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Boston Drunk Driver Accident Lawyer
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is, by definition, negligent. The careless act of getting behind the wheel while impaired puts the driver’s, as well as others, lives at risk and can result in a fatal accident. If you have been in an accident, you may need a Boston drunk driving accident lawyer.
Why Drinking and Driving Causes Accidents
Drunk driving accidents are typically caused by the offending driver’s altered state. These alcohol-induced changes cause:
- Trouble focusing.
- A failure to brake or delay in doing so.
- Falling asleep at the wheel.
- Diminished visibility.
- Driving too slowly.
- Slow reaction time.
Drunk Driving Accident Statistics
Every day, about 30 people die in alcohol-related crashes resulting from the effect alcohol has on a person’s ability to drive safely. This amounts to 1 death every 50 or so minutes in the United States.
For example, in 2012, over 10,000 people were killed in alcohol-impaired accidents, accounting for nearly 1/3 of all traffic-related fatalities.
Dram Shop & Social Host Laws
At Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers, we know that people not at the scene of an accident may have contributed to the accident’s cause. Very importantly, you will need a firm that can identify all potential at-fault parties and their insurance providers.
In Massachusetts, the supplier of the alcohol can be held liable in the event they knew or should have known the consumer was a possible drunk driving risk.
The courts have very clearly stated that shop owners owe the public a duty to prevent drunk driving as a result of over-serving. Our Boston drunk driver accident lawyer can help you find the bar or restaurant that could be partially responsible for a drunk driving accident in the event they contributed to the accident’s cause.
Seeking Compensation After a Drunk Driving Accident
Although drunk drivers are liable for restitution in a criminal action, this amount will likely not be fully compensated. Victims and their families can seek civil damages in a proceeding separate from a criminal drunk driving case.
The drunk driver accident lawyers at Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers can help you navigate the civil claim process and ensure you are fairly compensated for your injury and loss.
Contact Our Drunk Driver Accident Lawyer
If you have suffered an injury from someone who was driving while intoxicated, our drunk driver accident lawyer might be able to help you. We offer free consultations. Contact us at Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers today for more information!