Injured in an Accident Caused by a Drunk Driver? — Your Rights in Ontario
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a significant safety concern in Ontario. Every year in Canada, more than 60,000 individuals are injured in impairment-related crashes. Driving under the influence can cause serious motor vehicle accidents and result in serious trauma, including brain injury, spinal cord damage, emotional trauma, and in serious cases, death.
If you have been harmed in an accident caused by a drunk driver, it is imperative that you know your rights. Drunk drivers who cause a wrongful death in Ontario may be charged criminally with impaired driving causing death. Additionally, family members of someone who has been killed by a drunk driver may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit to claim economic, as well as non-economic compensation.
One option that you have if you have been injured by a drunk driver is to file a lawsuit. Typically, there are different forms of damage remedies that may be available, including compensatory punitive damages.
- Compensatory damages are available for injuries and losses that occurred during the accident, including medical expenses, property damage, loss of wages, therapy, and the cost of medications.
- Punitive damages are intended to punish an individual for driving under the influence.
In addition to having to respond to a claim for damages, drunk drivers may also face criminal charges. Those who are convicted may lose their license, be fined, and even spend time in jail.
If you or are loved one has been injured by a drunk driver, our team of experienced personal injury lawyers can help to guide you through the process and provide you with the peace of mind that you deserve.
