Columbus Drunk Driver Accident Lawyer
A plaintiff in a drunk driving accident can seek general damages and special damages. When the injuries are severe enough, the injured person can seek punitive damages. It is strongly recommended to schedule a consultation with a compassionate attorney before taking any legal action. A Columbus drunk driving accident lawyer can help you calculate the damages you are owed and fight on your behalf to see that you are awarded the correct compensation you are entitled to.
How are Drunk Driving Accidents Different from Traditional Car Crashes?
Driving under the influence by an at-fault driver almost always leads to an argument for punitive damages for injuries the DUI driver caused. Punitive damages are awarded on top of general and special damages in circumstances where the at-fault driver acted recklessly or wantonly without regard for anybody’s safety.
Punitive damages are awarded to hold the person civilly liable for the harm. For example, if the at-fault driver is convicted of a DUI, they may go to prison for the criminal offense. However, on the civil side, they must pay more for the injuries the person received. For more information, about filing a claim, get in touch with a Columbus drunk driving accident lawyer.
Common Fact Patterns in Colombus Drunk Driving Accidents
Historically, drunk driving accidents in Columbus occur late at night. However, with the opiate problem running rampant in the Southern United States, these kinds of accidents happen at all times of the day, seven days a week. Most DUI car crashes tend to be a failure to maintain the lane by the drunk driver crossing the centerline. Other times, the impaired driver runs red lights and things of that nature. Accidents caused by impaired drivers happen 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year.
Partial Responsibility in Drunk Driving Accidents
Columbus is a modified comparative negligence state. This means that if the plaintiff was also found to be drunk at the time of the accident, that may be taken into account. When the majority of the fault belongs to the drunk driver, the injured party can still be compensated. Under Columbus law, if someone is awarded $10,000 by a jury and found to be 20 percent at fault, that jury’s award is reduced by 20 percent. Therefore, the injured party would only get $8,000.
Legal Consequences Following a Drunk Driving Accident
When substantial injuries occur because of a drunk driver, the drunk driver is charged with a DUI and some type of aggravated assault. Victims assistance programs in the criminal justice system contact the injured party after the accident to line up interviews with police officers to find out the true extent of their injuries. Should a drunk driver not plead guilty to any of their crimes, it is possible their case goes to a criminal trial. At that time, the injured party is usually subpoenaed to testify before the court as to how the accident occurred.
Are Columbus Injury and DUI Cases Handled Separately?
Injury cases and the associated DUI case are handled separately. Keep in mind that the DUI case is a criminal matter. The injury case is a civil matter. They are two separate areas of law. It is impossible to go to jail or be imprisoned by a civil court. However, criminal courts can lock someone up.
Contacting a Columbus Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
A person injured as a result of a drunk driving accident should be sure to get in contact with a Columbus drunk driving accident lawyer. An attorney can help with calculating total damages, as well as the collection of evidence used to prove the defendant’s negligence. An experienced attorney can also use their knowledge to help with interviewing any witnesses, as well as obtaining evidence which may be in law enforcement’s possession. For help with filing a claim, be sure to get in touch with an attorney today.
