Driving a car, truck, or any other motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol is one of the most dangerous crimes that a person can commit. Having any amount of alcohol in one’s system significantly decreases reaction times and can lead to loss of judgment or coordination. These factors make collisions much more likely to occur.
When a driver chooses to operate their vehicle while drunk, he or she could be held legally responsible for any harm caused to others. This includes physical injuries, emotional trauma, and lost income. If you sustained serious harm because of an intoxicated driver, allow a dedicated attorney to take the lead in your case and demand the compensation you deserve for your injuries. To discuss drunk driving car accidents with a legal professional, contact our experienced Cleveland car accident lawyers at Tittle & Perlmuter today.
State Law Places a Total Prohibition on Drunk Driving
It is a well-known fact that driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol is against the law. However, the exact legal concepts of this activity can be far more nuanced. According to Ohio Revised Code § 4511.19, it is against the law to operate any vehicle with a blood/alcohol content of .08 percent or more. In addition, the same statute also places a general prohibition on driving while “under the influence” of any drug or alcohol. This means that a criminal case could progress based upon test results or a police officer’s observation of a defendant’s driving.
Knowing that police made an arrest for drunk driving after an accident can be very helpful in a civil demand for compensation following an accident. A concept of the law called negligence per se states that a defendant who commits a criminal act connected to an injury is presumed to be at fault for that injury. As a result, if a criminal court convicts another driver for OVI or OVAUC, a civil lawsuit may take this conviction as proof of the driver’s fault for the incident. Following a car collision, an attorney could help to leverage a drunk driving conviction into a potent demand for compensation.
Drunk Drivers Must Provide Compensation for Damages Caused
Getting behind the wheel of a car means that a driver accepts a duty to protect everyone else on the road. If he or she causes an accident, they may be required to provide full compensation to all affected parties. This same basic concept applies to criminal behavior such as drunk driving. If a person drives drunk and causes harm to others, he or she could be held legally responsible for the resulting damage.
The goal of an attorney is to help those affected collect these payments. Legal counsel could help demonstrate that another party’s drunk driving likely caused the collision, and also take the lead in showing how this event has changed the injured party’s life. Such damages may include physical injuries, lost income because of the inability to work, and emotional trauma due to pain, suffering, nightmares, or other mental health concerns. If someone was involved in a drunk driving car crash, an attorney could represent his or her interests in a case and help them pursue fair compensation for their harm.
Discuss Your Drunk Driving Car Accident with an Attorney
Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence poses severe risks not only to yourself, but to everyone else on the road. Unfortunately, many people forego the warnings and decide to drive drunk anyways. If someone makes this choice and an accident ensues because of their negligence, he or she may be legally required to pay for the full extent of the resulting damage.
If you were harmed in a drunk driving car accident, contact an attorney today to discover how they could help. Legal counsel could work to explain the state’s OVI laws and how they interact with civil demands for compensation. Additionally, they could assist in gathering evidence of the collision’s effects on your life and demand fair restitution for these damages. Give Tittle & Perlmuter a call to schedule your free consultation.
