Drunk driving is an American epidemic. According to a 2009 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report, approximately 11,773 people died in 2008 from drunk driving. In our state, 250 people died in alcohol-related fatalities in 2008.
Indiana’s “driving under the influence,” or “DUI” law stipulates that anyone who drives with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.10 percent or above can be convicted of a Class C misdemeanor. If you have a blood alcohol count of higher than 0.15 percent, you can be convicted of a Class A misdemeanor. Multiple convictions within five years lead to a Class D felony.
With any car accident, it is important to contact an experienced Indianapolis car accident lawyer right away. However, if one was intoxicated while operating the vehicle during the accident, the consequences can be very serious.
Types of Indiana Drunk Driving Offenses
The first kind of offense, known as a DUI, is based upon an officer’s assessment of a driver’s condition or behavior. For instance, if a driver fails a roadside sobriety test, he may be deemed DUI.
The second kind of statutory violation is known as “illegal per se,” meaning that anyone who drives a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or greater can be arrested and convicted for DUI, despite the fact the state statutes sets the limit as 0.10 percent.
Drunk drivers—as well as anyone who served drivers alcohol, such as a liquor store, bar, restaurant, or even a private host—can be held liable for property damage and personal injuries. This falls under Indiana’s dram shop statute of liability.
For a free legal consultation with a drunk driving accidents lawyer serving Indianapolis, call 317-636-7777
Building a Case Against a Drunk Driver
Suing a drunk driver and/or the host or establishment that provided the driver with alcohol can be a legally-complicated task. For a free consultation about the compensation potential for your injuries, call to discuss your case with Randy Sevenish.
Attorney Sevenish was a police officer prior to becoming a lawyer, and he has more than three decades of experience in the field. Learn more about our experienced team of personal injury attorneys ready to help you.
Call or text 317-636-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
