Driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI) are criminal offenses associated with operating a motor vehicle while blood alcohol levels meet or exceed legal limits. Depending on the jurisdiction, the offense is referred to in one of these interchangeable terms. Currently the national blood alcohol content limit is 0.08%.
Many drivers are charged with a DUI or DWI during a routine traffic stop. If an officer suspects the driver is intoxicated, field sobriety tests or a breathalyzer is requested. There are well over a million drunk driving arrests nationwide every year. Over a third of all accident fatalities involved someone who was under the influence while operating a motor vehicle. If convicted, a driver is subject to minimum fines, jail time and other restrictions, such as license suspension or revocation.
If you are injured by a drunk driver, you may be able to collect not only compensatory damages, i.e., those that compensate you for your medical bills, wage loss, and pain and suffering, but also punitive damages. If the blood alcohol level of the person who caused your accident is over 0.15%, then these damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and send a message to others not to drink and drive.
Did you know?
- Drunk driving is believed to cause one out of every three traffic fatalities.
- Every minute someone is injured from an alcohol-related accident.
- A drunk driving charge, when all is said and done, can cost close to $10,000.
When you are the victim of a drunk driving accident, speak with an experienced attorney. Their guidance and advice will help you best understand the options available in your case.
Contact Emroch & Kilduff’s Attorneys Now
If you suffer from injuries due to the fault of another person or company, contact Emroch & Kilduff or call us at (804) 358-1568 for a free consultation. Our team of experienced injury attorneys can help you understand your options.
Do not hesitate to contact us, or visit one of our offices in Richmond or Tappahannock for a consultation with an experienced accident injury attorney.