Cleveland Drunk Driving Victim Lawsuits
Each day in America 30 people die in alcohol involved motor vehicle accidents. That equates to one death about every hour. Numerous others are substantially injured in drunk driving accidents. Despite stricter laws and penalties for driving while impaired, many individuals still make the decision to get behind the wheel under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
If you or a loved one have been injured by a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol please contact us today by filling out the contact form on this page or by calling (440) 248-8811. We over free and confidential initial consultations, and contingency fees for claims involving drunk driving victims.
Employer Liability in Drunk Driving Cases
Sometimes employees elect to get behind the wheel after using alcohol, illegal drugs or prescription medications. For example, many over-the-road truck drivers use drugs and medications (prescription and non-prescription) to fight off fatigue and keep them awake. If an employer knew, or should have known, that their employee posed a risk of harm to the public by putting them on the roadway they can be liable under the legal doctrines of vicarious liability and respondeat superior.
Our Ohio drunk driving victim attorneys scrupulously review employment and public records in these situations to determine whether the employee has previously been convicted of drunk driving or tested positive on a prior drug test from the employer. We also review personnel files and driving logs to determine whether employer liability exists. There are numerous legal restrictions placed upon the drivers of certain vehicles. Our attorneys are well versed in these regulations.
Punitive Damages in Drunk Driving Cases
Drunk driving cases also can expose defendants to punitive damages under Ohio law. Once all of the insurance coverage has been exhausted we look to the collectability of individuals and companies in order to pursue punitive damages. The purpose of punitive damages is to punish a defendant for willful or wanton conduct. In Ohio, individuals are subject to punitive damages when they have consciously disregarded the safety of others.
If you or a loved one have been a victim of a drunk driving accident please contact us today, and LET US BE YOUR ADVOCATE!