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What You Need to Know About Ohio’s New Drunk Driving Bill


— May 12, 2022

On May 5th, it was reported that Rep. Diane Grendall had introduced a bill that would require DUI convicts to pay a form of child support to the surviving minor children of their families.


One of the worst possible outcomes of a DUI accident in Ohio is the death of an innocent motorist. But this situation becomes even worse when the family members of the deceased individual are left alone to fend for themselves without much in the way of financial support. Most state legislators simply shrug at this issue, but lawmakers in Ohio are taking action – and a new bill could force drunk drivers to support the surviving children of their victims. 

If you have been involved in a drunk driving accident or you have lost a loved one in one of these incidents, it makes sense to get in touch with a qualified attorney right away. But we know what you’re thinking – “Where can I find attorneys near me?” Here’s the good news: There are plenty of Toledo accident lawyers near you, and these legal professionals can guide you towards a positive outcome if you have lost a loved one in a DUI crash. While the government is taking steps in the right direction, you can’t rely on their actions alone to provide you with the necessary compensation to move on. For best results, you need to file a personal injury lawsuit with the help of a personal injury lawyer. 

The New Bill Explained

On May 5th, it was reported that Rep. Diane Grendall had introduced a bill that would require DUI convicts to pay a form of child support to the surviving minor children of their families1. In the same way as normal child support, these payments would continue until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school2. It should be noted that it would be impossible for a child to receive two forms of child support simultaneously. This is because if one parent is deceased, child support becomes impossible from a divorce context. In some cases, a DUI convict would “take the place” of a divorced parent who was previously paying child support.

Upclose shot of beer bottle cap that says, One beer later; image by Stefan Cosma, via Unsplash.com.
Upclose shot of beer bottle cap that says, One beer later; image by Stefan Cosma, via Unsplash.com.

Speaking about her bill, Grendall stated that:

“A parent is responsible for the education and upbringing of their child. When the parent is removed from the home because of an irresponsible and dangerous decision like driving drunk, someone needs to be responsible for the financial needs of the innocent children who lost their parent.”

Where Can I Find an Attorney Near Me?

If you’ve been searching for Toledo DUI or DWI accident lawyers, you should know that there are plenty of nearby legal professionals who can assist you with this matter. With their help, you can pursue fair, adequate compensation for everything your family has been forced to endure – whether you have experienced injuries yourself or you have lost a loved one. It’s best to book a consultation as soon as possible, because the statute of limitations can prevent you from suing if you wait too long. Reach out to a lawyer near you to get started today. 

Sources:

  1. https://www.thecentersquare.com/ohio/ohio-drunk-driving-bill-could-give-support-for-victims-minor-children/article_48b61f5e-cc8c-11ec-b82e-1f0ee9bb2c75.html
  2. https://fox8.com/news/bill-would-make-drunk-drivers-support-victims-children-after-fatal-crash/

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