“L.G.” retained Stephenson to pursue a personal injury claim against the driver a vehicle that failed to stop at a stop sign and ran directly into her path. Our client received injuries to both her right and left foot and ankle resulting in numerous surgeries. Stephenson was able to negotiate a settlement in the amount of $500,000.
Drunk Driving Crashes in Indianapolis
Wrecks caused by drivers who are drunk or under the influence of drugs are one of the leading causes of death and injury on America’s roadways. Every year more than 10,000 fatalities occur in crashes where the driver’s blood alcohol level exceeded the legal limit.
In Indiana alone, drunk drivers kill almost 1,000 Hoosiers each year.
It is clear that when drivers decide to get behind the wheel after having too much to drink, they put everyone on the road at risk. Drunk Driving accident victims are not nameless or faceless. They are our mothers, fathers, siblings and best friends. Take, for example, the case of our client, “B.K.”…
DRAM SHOP CLAIM IN A HEAD-ON CAR ACCIDENT
“B.K.” was driving on a two-lane road one Sunday afternoon with his mother in the front seat and his brother and sister-in-law in the back seat when his life was forever changed. B.K. was struck head-on by D.C.
D.C. had spent the day drinking with a friend and had stopped at a restaurant less than five miles from the point of the accident where D.C. had been served several drinks. D.C.’s blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit.
By Stephenson’s early involvement in the case, he was able to do a thorough investigation and obtain the names of witnesses that were not identified on the police report. These witnesses were able to identify the reckless driving of D.C. long before he ever hit B.K. In addition, other witnesses were able to identify the amount of alcohol that D.C. was served by ABC Restaurant.
As a result of the terrible car wreck, B.K. received devastating injuries, which included multiple broken bones, facial fractures, and loss of vision. B.K.’s mother, brother, and sister-in-law were all killed in the accident.
As one would anticipate, D.C. had virtually no insurance. Stephenson, through his thorough and detailed investigation, was able to prepare claims against the restaurant and those that provided the alcohol. Mike Stephenson pursued dram shop claims against those responsible that resulted in a settlement for a non-disclosed amount shortly after the lawsuit in the car accident case was filed.
Indiana has a “zero tolerance” policy for drivers under the age of 21.
We Have Zero Tolerance for Drunk Drivers of any Age. Period. But drivers are not the only parties that can be held liable. Negligent restaurant / bar owners, an irresponsible party host, a remiss parole or probation officer, and even careless police officers who release a still-intoxicated driver from custody can all be held liable.
When drivers choose to ignore the consequences of drinking and hurt someone as a result, they must be held accountable. Other parties who enable the illegal behavior are also responsible for the consequences of acting without regard for the safety of others.
A thorough investigation is necessary to fully piece together what happened and identify all individuals who played a contributory role in the crash. While the police department will conduct its own investigation, be aware that law enforcement is primarily concerned with criminality – not liability. Drunk drivers often face both criminal and civil penalties, and you need an investigative team working to secure the best possible outcome for you.
Indiana Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys
Helping Victims of Drunk Drivers in Indiana Since 1982.
In Indiana, driving under the influence (DUI) is more commonly known as operating while intoxicated (OWI). A person is legally intoxicated and may be arrested and charged with OWI if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is more than 0.08%. In fact, since 2002 it has been illegal in all 50 states to drive with a BAC that is 0.08% or higher.
If you are online researching the legal rights and resources available in the aftermath of a drunk driving crash, consider calling the attorneys at Stephenson Rife to talk about what happened — 317-680-2501.
You can be assured that our lawyers, and our financial resources, are willing to go the distance on your behalf. We offer free consultations, and there is no fee for any of our work if we don’t win your case. Contact Us.
Contact Stephenson Rife today by calling 317-680-2501 for a free legal consultation.