Drunk driving is a serious crime and it is often punished as such. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. As the loved one of a victim of a drunk driving accident, you might not have control over whether or not the authorities take appropriate criminal action toward them but you can control whether or not a wrongful death lawsuit is filed.
This can not only ensure you get the closure you need but can provide financial help. If you are interested in talking to a personal injury attorney to find out what your best options are, contact Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn at (310) 209-1600 for a free legal consultation.
Learn the Statistics on Drunk Driving Accidents
The California Department of Motor Vehicles has reported that in 2015 alone, more than 1,100 people were killed in alcohol-related accidents – and that is just in the state of California. Another 25,000+ were injured in these accidents, and 831 people were killed in accidents involving drivers on drugs. If that is not shocking enough, consider that drunk driving accidents make up around one in three fatal traffic accidents in California.
It is Not Just the Drunk Driver Who Might Be Held Accountable
In some cases, people do not worry about filing a lawsuit if the drunk driver has been killed or charged with a crime and is behind bars. However, it is not just the driver who might be found liable and responsible for compensating you for your loss. For example, if the driver was at a party or bar before they left, then it is possible that someone at the bar or party could be found at fault for letting them drive.
Another example is a person who was working at the time of the accident. If they are an employee of a company then that company could potentially be found liable for your damages. This is based on the idea of negligent hiring and we would need to prove that the employer had reason to believe that the driver was unsafe – such as a history of DUIs – and yet still allowed them to drive for the company.
Learn How an Attorney Can Help You After a Drunk Driving Accident
You have no control over whether or not the state decides to press charges against the drunk driver. They might charge them with a lesser manslaughter offense that does not give you the feeling of justice you want.
The one thing you do have control over is filing a personal injury lawsuit. No amount of money can bring back your loved one but winning your case can ensure that the at-fault party is held accountable and can help to give you a sense of closure. Contact Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn at (310) 209-1600 now to request a free legal consultation and find out what your options are.
