Drunk Driving Car Accidents

Skilled Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Helping Providence Residents

Approximately one in three traffic fatalities in the U.S. involve a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Rhode Island law considers drivers with a BAC of 0.08% or higher as alcohol-impaired, or driving while intoxicated (DWI). The state of Rhode Island, including Providence, takes a strict stance on drunk driving and a driver under the influence who causes serious injury or death to another is considered committing a felony. DUI is probably one of the most commonly committed crimes we see as drunk driving lawyers at Tapalian Law. We frequently hear of Providence drivers violating the drunk driving law, even well-respected members of the community. As personal injury lawyers, we see first-hand the implications the serious injuries or tragic deaths these drunk drivers can cause when they collide with another vehicle or pedestrian while driving drunk. Perhaps most tragic is that drunk driving accidents are completely preventable.

Providence Drunk Driving Crash Fatalities & Injuries

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has instituted various programs over the years such as “Drive Sober or Get Pull Over”, and “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving” with the goal of decreasing drunk driving accidents. At Tapalian Law, we know how traumatic it is being hit by a drunk driver or to have a family member or other loved one involved in an alcohol-related crash. According to the NHTSA, 28 people die in alcohol-related car crashes every day- one person every 51 minutes. While drunk driving casualties have decreased over the past three decades, they still claim more than 10,000 lives per year. Providence experienced one fatality in 2014 caused by drunk driving, down from three drunk driving related deaths in 2013. Motor vehicle occupants make up the largest group of those killed in crashes, followed by motorcyclists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. In addition to causing death, alcohol-related crashes can cause severe and life-long injuries for those who survive.

If a drunk driver is proven to be liable for a crash causing death or serious injury, not only can that driver face criminal penalties but they may also be subject to a civil lawsuit by the injured victim or the victim’s surviving family members. With the help of an experienced drunk driving injury lawyer, you can bring a civil lawsuit against the negligent person at fault for the accident. As drivers, we all must operate a motor vehicle with a “duty of care” meaning we have a responsibility to follow Rhode Island traffic laws and not harm others. If this “duty of care” is breached by operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content over 0.08%, one is considered impaired and in violation of the law. Once fault is established, such as the other driver being cited for impaired driving, your attorney will seek compensation for your accident related injuries including medical costs, missed wages, inability to work in the same capacity as prior to the accident leading to lost or decreased wages, and general loss of quality of life. When you have been hit by a drunk driver, seek out the expertise of skilled Providence drunk driving attorney David Tapalian.

Consult a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in the Providence Area

As drunk driving accident attorney’s, Tapalian Law has helped countless Rhode Island and Massachusetts clients recover damages from their auto accidents, including Providence residents. Losing a family member or other loved one due to the fault of a drunk driver is tragic and life-altering. The loss of a loved one is immeasurable and there is no amount of compensation that can bring them back. Recovering damages in a wrongful death lawsuit may assist in alleviating some of the stressors left behind by a sudden loss, such as funeral expenses, burial expenses, and living expenses formerly provided by the spouse, parent, or child. If your life has been negatively affected by a drunk driver, do not hesitate to contact Tapalian Law to see how we can help you. Highly experienced with the Rhode Island drunk driving laws, we offer a free case review and there are no fees involved until we win your case and you receive compensation. Contact us today at 401-552-5000 or complete our online form so we can begin helping you.