According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each day in the United States 28 people die in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver. Alcohol-impaired crashes account for nearly one-third of all traffic-related deaths in the United States. The cost of lives is immense and the estimated financial cost of drunk driving crashes totals more than $44 billion.
The problem continues to worsen, with more deaths reported year-on-year. Each day, people drive drunk more than 300,000 times, but only about 2,800 are arrested. In 2016, over 10,000 people were killed in alcohol-impaired accidents, according to the Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Anyone involved in a road accident caused in-part by alcohol abuse may have a claim against those responsible for resulting injuries or deaths. The costs of a drunk driving accident may deeply affect a victim and a family, and taking legal action may alleviate financial hardships. Following a serious road accident, victims should contact an experienced lawyer to investigate and file drunk driving lawsuits.
Joe Lyon is a highly-rated and experienced Ohio personal injury attorney representing plaintiffs in drunk driving lawsuits nationwide. The Lyon Firm is well-versed in the science and economic impact such an injury or death has on the victim’s life and family.
Alcohol Related Auto Accidents
Drunk driving deaths recorded in Ohio over the last decade are higher than the national average, and over 2 percent of Ohio residents have reported that they have driven after drinking too much in the last month.
In the United States the legal alcohol and driving limit is .08 percent, particularly because at this blood/alcohol level there is a proven risk of causing serious and fatal harm to others on the road. Alcohol reduces the function of the brain, impairs thinking, basic reasoning and muscle coordination—all important abilities essential to operating a vehicle safely.
As alcohol levels rise in a person’s system, the negative effects on the central nervous system increase. Below are some examples of how just a small amount of alcohol in the system can affect drivers:
- .02—some loss of judgment; altered mood—decline in visual functions, divided attention.
- .05—may have loss of small-muscle control, focusing eyes, impaired judgment, lowered alertness, reduced coordination, reduced ability to track moving objects, difficulty steering.
- .08—muscle coordination becomes poor, more difficult to detect danger; judgment, self-control, reasoning are impaired, reduced concentration, impaired perception.
- .10—clear deterioration of reaction time and control, poor coordination, and slowed thinking, reduced ability to maintain lane position and brake appropriately.
- .15—far less muscle control than normal, major loss of balance, substantial impairment in vehicle control, attention to driving task, and in necessary visual and auditory information processing.
Drunk Driving Lawsuits
Ohio laws forbid bartenders and wait staff from serving alcohol unless they are certified, and prohibit bar and restaurant staff from over-serving when patrons appear impaired.
If an establishment serves a patron who is already drunk, drives from the premises and causes an accident, the serving establishment may in part be liable for damages or resulting injuries. Preventing drunk driving is essential to protecting American lives. Below are some steps that may make Ohio roadways safer:
- Make sure those you serve alcohol are not driving
- If you will be drinking, plan a safe ride home. Designate a sober driver or take taxis.
- If someone you know has been drinking, do not let that person drive. Be responsible and take their keys.
- If you see an impaired driver on roads, contact local law enforcement.
- If you host a party where alcohol is served, make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.
- Always wear your seat belt as a defense against impaired drivers.
Drunk Driving Accident Injuries
Drunk driving accidents can cause serious injuries and end lives. If a drunk driver injured you operating a car, truck, motorcycle, ATV, boat, they may face criminal charges, and also be liable for the costs of medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, or wrongful death. Civil lawsuits may be filed against those responsible for impaired-driving accidents.
Following an accident, and after proper medical treatment, you are advised to contact an experienced lawyer. A professional attorney will be able to investigate crashes, and provide a victim and their family with the resources they need to prepare for legal action.
