Drunk Driving Accidents and Dram Shop Liability
At the Locks Law Firm, our dedicated trial attorneys have extensive experience dealing with DUI accidents. We can help you obtain financial compensation from the at-fault driver if you have been injured or a loved one has suffered a wrongful death in a drunk driving accident. DUI accidents pose a serious risk to road users in the United States. Driving a vehicle while intoxicated is a reckless and negligent act that shows a complete disregard for the safety of other road users, and is sufficient cause to file a lawsuit in the event of an accident. If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, it is important to obtain legal counsel. With offices in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, a drunk driving and auto accident lawyer from the Locks Law Firm can review your case free of charge and determine the best way to achieve a satisfactory result for you and your family. Contact the Locks Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation.
Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents cause a significant number of fatalities and injuries in America every year and place all road users at risk. NHTSA reports that there is one alcohol-related traffic fatality in the United States every 52 minutes, and in 2004, there were 1.4 million arrests of individuals found to be driving while under the influence.
According to statistics gathered by MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 10,076 alcohol-related traffic fatalities in 2013. This number represents 48 percent of the total number of traffic fatalities for the year. Sadly, the fact that DUI accidents are completely preventable means that total traffic fatalities could have been reduced by 30% to 40% if individuals used sound judgment and obeyed the law.
Our personal injury lawyers are committed to protecting victims' rights and can help you and your family obtain the compensation to which you are entitled.
Driving Under the Influence
An individual can be found guilty of driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) if he or she is under the influence of any mind-altering substance, including alcohol, illegal drugs or in some situations prescription or over the counter drugs. Any substance that has the ability to significantly affect a person's ability to think or that slows motor function can inhibit an individual's ability to control a motor vehicle. The reckless and negligent choice to drive a motor vehicle while under the influence means that in the event of an accident, the negligent party can be held liable for any damages that resulted.
Dram Shop Liability
Dram shop liability is a legal theory that establishes that bars, taverns, liquor stores, and other businesses that sell alcoholic beverages can be held liable for damages caused by their patrons. The laws are aimed to prevent bars and taverns from selling alcohol to minors and to individuals who are visibly intoxicated. If you or a loved one were injured in a drunk driving accident, it may be possible to file a dram shop liability claim if it can be shown that the bar or tavern served a person who was visibly intoxicated, and that person then caused a traffic accident while under the influence of alcohol. In some instances, a business establishment may be liable for injuries caused by bar fights or other violence involving intoxicated patrons, in addition to drunk driving accidents. Representing clients in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, a Motor Vehicle Accident and Personal Injury lawyer from the Locks Law Firm can review your case and determine if a business establishment can be considered liable for selling alcohol illegally to the defendant.
Am I Eligible For Compensation?
Driving an automobile under the influence of alcohol or drugs places other road users and innocent bystanders at serious risk, and is a reckless and negligent act. Individuals who drive while under the influence of mind-altering substances are liable for any damages that they cause as a result. If you have been injured, or a loved one has suffered a wrongful death because of the actions of a drunk driver, you can hold the liable party accountable for his or her actions. We can help you and your family obtain compensation for hospital bills, loss of wages (including future wages), pain and suffering, emotional distress, and in the event of a death, loss of companionship and burial costs.
Contact a Locks Law Firm Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured by the negligent and reckless actions of a drunk driver, contact the attorneys of the Locks Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation. Serving New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, a drunk driving and auto accident lawyer from the Locks Law Firm can review and evaluate your case.
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