Car accidents resulting from DUI may cause serious injuries

Six people were injured in a recent multi-vehicle crash that took place in Virginia. The motor vehicle collision was allegedly the result of a drunk driver. Fortunately, when injury-causing car accidents are the result of drunk driving, it is within the rights of the injured parties to seek to hold the drunk drivers accountable for their injuries in civil court.

The recent car accident took place at around 3 a.m.  According to authorities, the drunk driver was driving a car in the wrong direction along Interstate 495. Just a few seconds later, the driver reportedly hit a sport utility vehicle head-on.

The car then allegedly hit two other motor vehicles. Six people in all were injured as a result of the crash, with two of them being struck by another motor vehicle after they got out of their car, following the crash. These two individuals ended up suffering injuries deemed to be life-threatening, as a result. The alleged drunk driver now faces a DUI charge in connection with the accident.

The injury victims may choose to file personal injury claims against the alleged drunk driver, seeking the reimbursement of financial damages. If the driver ends up being convicted on his DUI charge, proof of this charge may be presented in a related civil court proceeding with the goal of establishing liability in the accident. A successfully fought claim might result in financial damages that may help with covering hospital costs and other losses stemming from such car accidents in Virginia.  Punitive damages are also another consideration when it comes to drunk driving accidents.  The Code of Virginia allows punitive damages in cases where a defendant’s BAC was 0.15% or above at the time of the accident.