Drunk Driving Car Accident Statistics
Driving while under the influence of alcohol is illegal in all US states, but the potential for criminal charges does not seem to dissuade motorists from getting behind the wheel while drunk. These individuals put everyone on the road at risk of serious drunk driving accidents, and data compiled by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals the severity of the problem. Every day, around 30 people are killed in DUI crashes in the US. This amounts to one death every 50 minutes.
Fortunately, you do have legal options if you were hurt or lost a loved one in a crash with a drunk driver. The laws are complicated and every state is different, so it is wise to retain a drunk driving car accident attorney for assistance. Some additional statistics and information about your rights may also be useful.
Statistics on Drunk Driving Crashes in the USData from the CDC, other government agencies, and insurance industry organizations demonstrates the frequency and devastating nature of DUI accidents:
- There were 10,511 fatalities linked to drunk driving in the US in 2018.
- DUI collisions are responsible for almost one-third of all accident deaths.
- Around 708,000 individuals are hurt in drunk driving accidents in the US annually and, of these victims, 74,000 are seriously injured.
Implications of BAC Upon Motorist CapabilitiesThe effects of drinking alcohol upon the human body become apparent even after just a few drinks. At .02% blood alcohol concentration (BAC), far below the legal limit of .08%, a driver experiences a decrease in visual acuity and reduced coordination. From there, the effects of consuming alcohol cause a significant decline in a motorist's driving capabilities:
- At .08 - .10% BAC, a driver loses some ability to concentrate and has more difficulty maintaining lane position.
- Between .10 and .15% BAC, the motorist exhibits slurred speech, reduced muscle control, and the inability to properly apply the brakes.
- In excess of .15 percent BAC, a driver may begin vomiting, lose focus, and fail to execute driving tasks. These factors, along with a loss of balance, leads to significant impairment. Some motorists may black out entirely or pass out at the wheel.
Victims' Rights in DUI Accident ClaimsThough a drunk driver may face criminal charges, you have additional legal remedies through a civil action. It is possible to recover for your economic damages, including medical costs, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses related to your injuries. You may also be able to obtain non-economic damages, often referred to as "pain and suffering." For surviving family members of a person who died in a DUI collision, there are also options to seed compensation through a wrongful death action.
Discuss Your Options with a Drunk Driving Auto Crash LawyerWhile this overview of DUI crash victims' rights and remedies may be informative, it is no replacement for the legal knowledge and experience a skilled attorney brings to your situation. Instead of trying to represent yourself, contact a drunk driving car accident attorney to schedule a consultation. Your lawyer can handle the essential legal tasks, allowing you to focus on recovery from your injuries.
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