Being involved in a DUI accident in Columbus, OH, can be a life-altering experience. DUI accidents are known for leaving victims with significant injuries, emotional trauma, and expenses. If you or a loved one has been affected by a DUI accident in Columbus, Ohio, our experienced Columbus DUI accident lawyers can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Our Columbus DUI accident attorneys can guide you through every step of the legal process, from gathering evidence to negotiating settlements or representing you in court.
Contact Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers or call us at (614) 587-8423 to learn more about your legal options if you were injured in a car accident.
How Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Columbus DUI Accident
Our personal injury attorneys in Columbus bring 71 years of combined experience to auto accidents, including those involving drunk or impaired driving. Our team of recognized Ohio Super Lawyers has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for victims. This has been vital for clients facing injuries and other damages after an accident due to drunk or impaired driving.
Our Columbus car accident lawyers can manage all aspects of your DUI accident case, including:
- Initial consultations
- Investigating the role of drunk or impaired driving in your accident
- Gathering evidence to prove liability
- Interviewing witnesses
- Reviewing medical records
- Calculating damages for injuries, lost wages, or pain and suffering
- Filing insurance claims
- Negotiating DUI accident settlements
- Litigating DUI accident cases in Columbus
Contact Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Columbus DUI accident attorney if you or a loved one have been injured in a DUI accident in Columbus, Ohio.
How Common Are DUI Accidents in Ohio?
DUI accidents are a major concern in Ohio. From 2019 to 2021, there were nearly 40,000 accidents attributed to impaired driving. This resulted in over 2,000 deaths and almost 25,000 injuries. Each year, thousands are injured when drunk or impaired drivers get behind the wheel and injure other drivers, passengers, or pedestrians on roadways in Ohio.
We handle all types of car accidents in Ohio, including:
- Hazardous road conditions
- Speeding
- Hit & run accidents
- Failure to yield
- Distracted driving
- Tailgating
- Illegal lane changes
- Illegal or unsafe turns
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Racing through intersections
- Fatigued drivers
- Poor weather conditions
- and more
What Is Drunk Driving in Ohio?
Drunk driving is known as operating a vehicle impaired (OVI) in Ohio, and it is a serious offense. Drunk driving in Ohio is defined as operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher for drivers aged 21 and over. This limit is reduced to a BAC of 0.04 percent for commercial drivers and 0.02 percent for drivers under 21.
Ohio law also recognizes impairment by drugs and other substances. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal drugs, even if a driver’s BAC is below the legal limit. You can still be charged with an OVI if you are found to be under the influence of drugs or substances that impair your ability to operate a vehicle safely.
What Happens if I’m Injured and Another Driver Is Charged with Drunk Driving?
Establishing negligence is crucial to proving liability and securing potential compensation after an accident. Drivers convicted of OVI are generally automatically negligent under Ohio law. This is called negligence per se. Instead of proving a drunk driver was negligent, you will need to show that their conduct directly caused your injuries. This can make the process of proving liability more straightforward.
What Compensation May I Recover After A DUI Accident in Columbus, Ohio?
DUI accidents can result in injuries and other damages for which you may be entitled to compensation. The compensation that may be awarded after an accident varies with every case but generally comprises two types of damages: economic and non-economic.
A Columbus DUI accident lawyer may be able to help you recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses: Compensation for hospitalizations, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and other current or future medical expenses related to your DUI accident.
- Lost wages: Compensation for lost wages or diminished earnings from a DUI accident that affects your ability to work.
- Property damage: Compensation for repairing or replacing personal property damaged in your DUI accident.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for pain and suffering or emotional distress related to your DUI accident and injuries.
- Reduced quality of life: Compensation for DUI accident injuries that prevent you from living life independently or as you did before the accident.
A Columbus DUI accident lawyer can review your case to identify all potential forms of compensation that you may be entitled to.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a DUI Accident in Ohio?
You have limited time to file a personal injury lawsuit after a DUI accident. If you or a loved one have been injured, you generally have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. You will lose your right to pursue a lawsuit if you miss this deadline, so do not delay. Speaking with a Columbus DUI accident lawyer as soon as possible is recommended to protect your right to potential compensation.
Contact Our Columbus DUI Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Take steps to protect yourself after an accident involving a drunk or impaired driver in Columbus, OH. If you or a loved one has been injured, our Columbus DUI accident lawyers may be able to help you recover compensation for injuries and other damages. We understand the impact an accident can have on you and your family, but you do not need to pursue recovery on your own. Contact Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today to learn about your rights.
