Richmond Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
Despite decades of research, public awareness campaigns, tough laws and zealous law enforcement, drunk driving remains a significant problem on our roads, leading to tragic accidents and devastating personal injuries. Drunk driving is responsible for around 10,000 deaths nationwide every year, including hundreds of fatalities in Virginia. Thousands more are seriously injured in non-fatal yet nonetheless devastating crashes with drunk drivers.
At Latham & Martin, our committed team of personal injury lawyers in Richmond, Virginia, is dedicated to pursuing justice for victims of drunk driving accidents in and around Central Virginia, including Henrico, Hanover, Chesterfield, Petersburg, Hopewell, and Colonial Heights. Below is an overview of the dangers of drunk driving and the legal remedies available to those affected in Virginia. If you have been injured in a crash with a drunk driver, or if you lost a beloved family member to one of these preventable tragedies, call Latham & Martin for help from our team of experienced and dedicated Richmond drunk driving car accident lawyers.
The Dangers of Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is a perilous act that often leads to fatal consequences. Alcohol impairs a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely, affecting reaction times, coordination, and judgment. This reckless behavior can result in:
- Severe Personal Injury: Collisions caused by drunk drivers often result in life-altering injuries.
- Wrongful Death: Fatal accidents are a grim reality when alcohol is involved.
- Criminal Consequences: Drunk drivers face significant legal penalties.
Virginia Drinking and Driving Laws
In Virginia, laws are strict concerning drinking and driving. Here are key provisions:
- Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC): It’s illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.08% or higher for individuals over 21. For drivers under 21, the limit is 0.02%.
- Criminal Penalties: Convictions can lead to jail time, fines, and license suspension.
Drunk Driver Liability for Negligence
A drunk driver may be held responsible for negligence if they caused a crash. The experienced personal injury lawyers at Latham & Martin work diligently to prove every necessary element of a negligence claim. These include:
- Duty of Care: The driver had a duty to operate the vehicle safely.
- Breach of Duty: Driving under the influence is a breach of that duty.
- Causation: The driver’s actions directly caused the accident.
- Damages: The victim suffered injuries or losses as a result.
How Latham & Martin Can Help
Proving drunk driving caused a crash requires skill and expertise. Latham & Martin’s dedicated team of personal injury lawyers can:
- Gather evidence, including police reports and witness testimonies. We work with experts as necessary to reconstruct the accident scene and prove how the accident happened.
- Work with you directly and provide personal support to make sure you are getting the care you need and that your case is being handled properly.
- Negotiate with insurance companies to secure fair compensation.
- Take the case to trial if necessary to get the best result. Our lawyers have trial experience and are willing to take appropriate cases to court.
Virginia’s Pure Contributory Negligence Law Can Impact Drunk Driving Car Accident Claims
In Virginia, if an injury victim’s own alcohol intoxication contributed to the accident, this fact could defeat their claim under the state’s strict doctrine of pure contributory negligence. However, just because a driver had alcohol in their system does not mean they caused a resulting crash. This goes for both drivers involved in an accident. At Latham & Martin, we are prepared to fight back as necessary against claims that our client was partly to blame for a collision while applying all our skills toward proving the other driver’s negligence. Our knowledgeable lawyers will meticulously review the evidence and strive to protect your rights.
Contact Latham & Martin for Help After a Richmond Drunk Driving Car Accident
Drunk driving accidents can lead to devastating personal injuries or even wrongful death. Understanding Virginia’s laws and the legal remedies available is essential for those affected. Latham & Martin’s dedicated team of personal injury lawyers in Richmond, Virginia, stands ready to assist you in navigating the complex legal landscape.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a drunk driving accident, contact Latham & Martin today. Our compassionate team will provide the guidance and representation you need to seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
