Personal Injury Claims Among Friends & Family: A Delicate Situation
Posted in: Ohio Personal Injury
KNR Legal Blog
Drinking and driving can lead to devastating consequences both for those operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) and for other motorists and pedestrians who may be injured or killed as a result of a drunk driver. According to the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS), hundreds of individuals are killed and thousands are injured every year as a result of alcohol-related crashes in Ohio.
At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, our experienced Ohio personal injury attorneys are all too familiar with the pain an alcohol-related accident can cause. We’ve helped numerous families recover compensation for their injuries. If you or a family member was injured in a drunk driving accident, contact KNR today at 1-800-HURT-NOW to find out how we can help you.
In the past seven months, Ohio has increased OVI enforcement. Compared with the same period from last year, Ohio’s OVI enforcement has increased by over 13 percent. This means that more drunk drivers are being charged with operating a vehicle under the influence; as a result, more drunk drivers are being taken off the road.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), year-to-date activity of OVI enforcement between January 1 and July 4 of this year was at 13,868 cases. That’s more than 13 percent higher than the 12,222 cases reported during the same period in 2015. These statistics are noteworthy because they suggest that the OSHP has stepped up its law enforcement practices by stopping more OVI drivers.
Drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol can cause irreversible damage to pedestrians, fellow motorists, and personal property. The fact that more OVI drivers are being stopped should translate into safer roadways for all.
Even as the OSHP steps up its OVI enforcement, it’s important to note that Ohio’s roadways can still be incredibly dangerous. According to the ODPS, over 12,000 alcohol-related crashes occurred last year with over 7,000 resulting in injury and nearly 350 resulting in fatalities. Although enforcement activity has increased, OVI drivers and alcohol-related crashes are still prevalent.
According to the ODPS’s publication, Ohio Traffic Crash Facts, most alcohol-related crashes occur between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 3:59 a.m. It’s imperative to be alert when driving after dusk and to reduce driving time after dark as much as possible.
At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, we’ve seen far too many families devastated by the effects of an alcohol-related accident. While we’re encouraged that the Ohio State Highway Patrol is increasing its OVI enforcement, we know that Ohio’s roadways can still be incredibly dangerous places.
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a drunk driver, call us at 1-800-HURT-NOW today. One of our experienced Ohio personal injury attorneys can meet with you to discuss your case through a free initial consultation.