iIf you think you think you can drink heavily all night and be okay to drive in the morning you may end up seriously injuring someone on your way to work. And if you are the bar or restaurant that served that drunk driver, you remain open to liability lawsuits. Worse than either of these is the result for innocent drivers who are caught in the ensuing accidents from “morning-after” drunk drivers.
Recently a court entered a $1.022 million award against a drunk driver who drove while still feeling the alcohol effects from the previous night’s heavy drinking. The defendant crossed over the center line hitting the plaintiff head-on and causing a life-altering Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The lawsuit was filed against the drunk driver, the night club where defendant DL had been drinking, and the owner of the car the drunk driver was driving.
When a person is sued and doesn’t respond, the Court can conduct a default proof hearing. On May 3, 2016, the Court did so against the drunk driver to determine damages sustained by the Plaintiff. On August 3, 2016 the Court entered an award in the amount of $975,000 plus pre-judgement interest which reflects a total judgement of $1.022 million. Plaintiff also settled her claim against night club for $725,000 and received $100,000 from the insurance carrier which insured the car in which the defendant was driving.
TBIs are very serious injuries sometimes requiring long term or lifetime treatment. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), car accidents, whether from drunk drivers or other negligent drivers, are the 2nd leading cause of brain injuries. If you or someone you know has suffered a brain injury in an accident it’s very important to find an experienced attorney to help you navigate the system and get reparation for your injury.
