Impaired driving continues to be one of the leading causes of injury and death in Canada. If you or a loved one was injured in a motor vehicle accident in Ontario involving a drunk driver, you may be wondering if you can hold the at-fault party accountable for their actions. Here’s an overview of what you should know.
Criminal charges
The Criminal Code of Canada stipulates that anyone convicted of an impaired driving offence is subject to mandatory penalties including heavy fines, driving prohibitions and jail time. The minimum penalty for impaired driving is a $1,000 fine, a one-year driving prohibition and a criminal record. However, if a person is convicted of an impaired driving offence that causes bodily harm or death, they could spend upward of 10 years in jail.
Suing the at-fault party
If you’re injured as a result of an impaired driver’s negligence, you’re entitled to sue the at-fault party to obtain compensation for your pain and expenses. This includes the costs of medical rehabilitation, lost income, specialized care and more.
Additionally, in some cases, the impaired driver might not be the only party at fault. Under dram shop law, the responsibility may also fall in part on a licensed establishment such as a bar, liquor store, restaurant or club. This is because businesses have a legal responsibility to not serve alcohol to people who are intoxicated. Consequently, an establishment can be sued if alcohol was sold to an inebriated individual who then caused the injury or death of another person.
In either case, hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer is the key to winning fair compensation. A legal professional can help you assess how to best approach your case. Although money won’t heal your injuries, it can help ease the economic burden they place on you and ensure you receive the care and support you need.
PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS IN SAULT STE. MARIE
If you or a loved one was involved in an impaired driving accident, you can turn to the personal injury lawyers at Feifel Gualazzi. We’ll carefully evaluate your case and help you understand the options available to you.
Our team of lawyers has extensive experience representing victims of drunk driving accidents and can handle the legal process of your case so you focus on your health and recovery. For a free consultation or to learn more about our legal services, contact us today.