The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that almost 30 people in the U.S. are killed in motor vehicle crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver, every single day. Also, the annual cost of alcohol-related accidents has reach over $59 billion. Drunk driving is a serious issue. It has already affected thousands, and it will continue to affect more if we don’t do something about it.
Related: Should There Be Tougher DUI Laws in Kentucky?
How does alcohol affect an accident?
Drunk driving cases are treated differently than other traffic accidents. For one, a person found guilty of drunk driving is more likely to receive a harsher sentence. Alcohol makes a big difference. This factor can also result in victims receiving a higher compensation. With that said, you may file for punitive damages to prevent the defendant from causing the same trouble again.
Apart from that, you need to look into who’s really liable for the accident. In some cases, it’s not just the drunk driver alone. Even the alcohol supplier may be liable. If that is the case, then you may file for multiple claims. Also, you may be entitled to recover some of the damages from the state victim assistance programs. The insurance claim adjustors may get in touch with you to possibly limit the damages. This is where a personal injury accident attorney can really help you in your case. Your attorney would represent you and increase your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Head-on crash
On October 4, 2014, one person was killed and six people were injured in a head-on car crash in Southern Indiana. Police said alcohol was involved. Sergeant Noel Houze of the Indiana State Police said that a 2013 Ford Focus driven by Jordan Griffin, 23, from Versailles, went left of center on U.S. 421 north of Madison when it struck a 2001 Dodge Ram pickup driven by Charles McRoberts, 37, from Versailles. Griffin suffered minor injuries and bruising while McRoberts sustained head injuries. Both vehicles had passengers. John Thomas Walker, 21, from Arkansas City, Kansas was riding in Griffin’s car. Unfortunately, Walker died at the scene. In the other car, three 11-year-olds and a 2-year-old were riding in the truck. They were identified as Bailey McRoberts, Tyler Smith, Hogan Jackson and Pacy McRoberts. They were all hospitalized with injuries. According to Houze, Griffin had a blood-alcohol content of 0.41. This is five times the legal limit, which is 0.08%. He will face numerous charges.
As a Kentucky Accident Attorney, I want to ask everyone to please not drink and drive. Nothing good ever comes from it. That doesn’t mean you can’t drink at all. Instead of trying to drive yourself home or riding with someone who has been drinking, call a cab or family member to pick you up. This is a lot safer and will help protect you from any injuries.
For more information contact the Louisville personal injury lawyers at The Shafer Law Office today!
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