“Driving under the influence”, or “Driving while intoxicated”, is the term for alcohol-related driving behavior. It is responsible for nearly 1/3 of all traffic deaths in this country. Many of these impaired drivers are repeat offenders and all can cause a heavy burden of death and/or injury to themselves and to innocent drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

Anyone who causes an accident while driving under the influence of alcohol or another substance is considered negligent. Unfortunately, this is of little comfort to someone who has sustained injuries or lost a loved one in an alcohol-related accident. The driver convicted of DUI has the liability to pay for all damages, but may not be the only person considered negligent or liable. Those who provided the alcohol may also be considered negligent and liable for damages. Many states have laws which impose liability on bars, clubs, restaurants, or hotels which supply liquor improperly. In such cases, a business is expected to exercise due care and not to serve anyone who is obviously drunk. Even someone outside of such a business may incur liability for supplying liquor to a driver who subsequently had an accident, injuring or killing others. The host of a party may be liable in some states if he continues to allow a guest to imbibe after it is obvious the guest is under the influence.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury as a result of a DUI/DWI accident, call O'Neill Kellner & Green at 802-865-4700 or click here to submit an online questionnaire. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to handle your case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary recovery of funds. In many cases a lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations so please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.

More Information Personal Injury Damages Negligence Overview Comparative and Contributory Negligence	Resources National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Alcohol in General The Problem with Driving Drunk or Drugged Alcohol: Administrative License Suspension Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Alcohol: Deterrence and Enforcement
Drunk Driving Organizations Century Council MADD On-Line National Group Rides and Designated Drivers Auto Safety Group Business Against Drunk Drivers National Commission Against Drunk Driving Alcoholics Anonymous Center of Alcohol Studies at Rutgers The Campaign for Alcohol Free Kids Prevention online Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Center for Injury Prevention Policy and Practice