Driving under the influence, or DUI, is defined as a driver who makes the decision to operate their automobile under the influence of alcohol, illegal narcotics, or prescription medications.
Did you know that drunk drivers are responsible for approximately $20 billion in costs for injuries, deaths, and property damages in Canada each year?
Have you or someone you love been injured by a drunk driver?
At the law offices of Greg Monforton and Partners, our injury lawyers want to assist you if you have been injured or lost a loved one due to an individual driving under the influence and will fight for the justice you deserve.
Take control. To learn more, simply click “here” or call us toll free at (866) 320-4770 .
Filing a DUI Lawsuit
Filing an Ontario driving under the influence lawsuit may be an option for someone that has been injured in a car accident caused by someone driving under the influence, or the family of an individual killed by someone driving under the influence. There are typically different forms of damage lawsuits that may be filed in these instances.
Some damage lawsuits include:
Compensatory Damages
In most cases, compensatory damages are available to those involved in driving under the influence cases. As implied in the title, this type of compensation is usually available for damages that occurred during the accident. This may include: medical expenses, property damage, medication costs, loss of wages and therapy.
Dram Shop Laws
Dram shop laws apply to individuals that have been injured or killed as a result of an individual driving under the influence. In some cases, the driver may not be the only liable party involved. These cases also individuals to sue drinking establishments such as bars, liquor stores, restaurants, and clubs.
A drinking establishment may be held accountable if:
- A beverage was sold to a minor who injured or killed another individual.
- A beverage was sold to an individual who was clearly intoxicated, who then caused in injury or death to another individual.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are intended to punish an individual for driving under the influence. Punitive damages may be awarded to drivers with a high blood alcohol concentration or have illegal narcotics or prescription medications in their system.
If you have been involved in an accident with someone driving under the influence, it is important to note every detail leading up to the accident and document everything following the accident including: taking pictures, collecting witness information, collecting drivers information, and seeking necessary medical treatment.
Ontario DUI Injuries
Mothers Against Drunk Driving in Canada estimates that in 2010, there were roughly 63,821 car crash injuries caused by impaired drivers and approximately 210,932 damaging another persons property.
When an individual is drunk or taking drugs then decides to drive, it will affect the cerebellum, which controls the body’s motor functions. Thus, it will cause a driver to weave through traffic because of errors in the frontoparietal cortex, which is the area that transmits information involving the decision making process.
Of course, this may lead to many accidents, which usually lead to injuries, property damage, and on occasion death.
Some injuries caused by driving under the influence include:
- Back and neck damage
- Broken bones
- Concussion injuries
- Internal injuries
- Lacerations
- Loss of limb
- Nerve damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash injuries
- Wrist injuries
- Death
Transport Canada documented that alcohol use was a contributing factor in nearly 30% of deaths from car crashes between 2003 and 2005. In addition, around 30% of these drivers were between the age of 16 and 24. Of course, these types of accidents can be avoided by simply designating drivers, calling a taxi, using public transportation, or finding another alternative to driving.
Contact Our Ontario DUI Injury Lawyers
At the law offices of Greg Monforton and Partners, our Windsor lawyers believe that if you or a family member has been injured or killed in an car crash caused by someone driving under the influence, the victim may be entitled to compensation for their damages including: medical expenses, loss of wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
With an office conveniently located in Windsor, and together with affiliate relationships with law firms across Ontario, Canada, and the United States, we are able to serve as personal injury lawyers for all of those seeking justice in the court of law.
We are able to help those living in:
- Lakeshore
- Chatham-Kent
- London
- Kitchener
- Brampton
- Mississauga
- Toronto
- Markham
If you would like to learn more about our Ontario car accident Lawyers, or to schedule your free case evaluation, we welcome you to contact us at (866) 320-4770 where a member of our intake staff will take the details of your case and refer you to one of our experienced Lawyers ready to take your specific case.
To learn more, complete the Free Case Evaluation form on this page and we will contact you shortly after we receive your inquiry.
At the law offices of Greg Monforton & Partners, we are dedicated to the pursuit of justice. (866) 320-4770