Drunk driving car accidents can result in very serious injuries and fatalities. Unfortunately, drunk driving accidents continue to happen in Ohio and across the United States. After being injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, many victims wonder how their medical bills will be paid and if they will be able to continue working.
Victims and their families should know that they may be able to receive compensation after a drunk driving accident. Victims can file a lawsuit against the driver who caused the car accident as well as the bar or restaurant that served the driver alcohol, depending on the driver’s blood-alcohol content at the time of the crash.
Drunk driving accidents can cause not only short-term injuries but long-term injuries and complications. Many car accident victims end up struggling with managing or treating their injuries for many months, even years after the accident.
A personal injury lawsuit can help victims receive compensation for their injuries and pain and suffering. Victims and their families should understand the factors that are often considered by the court after a lawsuit has been filed.
The court will consider how much the drunk driver was at fault for the crash. Even if the driver is convicted of a DUI, a judge may only say the driver was responsible for a percentage of the crash, which could end up reducing the compensation for the victim.
The court will also review and consider the long-term medical expenses the victim will endure. For victims who suffer long-term injuries that require a lot of medical care or treatments, the court will take this into consideration when determining compensation. Courts will also consider the victim’s future earning capacity after the accident, and victims who can no longer work due to their injuries often receive compensation for this.
In addition to filing a lawsuit against the driver, victims can file a lawsuit against the bar or restaurant that served the driver. The bar or restaurant can also be held liable for drunk driving accidents and may be required to compensate victims of drunk driving accidents.
Victims of drunk driving accidents and their families should contact a personal injury attorney to discuss their specific cases and what options are available for receiving compensation for their injuries.
Source: FindLaw, “DUI Crashes: 5 Factors for Victim Compensation,” Brett Snider, Oct. 10, 2013
