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Car Accidents Caused by Alcohol and Drugs

Drunk driving and driving under the influence of drugs continue to be a leading threat to public health and safety. Statistics estimate that around 25,000 Americans die and over 700,000 walk away with serious injuries each year in DUI accidents.

Author: Sara Goldstein
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Drunk driving and driving under the influence of drugs continue to be a leading threat to public health and safety. Statistics estimate that around 25,000 Americans die and over 700,000 walk away with serious injuries each year in DUI accidents – all because a driver chose to get behind the wheel while intoxicated.

Recent years have seen increased law enforcement efforts and tighter restrictions on driving under the influence, but fatal car accidents caused by alcohol and drugs are still an unfortunate reality that motorists are forced to contend with on the road – especially during evening and late night drives.

Drug and Alcohol-Related Car Accident Statistics
The facts reveal just how dangerous drugs and alcohol are when paired with motor vehicles:
• Over 50% of fatal car accidents are caused by drunk drivers
• Over 65% of fatal single-vehicle car accidents are caused by drunk drivers
• Over 80% of Americans admit to driving after drinking
• Over 36% of car-pedestrian accidents involve the pedestrian being alcohol-impaired
• The average blood alcohol content (BAC) of drivers who are arrested for DUI is .2% – more than twice the legal limit
• Around 10% of drivers on the road between the hours of 7PM and 3AM are impaired
• Half of all Americans can expect to be in an alcohol-related car accident within their lifetime

When drug and alcohol-related car accidents occur, more than one person can be held liable. For example, a liquor store owner, bartender, or restaurant server who knowingly sold alcohol to an already-impaired individual – knowing they would be out on the road again soon – can be considered responsible under what is termed “dram shop law”.

Holding Drunk Drivers Accountable
When drunk driving accidents cause serious personal injury or death, the victim – or their surviving family members – have a right to pursue legal action. The law may fine DUI drivers and give them jail time, but it cannot compensate for the full measure of loss that victims often endure. Medical bills, therapy bills, loss of income, emotional trauma, and a lifetime of specialized care are all common results of drug and alcohol-related car accidents.

Unfortunately, holding drunk drivers and irresponsible business owners liable for car accidents can be complicated. Expert testimonies and scientific evidence are often required in order to prove your case. By working with an experienced car accident attorney, you can help ensure the success of your case.

If you would like more information about drunk driving accidents in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington D.C., please visit the website of the experienced car accident attorneys at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C.

About Author

Chaikin & Sherman, P.C. focuses on seeking compensation for victims who have suffered serious personal injury or death resulting from negligence, medical malpractice, motor vehicle collisions, tractor trailer accidents, or defective products. Whatever the injury may be, we seek to obtain maximum compensation for our clients, including compensation for the emotional pain and suffering that accompanies serious injury. We also handle class action lawsuits and consumer fraud litigation. The law firm enjoys the highest rating (AV) from the Martindale-Hubbell organization. The firm has offices in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Contact us today for more information and to schedule a free and confidential consultation with one of our lawyers.

Article Source: http://www.1888articles.com/author-sara-goldstein-4751.html

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