Motorists driving drunk in Rhode Island and Providence Plantations often cause serious injuries and take human lives in senseless acts of recklessness. Even with increased driving enforcement, anti-drunk driving campaigns and public awareness, intoxicated drivers in RI continue to be a serious problem. Most victims of a drunk driver faces extensive hospitalization, medical care, physical therapy and rehabilitation. In many incidences, the injured victim suffers permanent or temporary disability. The lost time away from work often creates a financial strain on the family dynamic as the victim attempts to recover from their injuries.

Drunk driving accidents can result in serious injuries and fatalities

Yes, it is unfortunately true that drunk driving accidents can result in serious injuries and fatalities. Driving under the influence of alcohol impairs a person’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Alcohol affects judgment, coordination, and reaction times, making it extremely dangerous for individuals to drive while intoxicated.

Accidents involving drunk driving can lead to severe consequences such as:

1. Injuries: The impaired driver is at an increased risk of causing accidents that can result in injuries to themselves, passengers, pedestrians, and occupants of other vehicles involved. These injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to more severe conditions such as fractures, spinal injuries, or traumatic brain injuries.
2. Fatalities: Perhaps the most tragic consequence of drunk driving accidents is the loss of human lives. Intoxicated drivers are more likely to be involved in high-speed collisions and other dangerous situations that can lead to fatal outcomes.
3. Psychological Impact: Survivors of drunk driving accidents, as well as the families and friends of those affected, often experience significant psychological trauma. The emotional toll can be long-lasting and may include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
4. Legal Consequences: Driving under the influence is a criminal offense in many jurisdictions. Offenders may face legal consequences such as fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and even imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense.

Efforts to combat drunk driving include public awareness campaigns, strict law enforcement, and legal consequences to deter individuals from getting behind the wheel while impaired. Additionally, technological advancements, such as ignition interlock devices, are sometimes used to prevent individuals with alcohol in their system from starting their vehicles.

It is crucial for individuals to understand the risks associated with drunk driving and to make responsible choices to protect themselves and others on the road. Designated drivers, public transportation, rideshare services, or alternative transportation options can be utilized to ensure a safe journey when alcohol consumption is involved. DWI (driving while intoxicated) and DUI (driving under the influence) are legal terms associated with alcohol-related behavior while operating any moving vehicle. Many impaired motorists  in Providence, Central Falls, Woonsocket and Bristol are repeat offenders that habitually wreak havoc on our roadways. While a drunk driver can be held criminally responsible for their behavior, they can also face civil action by the victim suffering injuries or surviving family members of a loved one who has died from the accident.

A Negligence Action in Kent County Superior Court

The cause of a Cranston, Warwick or Johnston accident by an individual operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other substance is considered a negligent act. Because of that, any victims or surviving family members of the deceased victims usually has the right to file a claim or lawsuit for compensation against the irresponsible drunk driver. The victim does not need to wait for the conclusion of a criminal trial before pursuing civil action against the driver who caused their injuries. In fact, a conviction of drunk driving in Rhode Island is not necessary to file a civil claim.

In many cases, other individuals might also be at fault for the crash / collision. A  R I personal injury attorney who specializes in drunk driving accident cases might file a claim or lawsuit against additional third parties including:

• Restaurant/Bar Staff, Management and Owners – Under the state’s dram shop liability laws, a restaurant or bar selling liquor might also be responsible for causing the drunk driving accident if it can be proven that the establishment served alcohol to an obviously drunk patron who later caused an accident

• Party Hosts – If the drunk driver was previously a guest at a social event hosted at any venue and was served additional alcohol after displaying obvious signs of drunkenness, the party host might be held legally liable for compensation

In many incidences, the victims suffer serious injuries that include fractures and broken bones, deep bruising, lacerations, brain injury, severed spinal cords, and even death.

Hiring a Providence car accident Attorney

Vehicle accident claims  in Rhode Island  and Providence Plantations involving drunk drivers can be complex. A successful conclusion obtaining compensation often requires the skills of an experienced alcohol-related accident attorney. A RI negligence lawyer can investigate the accident and determine all contributing factors including where the negligent motorist might have consumed excessive alcohol before causing the collision. The East Providence law firm will usually assemble an investigative team to compile raw data from eyewitness accounts, evidence from the scene, police reports and other sources. The attorney will evaluate the driver’s BAC (blood alcohol content) to determine the extent of their impairment when operating a vehicle.

As the winter holiday season is here, so will be the calendars full of gatherings, parties, and similar events with family, friends, and coworkers. While this time should be celebratory and enjoyable, too many individuals have their holiday season marred by injury in auto accidents. Many of these collisions are, unfortunately, completely preventable as they are caused by drunk drivers.

Roads can be deadly on holidays in Rhode Island

Many holiday revelers make the decision to get behind the wheel of a car after they have had too much to drink at a party or gathering. Driving while impaired by alcohol is extremely dangerous as drivers can lose their ability to adequately control their vehicle and to judge road and traffic conditions. The following behaviors are common in drunk drivers:

• Swerving in and out of a designated lane;
• Driving without headlights;
• Driving too fast or too slow;
• Sudden braking or failure to notice the need to stop;
• Driving the wrong way down a one-way street or highway;
• Failing to obey traffic signals.

All of these can easily lead to devastating  RI car collisions and injuries.

Law enforcement cannot prevent all drunk driving in Providence

Driving under the influence (DUI)1 is against Florida law and Rhode Island law and law enforcement departments tend to ramp up efforts to prevent and stop drunk drivers around the holidays. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a nationwide campaign called “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,”2 which is meant to increase enforcement and deter individuals from driving drunk. This campaign focuses on holidays, including the period from December 15th through New Year’s Day.

Even with sobriety checkpoints and educational efforts, thousands of drunk drivers go undetected each day and continue to cause serious and often fatal injuries around the holidays. These drunk drivers in Rhode Island should be held fully accountable and all victims of these  RI auto accidents deserve full compensation for all of their injury-related losses. Recovery in a civil claim is separate from any criminal charge a drunk driver may face, however, so any victims should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

If you were injured in a Rhode Island car accident, call a Rhode Island car accident lawyer or personal injury attorney in Rhode Island. A Rhode Island car accident lawyer or RI personal injury attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Much of the information associated with the drunk driving case can be extremely time sensitive. Maintaining evidence and contact with eyewitnesses can make the difference in obtaining the highest level of compensation for the injuries endured in the vehicular wreck. If you, or loved one, have been the victim of a DUI accident, you might be eligible to receive compensation for your injury and any other associated expense that cannot be recovered through insurance. A skilled Woonsocket  attorney can protect your rights and seek compensatory and punitive damages from the drunk driver who caused the crash.