Acting on Accidents Caused by DUI

By: Ivonne Jade Agustin
Submitted: 2009-06-24 12:49:53
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Alcohol and drugs can certainly alter one’s effectiveness in driving. He/she may have blurry vision, experience dizziness and would be unable to exercise good judgment.

Even cautious drivers have become victims of these negligent drivers who ignore the risks involved in driving under the influence.

Helping Victims of DUI

Many are injured and even die from these accidents. Some will not be able to live life as they used to before the accident. However, there are lawyers who can help these victims in gaining compensation for their injuries.

These attorneys whose expertise involves litigations concerning negligence that has caused harm to others can help their clients in:

•    Gathering Evidence

•    Negotiating with the Other Party

•    Filing Claims and Charges

•    Proving your Case

A legal representation can give advice to his client on things that should be done and evidence that should be collected.

Furthermore, most of these lawyers would not have to be paid up front. Some would only collect their payment after there has been a settlement or his client has been awarded with his claims for damages.

Coverage of Claims

Victims of car accident caused by other’s negligence are entitled to file for claims which would compensate the damages and his injuries.

•    Medical Expenses. It is important to keep medical and hospital bills after an accident as it can prove the extent of the damage and the amount of medical compensation that the victim is seeking.

•    Property Damage. Plaintiff can ask for reimbursement of expenses from repairs of his car or other property damaged in the accident.

•    Rehabilitation Expenses. Some injuries would take a while before they are completely healed. Also, offenders would pay those who experience life-long impairment for their treatments.

Wrongful Deaths as a Result of DUI

A study in 2007 showed that about 12,998 people die from drunk driving related accidents. These deaths could have been avoided only if people are more responsible of their driving.

Beneficiaries can file for wrongful death claims which often include the following:

•    Loss Wages

•    Loss of Companionship

•    Pain and Suffering

The above are just some of the things that beneficiaries can claim for. A lawyer can help them assess the damages that they will be asking the offender.

Lessening Rates of Accidents from DUI

There are precautions that the government and other entities can take in order to lessen these accidents:

•    Implementation of more strict laws that provides heavier punishments to offenders.

•    Increase of sobriety checkpoints wherein authorities can check drivers that are suspected to be drunk or are under the influence of prohibited drugs.

•    Installation of devices in vehicles of convicted drunk drivers which would automatically lock the ignition if they are drunk.

•    Individuals should try to prevent a drunk from driving as it will endanger his life and that of others as well.

•    In a group, there should be a designated driver who would limit his alcohol intake in order to safely get to their destinations.

Visit our website for more reliable information regarding DUI as a cause of car accident. Call us toll free for immediate legal assistance.

Article source: Expert Articles