Ordinarily, drinking to get drunk is not a good thing to do. But in this age and time, there is a high rise of alcoholic intake in the world; most especially amongst the youth.; and we see people drinking excessive alcohol to the extent of passing out.
As if drinking and getting drunk is not disastrous enough, most of these drunk people end up getting behind the wheels of their vehicles; and before you know it, they are crashing into people, objects and landed properties.
Drinking to the point of intoxication is generally seen as an irresponsible choice, and this concern has become increasingly relevant in today’s society, particularly among the youth. The prevalence of excessive alcohol consumption has risen significantly, leading to alarming instances where individuals drink so much that they lose consciousness.
The consequences of excessive drinking extend far beyond the personal health risks associated with alcohol abuse. A particularly dangerous outcome is when intoxicated individuals decide to operate a vehicle. This reckless behavior can result in severe accidents, where drivers lose control of their vehicles and crash into people, objects, or property.
The damages caused by drinking and driving are multifaceted. Not only do they pose a threat to the safety of the intoxicated driver, but they also endanger the lives of other road users. These incidents can lead to injuries, fatalities, and extensive property damage, creating a ripple effect that impacts victims, families, and communities. The societal implications of drinking and driving are profound, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and education regarding the dangers of combining alcohol consumption with driving. Such understanding can help in reducing the occurrence of these tragic incidents and promote safer behaviors on the road.
When any of these collisions happen; most especially a crash against property i.e. property damage, there are lots of things that can happen to the drunk drivers and perhaps the owner of the property, such as:
- Criminal charges and persecution
Damages and injuries caused by drunk drivers can bring about legal suits against the drunk driver. For damage done to properties for instance, the drunk driver might be incarcerated for a few days, their driver’s license can be suspended or be made to pay a bond before they are released.
When a drunk driver causes damages and injuries, it often leads to legal actions against them. Victims of such incidents have the right to file lawsuits seeking compensation for the harm they have suffered. In cases where property damage occurs, the consequences for the drunk driver can be significant. They may face incarceration for a certain period, depending on the severity of the incident and the laws in place.
Additionally, the driver’s license may be suspended as part of the legal repercussions. This suspension serves as a punitive measure, reflecting the seriousness of driving under the influence. In some cases, the driver might also be required to pay a bond to secure their release from custody. The legal system aims to hold individuals accountable for their actions, especially when those actions jeopardize the safety and well-being of others. These legal consequences are intended not only to punish the offender but also to deter future occurrences of drunk driving, thereby promoting safer road conditions for everyone.
- Pay for damages
The second penalty levied against drunk drivers involved in property damages is that they pay for the damages caused. This is where things can get dicey for the property owner, as there are so many factors that would determine if the property owner would be paid or not.
Drunk drivers who cause property damage face the penalty of having to pay for the damages they have incurred. However, this situation can become complicated for the property owner seeking compensation. Several factors come into play that can influence whether the property owner will receive payment for the damages.
For instance, the extent of insurance coverage held by the drunk driver can significantly impact the outcome. If the driver has sufficient insurance, the property owner may be able to file a claim to recover their losses. However, if the driver is uninsured or underinsured, the property owner might find it challenging to obtain the necessary compensation. Additionally, legal proceedings may be involved, which can further complicate the process and delay payment.
The circumstances surrounding the incident, such as whether the driver was found at fault and the nature of the damages, also play a crucial role. As a result, property owners may experience uncertainty regarding their ability to receive compensation, making the aftermath of such incidents particularly stressful and complex.
One factor includes a property damage claim and evidence to back it up. This means that you have to watch and maybe record the driver to ascertain that he was truly under the influence of alcohol when he/she crashed into your property. Also, you have to take a pictorial note of the location of the crash, to further buttress your claims.
Another factor that can help the claim of a property owner is if the state where the collision happened, has a law that backs up financial punishment for reckless drunk drivers if the state has one, it becomes easier and possible for the property owner to get his/her financial compensation without stress.
Besides, the drunk driver’s insurance policy and company are other factors that determine if the property owner will be paid or not. If the driver doesn’t have an insurance policy, it might be very difficult for the property owner to get the befitting financial settlement.
But if the driver has an insurance policy, it is easy for the property owner to get a financial settlement. Mind you, there are shady insurance companies that might not want to award the property owner a fair settlement; hence the property owner must hire the services of an attorney to help them get what is rightfully theirs.
Although, property collision as a result of drunk driving cannot be classified as an intentional act; but regardless of that, according to the DUI (Driving Under Influence) laws; property damage based on DUI is seen as a criminal act that should be addressed legally, to teach the perpetrator a big lesson, and also teach others not to engage in drinking and driving.
