New Hampshire Car Accident Involving a Driver Under the Influence Crashing Into Police Cruiser
May 17, 2022
Driving under the influence can lead to serious physical injuries, property damage, and fatalities, and it is not a risk that any driver should take. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 28 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes, which equates to one person every 52 minutes.
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or other substances substantially impairs thinking, reasoning, muscle coordination, and reaction time, which are necessary components of driving. Being under the influence while driving leads a driver to engage in reckless behavior such as speeding, swerving, running red lights, and crossing lanes without checking for obstacles around them.
For example, last month, WMUR Manchester reported on a crash that occurred on the Everett Turnpike in New Hampshire. A silver Ford Edge struck the back of a police cruiser after the driver veered into the right breakdown lane. Both the driver of the Ford Edge and the trooper were taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Ford Edge was charged with driving under the influence.
Individuals should avoid being under the influence and driving at all costs. If a person is aware that they will be under the influence, they should prepare an alternative way to travel in advance. This may include using a ridesharing app, riding public transportation, designating a sober driver, or getting a ride from a loved one. Even a small amount of alcohol or other substances can greatly affect a person’s ability to drive safely.
Injured persons in car accidents can pursue a personal injury or wrongful death claim after an accident by establishing that the other driver was negligent. Establishing negligence in personal injury cases where the other driver may have been under the influence involves four essential steps. First, the victim may attempt to show that the driver owed him or her a duty of care. Second, the victim may attempt to show that the other driver breached the duty of care. Third, the victim must show that such a breach of duty caused injuries. Fourth, the victim may argue that damages resulted from the accident. Navigating insurance companies, medical expenses, and New Hampshire tort law can be a tricky endeavor without the help of an experienced lawyer.
Have You Been Injured in a Car Accident?
Car accidents and injuries occur daily in New Hampshire as a result of driving while under the influence. An experienced attorney can help victims or the families of victims who are injured in these types of car accidents. The New England auto accident attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates are ready to assist and learn more about your case. Our firm has skilled negligence attorneys who have experience helping clients navigate complex issues that may arise in cases. Our attorneys have helped clients obtain damages after car accidents. In addition to car accident cases, our firm handles personal injury, wrongful death, negligence, and medical malpractice claims. Schedule a free initial consultation today by calling Peter Thompson & Associates at 1-800-804-2004