Drunk Drivers Kill People Every Day in Car Crashes
Drinking and driving is a serious problem that jeopardizes the safety of everyone on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drunk drivers kill more than 10,000 people every year in the United States. This means that every day, innocent lives are lost as a result of the negligence of intoxicated drivers. As a responsible citizen, it is vital to understand the impact of drunk driving and take action to prevent it from happening.
Statistics show that drunk driving is responsible for 28% of all traffic fatalities in the United States. This means that nearly one-third of all car crash deaths can be directly attributed to alcohol impairment. In addition to the tragic loss of life, drunk driving also results in countless injuries and property damage every year. The consequences of drunk driving are many, and they are severe. In addition to the emotional toll on the families of victims, drunk drivers can face criminal charges, lawsuits, and significant financial penalties.
Another sobering statistic is that many drunk drivers are repeat offenders. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, about a third of all drivers arrested or convicted of drunk driving are repeat offenders. This means that these individuals have already been caught driving under the influence and have had the opportunity to learn from their mistakes but have chosen to continue putting lives at risk by drinking and driving. It is essential to understand the seriousness of the consequences of drunk driving and to make an effort to prevent it from happening.
Ohio’s “At-Fault” Insurance Laws Affect How Accident Claims are Paid
Ohio operates under a traditional “fault” system for car accidents. Unlike “no-fault” states, where insurance companies handle matters, Ohio’s at-fault driver’s insurer is responsible for compensating victims for all damages. This includes injuries and other legal damages caused by an intoxicated or impaired driver.
When the at-fault driver has car insurance, the coverage pays for all damages up to the limits of the policy. If the total exceeds those limits, the at-fault driver becomes personally responsible for paying the remaining amount to the victims. In Ohio, individuals who are injured or suffer property damage in a car accident (or their attorneys) have two options for seeking compensation in at-fault accidents:
1. File a claim directly with the at-fault driver’s insurer.
2. If the insurer resists the claim, file a civil lawsuit against the at-fault driver, with representation from the insurer’s lawyers.
Ohio Motor Vehicle Insurance Requirements Explained.
In the state of Ohio, it is mandatory for all motor vehicle owners to maintain a minimum level of liability insurance coverage. This coverage is designed to provide financial assistance for any damages or injuries you may cause to others in the event of an accident where you are deemed at fault. Ohio imposes specific liability insurance requirements, including $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more individuals in a single accident, and $25,000 for property damage resulting from an accident.
Moreover, Ohio drivers are also obligated to possess uninsured motorist coverage. This form of coverage ensures your protection in the event of an accident involving an uninsured driver. The minimum uninsured motorist coverage in Ohio coincides with the requirements for liability insurance, namely $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person and $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more individuals in a single accident.
Damages that Victims in a DUI-Related Accident can Seek
If you or a loved one has been involved in a DUI-related accident, you are likely familiar with the pain and trauma it causes. Additionally, the emotional and financial aftermath can be overwhelming. When seeking compensation, knowing where to start can often be difficult.
Victims have the right to seek various types of damages, including economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. Firstly, economic damages cover expenses such as medical costs, lost wages, and property damage. These are all potential areas for which victims can request compensation.
Furthermore, non-economic damages encompass the emotional and physical suffering experienced by the victim. This may include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress. Quantifying these damages can be challenging, but they are crucial to fully compensating the victim.
In addition to economic and non-economic damages, punitive damages serve as a form of punishment for the defendant’s reckless behavior. Specifically, drivers under the influence may be eligible for punitive damages in DUI-related accidents. The purpose of these damages is to discourage similar actions in the future.
Get the Compensation You Deserve for Your DUI-Related Accident with Toledo’s Drunk Driver Accident Lawyers
It is crucial to have an experienced attorney in handling DUI-related accidents. They will review your case’s details to determine what damages you may be eligible to receive and the compensation amounts. They will also help prove the defendant’s fault by showing that they were under the influence, which caused the accident.
Please note that if your crash occurred in Michigan, that state has “no-fault” insurance laws. The Toledo drunk driver accident lawyers at Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault can explain how this affects your insurance claim. For a free consultation, call us at 419-843-6663 or use our contact us form.
