Driving around the Cincinnati area is usually a safe endeavor. Unfortunately, many families are still affected by an unexpected car accident each year. Many of these accidents are caused by preventable factors, including distracted driving and drinking and driving.
Car accidents that involve drinking and driving will now be receiving a more thorough investigation. There is a group of state agents who can trace back the negligent driver to where they were drinking and who was serving them. These investigators can be called in when there is a serious or fatal accident involving alcohol. Over the last year, the use of these investigators has increased over 76%. The investigators search for where the negligent driver received his alcohol and whether the establishment should have served him and hold the bar owners and bartenders responsible. If the investigators determined that a bartender or bar served a customer too much alcohol or if the patron was under age, they could face criminal charges, fines and liquor-license suspensions. One example of this program is a West Chester man who was charged with six counts of serving alcohol to a minor. These minors left the restaurant and were involved in a car accident with injuries. The restaurant in Clifton that he worked for was also charged and paid a $15,000 fine.
Those who engage in reckless behavior, such as drinking and driving, need to be held responsible for their actions. In addition, those who knowingly serve their customers too much alcohol or serve alcohol to minors also should be held accountable. Ohio law enforcement understand the serious issues that drinking and driving causes. When a person makes the decision to drive after they have been drinking they put their lives as well as every other person they meet on the road at risk.
If a family has been affected by a drunk driver, they may want to speak to a legal professional who specializes in personal injury. An attorney can review the situation surrounding the accident and help determine what happened. Compensation may be available for medical expenses, pain and suffering, funeral expenses and other damages.
