DUI / DWI
“Driving under the influence”, or “Driving while intoxicated”, is the term for alcohol-related driving behavior. It is responsible for nearly 1/3 of all traffic deaths in this country. Many of these impaired drivers are repeat offenders and all can cause a heavy burden of death and/or injury to themselves and to innocent drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
Anyone who causes an accident while driving under the influence of alcohol or another substance is considered negligent. Unfortunately, this is of little comfort to someone who has sustained injuries or lost a loved one in an alcohol-related accident. The driver convicted of DUI has the liability to pay for all damages, but may not be the only person considered negligent or liable. Those who provided the alcohol may also be considered negligent and liable for damages. Many states have laws which impose liability on bars, clubs, restaurants, or hotels which supply liquor improperly. In such cases, a business is expected to exercise due care and not to serve anyone who is obviously drunk. Even someone outside of such a business may incur liability for supplying liquor to a driver who subsequently had an accident, injuring or killing others. The host of a party may be liable in some states if he continues to allow a guest to imbibe after it is obvious the guest is under the influence.
More Information
Personal Injury Damages Types of Damages Types of Compensatory Damages Amount of Damages Factors Affecting Amount of Damages Awarded Negligence Overview Comparative and Contributory Negligence
Resources
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Drunk Driving Organizations
Leadership To Keep Children Alcohol Free Join Together Century CouncilMADD On-LineAlcoholics AnonymousCenter of Alcohol Studies at RutgersPrevention OnlineSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services AdministrationNational Council on Alcoholism and Drug DependenceIf you or a loved one is in need of legal assistance, call Smith & Smith at 1-999-999-9999 or submit an online questionnaire. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to handle your case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary recovery of funds. In many cases, a lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. Please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.