Have you been injured in a DUI accident in Sandusky, Ohio? Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers can help when you call (419) 625-7770. We offer a free consultation with a Sandusky DUI accident lawyer so you can understand your options and take the next steps toward recovery.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 30% of all traffic fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers. In 2023 alone, 12,429 people lost their lives in alcohol-impaired crashes. Even non-fatal DUI accidents can leave victims with severe, lasting injuries that disrupt their lives in significant ways.
Why You Should Choose Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers After a Sandusky DUI Accident
Choosing Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers after a DUI accident in Sandusky, OH, means working with a team that brings deep experience and proven results to every case we handle. Our firm is proud to serve our community, and our commitment to clients is reflected in our achievements.
Here’s why you should choose us when you need help:
- Our attorneys have an incomparable 181 years of combined legal experience.
- We have successfully recovered over $100 million for our clients.
- Our attorneys have also been awarded awards and distinctions such as membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, inclusion in the Top 40 Under 40, and Super Lawyers recognition.
Our Sandusky personal injury attorneys can review your case, investigate the accident, and gather the evidence necessary to prove the other driver’s liability. Call us today for a free case review to learn more.
What Is Ohio’s Drunk Driving Law?
Anyone who operates a vehicle, streetcar, or trackless trolley in Ohio while under the influence of alcohol or drugs or operates any of the above with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or more commits the crime of operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI).
Being convicted of drunk driving in Ohio can result in jail time, fines, and other criminal penalties. Additionally, a drunk driver can be held civilly liable for the damages they cause in a car accident.
Ohio law also allows injured parties to hold bars and other servers of alcohol responsible for serving an intoxicated person alcohol or under other situations when that person causes injury.
How Alcohol Affects Driving Ability
Alcohol can have a significant impact on a person’s driving ability. The more alcohol a person has, the greater the impact. However, the NHTSA cautions that even a small amount of alcohol can negatively affect driving ability.
Some of the common effects of alcohol on driving include the following:
- Reduced brain function
- Impaired thinking and reasoning
- Decreased muscle coordination
- Delayed reactions
- Lowered inhibitions
These factors interfere with the physical requirements of driving and increase the likelihood of crashes.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Drunk Driving Accident?
In Ohio, accident victims may be able to recover compensation for their economic losses, which include:
- Medical bills for emergency medical treatment
- Ongoing medical care
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages and other forms of compensation
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
They can also recover for non-economic losses, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Reduced earning capacity
Injured parties can pursue punitive damages when they show that the defendant’s actions demonstrate malice or aggravated or egregious fraud.
What Is My DUI Accident Case Worth?
Every personal injury case is different. Factors that can affect your case include:
- The severity of your injuries, with cases involving serious injuries typically resulting in larger values
- The identity of the person responsible for your injuries
- Available insurance coverage
- Whether you contributed to the accident
An experienced car accident lawyer can help determine the full value of your claim after an extensive investigation.
How Is My Case Affected if I Contributed to the Accident?
Even if a drunk driver caused your crash, you could have still contributed to the accident if you violated other traffic rules or were not driving safely. Ohio’s modified comparative negligence system allows accident victims to recover compensation if they are less than 51% at fault.
However, even if you are less than 51% at fault, compensation is reduced by the portion of fault. If you are 51% or more at fault, you won’t be able to recover compensation at all.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Ohio?
Ohio’s personal injury statute of limitations generally requires accident victims to file a lawsuit within two years of the accident. If you don’t file your case within this limited timeframe, you can forfeit your right to recover compensation through the courts.
Protect your rights by contacting an experienced lawyer today.
Contact Our Sandusky DUI Accident Lawyers For a Free Consultation
If you were harmed due to someone else’s careless decision to drink and drive in Sandusky, OH, you shouldn’t have to pay the consequences. An experienced Sandusky DUI accident lawyer from Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call today for a free case evaluation and learn more about how we can help.