Being involved in a car accident can result in serious injuries, and the recovery process can often be frustrating. Knowing the accident was caused by a drunk driver, however, can make the whole ordeal that much more upsetting. While it may seem like a pretty straightforward instance of negligence on the other driver’s part, this is not always the case.
An experienced Boston drunk driving accident lawyer at DiBella Law is here to help you through these trying times. We have nearly two decades of experience representing the best interests of our clients in cases involving negligent drivers, including those who chose to get behind the wheel while drunk. If you have recently been in a car accident in Boston, and the other driver was under the influence of alcohol or some other substance, don’t hesitate to call a dedicated Boston car accident lawyer to discuss your legal options with our team during a free consultation.
Recognizing Drunk Driving in Boston
According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an average of 37 people die every day in the United States as a result of alcohol-related car crashes, and many more people sustain serious injuries due to drunk driver negligence and the recovery process is never easy. The details of any car accident case are important, but the details surrounding a drunk driving case are vital in being able to build a strong case on behalf of the injured person. Some of the more common characteristics of a drunk driving case include:
- Falling asleep while driving
- Running a red light or a stop sign
- Speeding
- Unintentionally weaving in and out of lanes
- Driving on the wrong side of the road or on a one-way street
The above actions are dangerous enough when a driver is not impaired but become much more dangerous when the driver is drunk. If you notice a vehicle exhibiting any of the above actions, it is best to pull to the side of the road and call 911 to report the driver.
Be prepared to provide the operator with the make and model of the car, where they were located when you observed the behavior, and the direction the car was traveling. That way, if the driver is, in fact, drunk and the police can intercept the vehicle before the driver recklessly causes an accident, you might even save someone’s life.
Give us a call today to discover how we can assist you.
The Massachusetts Drunk Driving Definition
Under Massachusetts law, a driver with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or greater is considered legally drunk. Operating a vehicle in this impaired state is a criminal matter, but a civil personal injury claim in Boston can also be filed if other people are injured as a result of the incident. Any driver who has a BAC in excess of the legal threshold can be labeled a drunk driver if they are operating a vehicle while impaired.
Who Is Considered a Drunk Driving Victim?
Motorists and passengers in other vehicles that are involved in the incident are considered victims in a drunk driving crash. Any pedestrian or bicycle rider who is injured by a drunk driver is also considered a victim. Additionally, passengers in the vehicle the drunk driver is operating can also be considered victims if they sustain injury as a result of the incident.
We've offered crucial support and guidance to individuals who have suffered injuries, ensuring their financial and emotional well-being.
Additional Defendants in a Drunk Driving Case
When our law firm represents the victim of a drunk driving accident, we investigate every contributing factor. In some cases, there may even be other responsible parties who can be held accountable for negligent actions having contributed to the incident. For example, if an establishment in Boston, that serves alcohol, continues to serve a patron who is clearly intoxicated and the patron is responsible for a drunk driving accident upon leaving the establishment, it too can also be held liable for damages resulting from the incident.
This is referred to as a dram shop claim. Your drunk driving accident lawyer in Boston, MA, at DiBella Law, has extensive experience handling dram shop liability cases. We will do everything possible to ensure all parties that contributed to your injuries are brought to justice.
Get in touch with us today to get a free consultation.
Drunk Driving Victim Compensation in Boston
As the victim of a drunk driver in Boston, you have the right to be compensated for a variety of damages. These can include economic (monetary) and non-economic (emotional/physical/lifestyle) damages. Some examples could include:
- Current and future medical expenses related to injuries caused by the drunk driver
- Both physical and emotional therapy and rehabilitation from injuries and trauma
- Damage to personal property
- Lost wages due to injuries
- Loss of future earning capacity as a result of partial or permanent disability caused by the accident
- Pain and suffering resulting from the accident and injuries sustained during the accident
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages could also be awarded in your drunk driving accident claim. Although punitive damages are generally only reserved for gross negligence or intentionally harmful conduct, drunk driving could be considered as such. All licensed motorists are aware of the risks of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, so getting behind the wheel intoxicated or impaired could be grounds for punitive action.
If the driver that hit you has one or more DUI convictions on their driving record, this could strengthen your claim for punitive damages. However, you should never rely on or expect such an award to apply in your case unless your attorney advises you otherwise. If punitive damages are awarded in your case, it could significantly increase the total amount of your drunk driving accident settlement.
Contact a Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Boston, MA for Help Today
If you have been the victim of a Boston car accident caused by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to financial recovery. At DiBella Law, we will work on your behalf to uncover all responsible parties and file a claim on your behalf. With nearly two decades of experience in the Boston area, our law firm has the resources and know-how to help you secure the compensation you deserve.
You are just one step away from taking back control of your life after this traumatic experience. Call a skilled Boston drunk driving accident attorney today or fill out our quick contact form to schedule a free consultation with our Boston personal injury team. When you do, we can discuss the details of your drunk driving accident claim and help set you down the road to recovery.
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