Ohio has its fair share of drunk drivers. In fact, in 2018, there were 26,614 OVI arrests in the state, based on data from the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Drunk driving is a serious problem, not only for the intoxicated driver, but also the people around them. If they cause a collision, then others could be hurt or killed.
It is important to note that an OVI can include many kinds of intoxication. A driver who is affected by illicit drugs, alcohol or even prescription medications could be held accountable for driving while impaired.
What do you do if you lose a loved one in a drunk driving collision?
If you lose someone you love in a drunk driving crash, one of the most important things to do is to get the information showing that the other driver was intoxicated. This should be included in the police report, but there may also be a criminal case pending that you need to keep an eye on.
You should know that your family does not need to wait to file a wrongful death claim until after a criminal case is settled. However, if the other person is found guilty of driving while intoxicated, then it may help you get more compensation.
Those who drink and drive face harsh penalties in Ohio. However, someone who has been caught drinking and driving multiple times before may still be on the road. License suspensions don’t last forever, so if the person who struck you or your loved one has a history of drunk driving, this is definitely something to discuss with your attorney. That information may help you get more out of a settlement or support your claim if you have to go to trial.