Drunk driving is a serious problem in Massachusetts and across the United States. Intoxicated drivers pose a serious threat to everyone else on the road. If you have been injured or someone close to you has been killed in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you may be able to sue the at-fault driver. At The Law Offices of Barry Feinstein & Affiliates, P.C., our skilled Massachusetts injury lawyers are committed to holding negligent parties accountable for the harm that they cause and obtaining justice and compensation for injured victims, as well as their families.
The Stats For Massachusetts
According to a MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) rating, Massachusetts ranks 36th in the nation for the number of drunk driving traffic fatalities. 31% of fatal auto accidents in the state are associated with drunk driving, and 119 individuals died as a result of driving under the influence in 2016. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention collected data over a longer period of time, noting that 1370 people died in Massachusetts vehicle accidents that involved a drunk driver between 2003 and 2012. While the national percentage of adults who reported driving after drinking too much over one thirty-day period in 2012 was 1.9, respondents from Massachusetts clocked in at 2.2%, a concerning result, given the number of people anticipated to be driving on state roads this holiday season.
Compensation for Drunk Driving Victims
While a drunk driver may face criminal charges, the civil court system in Massachusetts allows victims to make a financial recovery for injuries and damages caused by the drunk driver. Drunk driving accidents can lead to devastating, even deadly, accidents that can lead to serious harm and be very costly to deal with. Massachusetts law allows victims of such accidents to recover a wide range of damages for their injuries, including medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, property damage and compensation for any other arising from the accident. Victims of drunk driving accidents may also pursue punitive damages. These damages serve to punish the drunk driver for their destructive behavior and deter other drivers from engaging in the same behavior.
Time Frames for Auto Accident Cases
The filing deadline for personal injury lawsuits in Massachusetts is known as the statute of limitations. In the vast majority of personal injury cases, including civil claims for drunk driving accidents, a person has three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. If the injured party fails to take legal action within this time frame, he or she may be permanently barred from pursuing compensation for your injuries.
Seasoned Massachusetts Car Accident Lawyers
No one should get behind the wheel under the influence. If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver, you need a legal advocate by your side. We understand that dealing with a car accident can be stressful but you don’t have to deal with it alone. At The Law Offices of Barry Feinstein & Affiliates, P.C., our hard-working and diligent Massachusetts personal injury attorneys will help you secure the compensation you deserve for your harm. For a free initial consultation regarding your case, please call us at 1-800-262-9200 or reach us through our website.
More Blog Posts:
Chain-Reaction or Other Multi-Vehicle Accident in Massachusetts
