The effects of a drunk driving accident can be devastating. Individuals and families can be affected physically, emotionally, and financially. Despite increased awareness and law enforcement efforts, drunk driving continues to be a huge problem in the United States.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Highway Transportation Safety Association (NHTSA), nearly 1 in 3 traffic deaths in the U.S. involve a drunk driver. According to a 2010 NHTSA report, there were 32,999 people killed, 3.9 million injured and 24 million vehicles damaged due to all traffic crashes in the U.S. The report estimates that the economic costs totaled $242 billion. Of this amount, alcohol-related crashes account for about $52 billion, or 22 percent of economic costs. These numbers are staggering.
In addition to the devastating emotional loss, drunk driving crashes leave families and loved ones with economic costs due to:
- Lost productivity
- Loss of income
- Medical costs
In the 2010 report, the NHTSA estimates that when factoring in the often intangible lost quality-of-life, the losses of all traffic crashes are closer to $836 billion – $201.1 billion resulting from alcohol-related crashes.
Drunk driving has high costs, not only in the loss of life but also in terms of serious injuries and financial impact. Every state in the U.S. has laws in place to protect the public from drunk drivers. Despite this fact, the high level of enforcement and public awareness about the dangers of drunk driving, people still choose to drive while drunk.
If you have been injured, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim. If you have lost a loved one, a wrongful death claim may help address your financial losses.
In addition to criminal charges against the responsible party, you may be able to pursue a civil case to account for some of your losses. An experienced attorney can answer the questions you might have regarding the various civil remedies available.
We Can Help – Call For a Free Consultation: If you or a loved one has been the victim of a drunk driving accident, contact Cutter Law, P.C. to find out how we can help: 888-285-3333.