Drunk driving is not just a criminal offense; it is a preventable tragedy that affects countless lives each year. For victims and their families, the aftermath of a drunk driving accident can bring physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial hardship.
If an impaired driver has injured you or a loved one, it’s crucial to understand your rights and legal options. A skilled car accident attorney can help you pursue justice and compensation from those responsible.
At The Fitch Law Firm, we’re committed to standing up for accident victims and making sure those who cause harm are held fully accountable.
Reality of Drunk Driving in Ohio
Drunk driving is a serious issue in Ohio. Between 2019 and 2021, the state experienced 39,951 OVI-related crashes, resulting in over 2,000 deaths. This accounted for 54% of all motor vehicle fatalities in the state (Ohio Traffic Safety Bulletin).
The Ohio State Highway Patrol issued 57,650 OVI citations during this period, with more than half (52%) occurring between 5:00 p.m. on Friday and 5:00 a.m. on Sunday.
Nationally, an average of 34 people die every day in drunk driving-related crashes. That is one death every 42 minutes (NHTSA).
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that any level of intoxication impairs one’s ability to drive:
- Drivers with a BAC of .02 experience some loss of judgment, a decline in visual functions, and divided attention
- Drivers with a BAC of .05 experience loss of small-muscle control (focusing your eyes), lowered alertness, reduced coordination, difficulty steering, and reduced response to emergency driving situations
- Drivers with a BAC of .08 experience impaired muscle coordination, short-term memory loss, reduced speed control, and decreased information processing capability. A BAC of .08 makes a driver approximately 4 times more likely to crash than drivers with a BAC of .00
- Drivers with a BAC of .15 experience far less muscle control than normal, substantial impairment in vehicle control, and attention to driving. A BAC of .15 makes a driver at least 12 times more likely to crash than drivers with a BAC of .00
Regardless of how little alcohol you’ve consumed, the risks associated with impaired driving are significant. Even a small amount of alcohol can impair judgment, reaction times, and overall driving ability.
To protect yourself and others on the road, it’s crucial to remember: if you’ve been drinking, designate a sober driver or use alternative transportation. The consequences of impaired driving can be tragic, which is why it’s always safer to act with care and responsibility.
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Steps To Take After an Accident
If you’re involved in an accident with a drunk driver, consider the following steps:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s important to get checked by a healthcare professional.
- File a Police Report: Contact law enforcement to officially document the incident.
- Gather Evidence: Collect contact information from witnesses, take photos of the scene, and obtain a copy of the police report.
- Consult an Attorney: An experienced car accident attorney can help determine what your case may be worth and guide you through the legal process.
Legal Consequences of Drunk Driving
In Ohio, driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more is against the law. Penalties for a first-time offense can include fines up to $10,000, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and installation of an ignition interlock device.
An ignition interlock device requires drivers to blow into a breathalyzer before starting their vehicle. The vehicle will not start if the ignition interlock device detects alcohol.
Repeat offenders face more severe consequences, including longer license suspensions and possible jail time (NHTSA).
Compensation That May Be Available to Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents
A serious car crash can lead to many hardships, including a pile of medical bills, lost wages, or catastrophic injuries. A drunk driving accident attorney can help you reclaim what you have lost by ensuring accountability from those responsible.
An experienced DUI accident attorney can evaluate your case and determine what damages you may be entitled to. This may include compensation for:
- All medical expenses related to the accident (Past and future)
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Reduced quality of life
- Pain and suffering
After a serious car accident, particularly one involving drunk driving, it is crucial to consult with an experienced DUI attorney to ensure you receive the maximum compensation.
A skilled lawyer can gather critical evidence, collaborate with experts, and guide your case toward the most favorable outcome. With their expertise, you can navigate the complexities of the legal process with confidence and achieve the best possible results.
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Drive Responsibly: A Shared Commitment to Road Safety
Drunk driving remains a significant cause of traffic accidents, resulting in thousands of injuries and fatalities each year. It is crucial that we all take proactive steps to prevent such tragedies. By embracing responsible driving habits and encouraging others to do the same, we can make our roads safer for everyone.
There are several steps one should take to ensure their safety and others’ safety when drinking:
- Plan a safe ride home before attending an event where you plan to drink. This may be designating a sober friend as the driver.
- If you’re aware someone has been drinking, don’t let them drive. Take their keys and help them find a safe way home.
- Don’t drive if you’ve consumed any amount of alcohol. No matter how “fine” you feel, any amount of alcohol can impair your ability to drive safely.
- Always wear your seatbelt; it could save your life around impaired drivers.
Tips for Detecting an Impaired Driver
Recognizing the signs of an impaired driver can help prevent serious accidents and save lives. Whether you’re a concerned motorist or someone who has been affected by a drunk driving accident, being aware of these warning signals is crucial.
According to the Ohio Department of Public Safety, behaviors that may indicate a driver is under the influence include:
- Movements are slow and inaccurate or fast and reckless
- Makes wide turns
- Stops in the roadway without cause
- Sits through the cycle of the traffic light without moving
- Straddles the center or edge lines
- Signals one way and turns the other
- Drives without headlights at night
- Makes abrupt or incremental movements during turns
- Drives or veers off the designated roadway
If you observe any of these behaviors, it is essential to stay alert and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle.
Get the Legal Support You Need: Contact The Fitch Law Firm for Your Drunk Driving Accident Case
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, it’s crucial to consult with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights, investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, and gather crucial evidence such as witness testimonies, surveillance footage, or expert analysis.
At The Fitch Law Firm, we specialize in helping victims of car accidents navigate the complexities of Ohio law and obtain the compensation they deserve.
Our team has extensive experience handling these cases and is committed to ensuring that the at-fault parties who contributed to your injury are held accountable. We recognize the emotional and financial strain an accident can cause and are committed to fighting for the justice you deserve.
Our attorneys will guide you through every step of the process, from initial consultation to settlement or trial. We’ll make sure that your case is built on strong legal grounds, ensuring your rights are always protected.
Contact us today at (614) 545-3930 or our website for a free, no-obligation consultation. Your recovery is our priority. Take the first step to securing the justice you deserve with a legal team that genuinely cares about your well-being.
