks will not hurt. However, in reality, even a moderately intoxicated driver can cause accidents due to:
- Reduced reaction time
- Blurred vision
- Impaired decision-making skills
- Difficulties with coordination
A drunk driver breaks the law the moment they get behind the wheel. If you or a relative suffered significant injuries and damages in a crash with a drunk driver, you might be able to pursue compensation. A Columbus drunk driving accident lawyer can help. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC now for a free evaluation of your case at (844) 730-0233.
Proving Your Case
If you intend to hold a drunk driver to account for your injuries or your loved one’s death, you will have to prove your claim and the negligence of the other driver.
A drunk driver violates traffic laws simply by getting into their car and driving. This can give you an advantage when it comes to proving your claim. However, you will most likely have to offer evidence that shows proof of a driver’s intoxication. Such evidence can include:
- Breathalyzer data (authenticated by local police)
- Eyewitness testimony confirming the defendant acted intoxicated
- Police officer statements
- A police report of the accident
Also, consider that accidents can be complex, especially if multiple vehicles are involved. In order to recover any compensation, it will not be sufficient to simply show that you had an accident with a drunk driver. The court will want to see clear evidence proving that:
- The drunk driver’s negligence caused your accident
- The negligence caused your injuries
- You have damages as a result
Your Columbus Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help
Consider hiring a car accident lawyer to help you prove your claim. Recovering compensation from a drunk driver is not always as straightforward as it may seem at first, and it can require a great deal of research. Having a car accident lawyer build your case professionally can be crucial, especially if your accident is complicated or you have some degree of fault.
The other side will most likely seize any opportunity to try and deflect responsibility away from the drunk driver. Your lawyer can defend your rights and protect you from any attempts to blame you for an accident.
A drunk driving accident lawyer can also identify all liable parties and potential avenues for pursuing compensation. In a drunk driving lawsuit, there can be others that may be partly responsible, for example, the owner of a bar that kept on serving a clearly intoxicated customer.
Also, consider that most personal injury cases never turn into a court case, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS). An out-of-court settlement can be a good solution for both sides. However, you do not have to negotiate with the defendant or their insurance directly. You can let a car accident lawyer handle any communication and negotiation with insurance companies instead.
Your lawyer will know your damages and what your case is worth and will aim for a fair settlement that protects you not only from present costs but also from future expenses.
For a free legal consultation with a drunk driving accidents lawyer serving Columbus, call (844) 730-0233
Compensation in Drunk Driving Accidents
If you got hurt or your loved one died due to the negligent actions of a drunk driver, you could sue and recover various types of compensation, such as economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are typically those that have a clear monetary value, and you have a bill or statement to prove them.
Apart from property damage, economic damages can also include all your medical expenses, such as:
- Hospital stays
- Appointments with specialists
- Medical devices
- Physical therapy
- Medical transportation costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses
In addition, if your injuries force you to stay at home for a prolonged period, you could also receive lost income and future lost income.
Non-economic damages can be quite subjective and challenging to calculate. In order to know what your case may be worth, you can consult with a car accident lawyer. The more serious and permanent your injuries, the higher your non-economic damages could be. Non-economic damages can include awards for:
- Physical pain
- Emotional anguish
- Permanent disability
- Reduction in life quality
- Loss of a limb
You could also potentially receive other damages. You can contact us to see if a Columbus drunk driving accident lawyer can help you. We can answer your questions about compensation in your specific case.
Wrongful Death
If your loved one died in an accident with a drunk driver, you could file a wrongful death case. In a wrongful death case, you could potentially recover funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and loss of income from the deceased. You could also receive other types of compensation as well as punitive damages.
Columbus Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC Now for Help
Getting hurt in an accident with a drunk driver, or losing your loved one, can be devastating. Once the initial shock and anger have passed, however, you should assess your options and try to protect yourself. If someone else caused your injuries or your loved one’s death, they are responsible for your financial losses.
However, you do not have to go through this by yourself. Ben Crump Law, PLLC can help you assess your legal options and file a lawsuit against a negligent drunk driver. Fast action is crucial, as per ORC §2305.10(A), you generally have only two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. The same timeframe also applies to wrongful death cases.
Call us today for a free consultation to find out whether you have a case and could recover compensation at (844) 730-0233.
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