Drinking and driving is a common cause of car accident fatalities. Based on a report by the CDC, 2,613 people have lost their lives from 2003 to 2012 owing to drunk driving accidents. In a more recent report provided by the DMV of the State of Virginia, 252 people lost their lives owing to drunk driving in 2019. Additionally, in the same year 2,961 people suffered major or minor injuries due to alcohol-related accidents. Although such fatalities have dropped in the past 30 years by 37% it is still contributing to immense sufferings to those who have lost their loved ones because of a drunk driver. For more information on these disturbing statistics of accidents caused by drunk driving, visit: https://www.ruttermills.com/car-accident-law/how-many-alcohol-related-auto-accident-deaths-occur-in-virginia/
It is important to note that drunk driving accident only accounts for 6% of the total traffic accidents in Virginia. However, they account for almost 33% of all fatal crashes. Although the number of fatal crashes declined in the year 2018, the alcohol related crashes rose by almost 12% which was a significant rise since 2010. The major reason for these fatal crashes is speeding. Such crashes have been claiming the lives of innocent passengers and victims simply because drivers take chances and decide to drive after drinking. Almost all of these fatal drunken accidents are a result of a single-car crash but passengers fall victim to them and so does the drunk driver.
Based on statistical data, it is found that such drunk driving is observed from those in the age of 21 to 35 years and men are more likely to succumb to drunk driving accidents. Additionally, reports also prove that such accidents usually peak in summers between Memorial Day and Labor Day. As temperatures soar high in the summer, many young adults are tempted to attend parties and drink alcohol or take drugs. If such individuals drive while being intoxicated, it can result in serious self-harm and harm to fellow passengers and other drivers and vehicles sharing the road. Due to the serious risks in driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it is always recommended to use a taxi cab service such as Lyft or Uber or appoint a designated driver instead of risking drunken driving.
What can you do if you lost a loved one owing to a drunk driving accident?
If you have lost a family or relative to a drunken driving case, you can file for a wrongful death lawsuit. Children and spouses of the deceased have a priority in filing the lawsuit in such cases. If the deceased does not have any children or spouse, then surviving parents, or siblings or a family member who was dependent on the deceased can file the lawsuit.
How can a good attorney assist you?
Suffering the loss of a loved one owing to a drunken driver’s fault can be a traumatic experience that may affect you mentally and emotionally. It is best to consult a professional and knowledgeable personal injury lawyer who will understand your case and guide you to file for the wrongful death lawsuit so that you receive the compensation you deserve for the loss of your loved one.
