Need an Injury Attorney for a DUI Accident in Vermont?
In Vermont, drunk driving is the largest cause of vehicle accidents. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs diminishes drivers’ mental and motor reactions. Driving under the influence significantly increases the risk of judgment often resulting in drivers committing costly errors resulting in injuries and in the worst cases, death. The Blood Alcohol Content limit is set at 0.08% for drivers over 21, 0.02% for those under 21, and 0.045% for commercial drivers. Are you a victim and have been injured in a DUI accident and need help seeking compensation?
Vermont’s Dram Shop Act
If you were injured in a car accident caused by an inebriated individual, you have the right of action against any person who caused in whole or in part of the intoxication by selling or supplying liquor to:
- A minor
- An individual apparentlyinebriated
- An individual after legal serving hours
- An individual whom it would be reasonable to expect would be inebriated a result of the amount of liquor served by the defendant to the individual.
If the DUI accident caused injuries or death of a loved one, you can bring a joint action against the inebriated driver, person or persons who provided the liquor, and the owner of the establishment who could be liable.
Recognizing Liable Parties
A number of parties may be responsible for the DUI accident. The intoxicated individual who was behind the wheel at the time of the accident is responsible for their behavior. However, the individual could have been at a bar or restaurant and it could be the employee who served the individuals fault for not recognizing the signs of intoxication. Or, the individual was at a party where alcohol was served and the host of the party provided the alcohol to the inebriated guest. Negligence falls onto the defendant’s breach of care that was owed to the victim or victims of the accident. Unfortunately, there is no easy answer in terms of liability since there could be several defendants in your case.
Steps Following a DUI Accident
In order to protect your rights and receive compensation, at the scene, you must obtain evidence. It is important to take photographs of the crash scene, the damaged vehicles, and any visible injuries. It is also crucial to follow up with the police and any witnesses. Following this, it is crucial that you obtain and keep records of your medical bills and lost wages. All of these steps are evidence that will demonstrate your innocence at hearings and trails so the inebriated driver will face prosecution.
If you have been injured in a DUI accident, you may have a claim for compensation. NeedanInjuryVermont will help investigate the accident. If you or a loved one was in a DUI accident and injured by an inebriated driver, we will do everything we can to help you get the compensation for your lost wages and medical bills.