| Massachusetts OUI (Operating Under the Influence) | | | | recover the full amount of your personal injuries, which |
| laws protect the public by making driving while | | | | may include time lost from work, long-term care, and |
| intoxicated a serious criminal offense. Motorists caught | | | | other expenses. It is important to keep in mind that |
| driving under the influence (DUI) face fines and possibly | | | | drunk drivers will most likely face fines as well as jail |
| criminal penalties. The more DUI offenses a | | | | time because of their negligence and may not be able |
| Massachusetts driver has, the more severe the | | | | to pay the full judgment that you are awarded. |
| penalties become. | | | | Massachusetts DUI Accidents: Determining Liability |
| Defining Driving Under the Influence | | | | A driver must be found legally responsible for the |
| Massachusetts OUI laws define driving under the | | | | Massachusetts drunk driving accident in order to be |
| influence as operating a motor vehicle with:o A blood | | | | made to pay compensation to the victim. The case |
| alcohol content of.08 or greater ORo A blood alcohol | | | | may be that other people-in addition to the driver-can |
| content of.02 or greater if the driver is under 21 ORo | | | | be held legally responsible for a drunk-driving victim's |
| Under the influence of intoxicating liquor, marijuana, | | | | injuries. |
| narcotic drugs, depressants, stimulants, or glue vapors. | | | | If the driver was served alcohol by someone who |
| Massachusetts OUI laws provide for fines, probation, | | | | knew the driver was already intoxicated, that person |
| possible jail time, and driver's license revocation for 1 | | | | could also be held liable to the accident victim and |
| year for first time offenders. Subsequent convictions | | | | therefore responsible for compensating the victim |
| can mean harsher penalties and could elevate the | | | | under Massachusetts law. This applies equally to |
| negligent driver to felony level charges. | | | | people in bars and restaurants as well as people at |
| Suing a Drunk Driver in Massachusetts | | | | parties and private gatherings. |
| Unfortunately, most victims of serious DUI accidents | | | | As a victim, it is important that you determine all |
| cannot afford to pay the difference between what | | | | responsible parties in order to maximize your recovery |
| auto insurance companies will provide and the total | | | | and ensure your expenses are covered. This is why it |
| amount of medical bills they will face. | | | | is so critical to make sure you do not sign any |
| As a victim of a Massachusetts DUI accident, it is your | | | | settlements with a representative of an insurance |
| right to sue the driver for negligence in civil court even | | | | company prior to speaking with your Massachusetts |
| while criminal charges are pending. You are entitled to | | | | personal injury attorney. |