A car accident injury lawyer notes that a motorist could face criminal charges relating to his role in an injury accident if authorities’ suspicions that he was under the influence at the time of the crash are confirmed by a blood test. In addition to criminal charges, people who drive under the influence may be liable to the others they harm, and victims of negligence, as well as the families of those killed, may be eligible to recover compensation with the help of a car accident lawyer.
For more information, contact Attorney Group today. Our consultations are free, confidential and without any obligation on your part. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a claim we can connect you with an affiliated car accident injury lawyer who can assist you throughout the legal process.
Important: The time you have to pursue a claim is limited. Contact us for more information.
Driver Reportedly Traveling in the Wrong Lane When Crash Occurred
The results of a pending blood test will likely determine whether a 24-year-old man will face charges relating to a head-on crash. The Finger Lakes Times reports that four people were sent to local hospitals for assessment following the crash, and that two of the four were treated for serious injuries.
Law enforcement officials who conducted a preliminary investigation suspect that the blood test could possibly confirm their suspicions that alcohol, and possibly drug use, were factors in the accident. Witnesses and initial reports indicate that the driver believed responsible for the crash was traveling in the wrong lane leading up to the incident. It was also said that the motorist blew through two stop signs and was traveling at speeds as high as 20 mph above the posted limit prior to the accident. Among the injuries suffered by those involved were a broken leg and facial and head lacerations considered serious in nature.
Criminal Liability for Drunk Driving Accidents is Different Than Civil Liability
Regardless of the outcome of any criminal action against the driver, the determination of the criminal court is different than any civil case that may be brought against the driver. In a criminal matter, a person is accused of a crime and, if convicted, can be sentenced to jail or probation. Sometimes monetary fines and restitution are imposed on the guilty party.
However, the outcome of a criminal matter is often not relevant to a civil matter that could be brought against the person committing the wrongful act. A person who drives drunk commits a crime, but if that person also injures or kills another person while driving drunk, he or she may face civil liability in addition to criminal charges.
In a civil case, a person’s actions are not judged on whether they were illegal, but instead on whether they constituted negligence, reckless or malicious behavior, or other fault. If those actions are found to constitute fault, and if those actions caused injury to another person, then the wrongful actor may be held liable to the injured party for the payment of money to compensate for the injuries and other damages caused.
How a Car Accident Injury Lawyer Can Help
Drivers or passengers who are injured in car accidents caused by the negligence of another driver, whether that driver was speeding or is otherwise at fault, may be entitled to compensation for damages resulting from their injuries, including:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of income or ability to work
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish resulting from an injury
The families of those killed may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
The Time You Have to Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information about your options after an auto accident, contact Attorney Group. You can fill out the form on this page or contact us by phone or email.
After you contact us, a car accident injury lawyer will follow up to answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
