What Percentage of Car Accidents Are Caused by Alcohol?

Recent statistics reveal that more than 55% of fatal car accidents in Canada are caused by impaired driving, per MADD Canada. According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), incidents of drunk driving in the country have been decreasing each year. However, the incidents of drug-impaired vehicle operations are increasing.

Driving under the influence is extremely dangerous. Every day, on average, four collisions caused by impaired drivers result in wrongful deaths. Survivors of these accidents may sustain severe, catastrophic injuries, which could impact the rest of their lives and the lives of their family members.

Establishing Fault in an Impaired Driving Accident

Since all road users have a duty of care to other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, when a driver gets behind the wheel under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or both, their behavior may be considered negligence. If this recklessness ends in a collision with another driver, the resulting damages can be devastating.

Auto insurance carriers generally use the Ontario Fault Determination Rules to decide to which degree or percentage each driver involved in an accident is responsible. According to these rules, if the driver who was primarily at-fault for the collision was under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or both at the time of the accident, they may be held accountable for the damages any victims incurred as a result of the accident.

Pursuing Compensation for Losses from a Drunk Driving Accident

If you sustained injuries in a car accident caused by an impaired driver, a drunk driving accident lawyer may be able to provide assistance by:

• Reviewing your eligibility to file a fault-based claim
• Pursuing compensation on your behalf
• Representing your case in court, if necessary
• Presenting evidence to establish liability

Call Preszler Injury Lawyers Today

If you were injured in a car accident caused by an impaired driver, Preszler Injury Lawyers may be able to help you seek accountability and financial restitution. To learn more about the legal options that may be available to you, call Preszler Injury Lawyers today at 1-800-JUSTICE for a free, initial consultation.