Indianapolis Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys

Drunk driving causes car crashes that unnecessarily take lives and put adults, teens, and children at risk of serious injuries or death (even when they’re wearing a seat belt). Tragic accidents that disrupt lives could be prevented if people do not get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol, but drunk driving crashes are common.

Victims and families of car accidents can seek compensation for accident-related expenses and lost opportunities.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, about one in three fatal crashes in the United States are caused by impaired driving.

In 2018, 83 Indiana drivers died in car crashes involving intoxicated drivers, and another 1,532 people were injured.

A drunk driving accident involving death accounted for 5% of all vehicular fatalities in 2018.

Although accidents caused by alcohol-impaired driving are preventable, the accidents and damage that they cause are irreversible.

Whether it’s one woman killed, three children with concussions, or five adults with traumatic injuries requiring lifelong treatments, no one should have to suffer from another person’s negligence.

There are severe consequences for the drivers involved, including jail, fines, and the cost of court.

Why Do Drunk Driving Crashes Occur?

Impaired driving is so dangerous because alcohol dampens the senses and the brain’s and body’s ability to react, focus, and process.

Drivers often don’t realize they are about to collide with another car, such as a Nissan Pathfinder, or object until it’s too late.

Impaired drivers who get behind the wheel may:

• Fall asleep at the wheel.
• Fail to notice red lights, stop signs, and other indicators.
• Drive too fast.
• Driving southbound in northbound lanes.
• Drift into another lane.

When Are Alcohol-Impaired Drivers More Prevalent?

When guests leave a party, they are more likely to get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol during holidays, drinking events, and vacations.

Even though it’s easy to take a taxi until the person’s system has processed the alcohol, people of all ages still choose poorly.

AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that 31% of fatal crashes involving drivers under the influence of alcohol occur on weekends between 12 a.m. and 3 a.m.

What Does Intoxicated Driving Look Like?

Many behaviors could indicate that a driver has had too much to drink. Drivers of all ages often fail to maintain lane position, for example, and move between lanes haphazardly.

Other common signs that indicate a drunk driver include:

• Weaving in and out of traffic.
• Making a wide radius when turning.
• Tailgating.
• Erratic signaling.
• Not using headlights.
• Hugging the center of the road or shoulder.

Drivers’ behavior and atypical operation of their automobiles could indicate that they are intoxicated.

If you noticed any abnormal driving before the accident, tell the police and your attorney.

What To Do If You’ve Spotted a Drunk Driver

If you believe a drunk driver is operating an automobile, keep a safe distance away and pull over when you can.

Contact law enforcement officers immediately to describe the vehicle, location, and other details you can share. Remember, intoxicated drivers being pulled over saves lives.

If you left the scene without contacting the police or gathering information, immediately return to the accident site and begin collecting evidence.

Signs of Intoxication Following Accidents or Drunk Driving Deaths

Following an accident, sure signs could reveal a driver’s intoxication. A strong odor of alcohol, discarded beer, wine, or proof of other substances could indicate intoxication.

Drivers who have trouble balancing or standing up straight and speaking with slurred speech could also be intoxicated.

Drunk individuals might also exhibit signs of impairment by having difficulty concentrating or staying awake.

Contact us at 317-401-8626 today to seek compensation for adults, teens, and children whose lives were disrupted by another person choosing drunk driving.

What to Do at the Scene If You Are Injured in a Drunk Driving Accident

If you’re the victim of a crash caused by a person under the influence of alcohol, you can take steps to protect your rights.

Safety comes first. If possible, move your vehicle, such as a Nissan Pathfinder, to the side of the road. Then, address any injuries until emergency services arrive.

An impaired driver may not be in a state to provide information, or the impaired driver may try to flee the scene to avoid a DUI charge.

If your injuries appear minor, stay at the scene and call for or request immediate medical assistance.

Call the police to make an accident report. Reporting an accident also creates an official record, which can be used for filing a compensation claim.

A police report provides an unbiased, third-party account of the accident, which is critical during settlement negotiations.

If possible, take photos of any vehicle damage, road conditions, injuries, and surroundings. If there were eyewitnesses, obtain their contact information.

Also, exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance information with the other driver.

Contact a Crossen Lawyer today to discuss your case by calling 317-401-8626.

Evidence Needed to Prove the At-Fault Party Chose to Drink and Drive

Examples of evidence your legal team will collect include:

• The driver’s breathalyzer, blood test, and urine test (called blood alcohol concentration).
• Police or surveillance video of the accident.
• Photos of the accident scene and vehicles involved.
• Witness statements.
• Police reports.
• Criminal court records.
• The driver’s medical records.
• Your medical records.

It is essential to gather all evidence to prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident due to intoxication.

If blood is taken to analyze for alcohol content after time has passed, the driver’s blood-alcohol level might have fallen below the legal BAC limit.

If you and your passengers, for example, two or three children, were injured or if your loved one died due to a collision caused by an intoxicated driver, call us today at 317-401-8626 for a free case evaluation.

Who Can Be Held Responsible in a Drunk Driving Accident?

Alcohol and other drugs impair a driver’s ability to control their vehicle, make judgments, and react to road conditions. In Indiana, if a driver fails to be in control of their vehicle at any point, they are negligent and face legal consequences.

If a driver is arrested, it becomes evidence to prove fault and liability. However, criminal cases do not recover damages for people injured in a crash caused by a drunk driver.

A separate personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit is required to obtain compensation.

Indiana Drunk Driving FAQs

• What is the blood alcohol concentration reading needed to be classified as drunk?
  Drivers who have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher are intoxicated and can be punished.
• How are victims of motor vehicle crashes caused by drunk drivers compensated?
  Victims must seek compensation through civil claims, as criminal convictions do not cover damages.
• What are the legal penalties for impaired driving?
  Legal penalties include misdemeanor or felony charges, fines, license suspension, and possible jail time.
• Does a driver have to be arrested for DUI to support a civil case?
  Arrest for DUI helps in civil cases, but evidence of drinking can suffice for claims.
• What can drunk driving case compensation cover?
  Compensation may cover medical expenses, the cost of lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
• What other types of injuries can result from drunk driving accidents?
  Drunk driving can cause severe injuries, including brain and spinal injuries, fractures, and sometimes death.
• Can a lawyer help after a drunk driving crash?
  While claims related to intoxicated driving can often be settled outside of court, it’s wise to include an Indiana attorney with experience dealing with drunk driving crashes. You must file your claim within two years of the crash date.
• Where can I read more statistics on alcohol-related accidents?
  The Centers for Disease Control and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offer comprehensive data.
• What strategies are in place to reduce drunk driving deaths?
  Strategies include sobriety checkpoints, ignition interlocks, and national educational campaigns to reduce drunk driving accidents and injury. Each man, woman, or child who can be spared is worth the effort and cost of these strategies.
• What are dram shop laws?
  Those who furnish alcohol to adults and young drivers increase the risk for those on the road and may be held responsible for drunk driving accidents. Contact a lawyer today to see who can be penalized for serving alcohol-impaired drivers, children, and teen drivers.

The Crossen Law Firm Is Here to Help

If you are hurt in a drunk driving accident, let an experienced legal team fight for you. A Crossen drunk driving accident attorney will help negotiate a settlement for any man, woman, teens, and children who’ve been injured or died due to negligence.

The Crossen law firm’s legal team will help you navigate the complex recovery process following any automobile accident. Contact us today at 317-401-8626 for a free case evaluation.