I Was Hit By a Drunk Driver in Albuquerque, Am I Entitled To Compensation? 

Any car accident is stressful and dangerous, but being hit by a drunk driver can be especially distressing. Despite numerous initiatives put forth by various organizations, drunk driving remains a persistent threat to our roadways.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than a quarter of all traffic-related deaths are in some way connected to alcohol impairment. According to the CDC, a whopping 29 people die every single day because of alcohol-related car accidents, and 800 more are injured. The impact of drunk driving on the well-being of families, the economy, and our roadways is incomprehensible. 

If you were injured in a car accident by a drunk driver, be aware that you are likely entitled to compensation under the law. Get in touch with the Law Office of Brian K Branch today to see what your legal options are. Branch’s firm is a seasoned New Mexico auto accident lawyer that knows how to maximize compensation for their clients.

What are the laws on drunk driving? 

A driver is considered drunk when their blood alcohol level is .08% or higher unless they are under the age of 21. In this case, the limit is .02%. Drivers of commercial vehicles are considered drunk when their blood alcohol level is above 0.04%.

Anyone who refuses to take a breathalyzer test upon request faces a one-year driver’s license suspension. Should a driver wish to dispute this penalty, they have to book a hearing within ten days of getting their license suspended.

If someone causes an accident when their blood alcohol level is 0.16% or higher, then this is considered an aggravated DWI. This results in jail sentences and fines that depend on how many times the person has committed that crime in the past.

Who’s liable for my injuries? 

Generally speaking, a drunk driver is 100% responsible for any damages and injuries they have caused. The costs of damages will usually come out of their insurance policy unless criminal charges are laid. In situations of severe negligence, such as drunk driving causing death, the driver may end up facing vehicular manslaughter charges. 

Regardless of whether you are filing a lawsuit or an insurance claim, an experienced auto accident and personal injury lawyer is essential for the negotiation process as well as any bureaucratic formalities. 

You may receive compensation for: 

• Medical costs
• Damage to your vehicle
• Loss of wages
• Punitive damages, for example, pain and suffering or mental anguish. 

Are you suffering from injuries caused by a drunk driver? 

Get the compensation you deserve by contacting the Law Office of Brian K Branch. With Branch’s firm on your side, you don’t have to worry about being left behind by the legal system.

The Law Office of Brian K Branch

715 Marquette Ave. NW

Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102

Tel: 505.764.9710

Toll Free: 888.972.1212

Fax: 505.764.9722