What Kinds of Consequences Will Drunk Drivers Face After Causing Injuries?

A drunk driver who simply crashes into a lamp pole or a tree is one thing. A drunk driver who causes the injury or death of others is another matter altogether. Whether you’re dealing with injuries yourself or you’ve lost a loved one due to a drunk driving accident, you might be wondering what kind of consequences the negligent driver will face. Will they go to prison? Will they be forced to pay fines? These are important questions, as the outcome of this situation has a direct effect on whether you’ll have the strength to find closure and achieve a sense of justice.

Mississippi Drunk Driver Gets 25 Years in Prison

If you’re curious about the potential consequences a drunk driver might face in Mississippi, consider a recent example: On November 18th, it was reported that a defendant had been sentenced to 25 years in prison for an aggravated DUI that occurred back in 2018. This accident was particularly severe because it killed one individual and severely injured a second. The accident was caused after the drunk driver ran a red light while trying to evade an officer. The officer was apparently trying to pull him over at the time.

The officer continued the pursuit, but it soon became clear that the drunk driver posed a serious risk to the general public. In an effort to limit the recklessness of this individual’s driving, the officer stopped the pursuit. Unfortunately, the officer’s efforts to protect public safety by ceasing the pursuit were fruitless — as the drunk driver crashed into a shuttle bus soon afterward. The crash occurred at a speed of about 80 miles per hour, and the driver later recorded a BAC level of .09.

Is This Really Justice?

For the injured victim and the family member of the deceased victim, it must provide some sense of closure and justice to see the negligent driver put behind bars for so long. But is this really justice? Some might argue that having the driver imprisoned does not directly benefit the victims — but aside from potential punitive damages, this is the extent of what the criminal court is capable of.

But that’s not the only option. Victims can also pursue justice through the civil courts by filing personal injury lawsuits against those who caused their injuries or deceased family members. While no amount of money can change what happened, a settlement can allow you to cover your losses and move on with your life as best as possible.

Where Can I Find a Qualified Drunk Driving Attorney?

If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced drunk driving accident attorney in Mississippi, look no further than Ballard Law, PLLC. We know how important it is for accident victims to seek justice. Although the negligent driver may face criminal consequences, it’s also important to take legal action in the civil courts to ensure you have enough funds to cover your losses. You can receive compensation for missed wages, medical expenses, funeral costs, emotional distress, loss of consortium, and much more. Book your consultation today to get started.

Sources

1. https://www.magnoliastatelive.com/2022/11/18/mississippi-man-gets-25-year-prison-sentence-for-2018-dui-fatal-crash/

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