In Maine, operating under the influence (OUI) refers to drivers with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 30 people die in drunk driving accidents every day. These preventable deaths take a toll on victims, their families, and the community as a whole. Those who have suffered injuries or whose loved ones died because of a drunk, or impaired driver may be able to recover compensation for their damages.
Alcohol reduces brain function, including a person’s ability to effectively reason, think, and control their muscles. These abilities are critical to operating a vehicle safely, and any impairment can have disastrous consequences. An increase in a person’s alcohol level simultaneously negatively affects their central nervous system functioning. Even a tiny amount of alcohol can affect a person’s driving ability. Further, interactions between alcohol and other substances can increase impairment and the likelihood of an accident.
For instance, local news reports provided details regarding a multi-vehicle crash in Maine. According to Deputies, an SUV driver veered into the center line and slammed into a dump truck, a Hyundai, and then a Silverado. Emergency responders transported the SUV driver’s occupants and the Silverado driver to a local hospital for treatment. An investigation reveals that alcohol impairment and speed may contribute to the accident.
Maine’s criminal laws typically include victim restitution. However, not every drunk driving case makes its way through the criminal system, and if it does, restitution may not cover the extent of a person’s damages. After a drunk driving accident, Maine injury victims may seek damages from the at-fault driver. Damages in these cases may encompass:
- Emergency medical bills
- Surgery expenses
- Ongoing rehabilitation
- Lost wages and benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Burial and funeral expenses
After proving impairment, the victim must establish their damages. While this may seem straightforward, this stage requires a significant amount of evidentiary support. Some common forms of evidence include medical records, medical experts, economic analysts, investigators, forensic analysts, and vocational experts. Together these professionals can provide the judge or jury with an accurate picture of a victim’s losses. An experienced attorney can assist accident victims and their families in preparing and presenting a compelling and legally sound case.
Have You Experienced Injuries in a Drunk Driving Accident?
If you or someone you love has suffered serious injuries or died because of a negligent or drunk driver, contact the Maine car accident attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates. The lawyers at our firm understand the devastating impact of drunk driving accidents, and we work to ensure that victims and their families recover the damages the law entitles them. In addition, we handle Maine cases stemming from premises liability, defective products, dog bites, amusement park injuries, construction site incidents, and medical malpractice. Our attorneys have secured compensation for our clients related to their medical expenses, ongoing treatment, pain and suffering, and other losses. Contact our office at 800-804-2004 to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced attorney on our team.