Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of road accident fatalities. Roughly one-third of all car accident fatalities in the United States involve drunk driving. Beyond the deaths, drunk driving also causes serious injuries to innocent motorists that can permanently impact their lives. While the drunk driver is civilly liable for their actions, this is little comfort for families dealing with a severely injured or deceased loved one.
Most drunk driving accident statistics are measured in terms of fatalities, but that only tells part of the story. There are estimates that drunk driving imposes nearly $50 billion of costs on the overall economy.
How Impaired Drivers Endanger You
Each year, there are over one million people arrested for drunk driving. While not all of these people cause accidents, this is a small fraction of the people who admit to driving impaired. There are estimates that nearly 300,000 people drive drunk who don’t get caught. Impaired drivers have little impulse control and lose many of their reflexes. This results in things like:
- Reckless driving
- Speeding
- Weaving in and out of lanes
- Losing control over the car
- Braking later than necessary
This places everyone else on the road in danger. They have no control over when they will encounter a drunk driver who will injure them. They will end up being another statistic, thanks to the reckless actions of drunk drivers. Statistics mean nothing to a family who has had their life uprooted because their accident is the center of their world.
Georgia Car Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one have been injured by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Contact The McLendon Law Firm online or call us at 877-ROB-WINS to begin the legal process.
[LEARN MORE]: How to Handle a Car Accident
FAQ
Can I get punitive damages in a drunk driving case?
Yes, it is possible to receive punitive damages depending on the facts of the case.
Is a criminal conviction proof of negligence?
A criminal conviction can go a long way in helping to prove negligence in a civil case.
How much is my case worth?
This all depends on your own particular damages.
