Each year, far more than 400,000 drivers get behind the wheel of their car after drinking. This number only represents those who are willing to report that they have done it. Unfortunately, far more individuals are likely to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Drunk drivers put themselves at risk as well as every other driver that is on the road with them. Accidents that happen as a result of drunk driving cause minor damages or severe injuries (including fatalities). If you or a family member has been injured due to the negligence of a drunk driver, it is recommended that you connect with a personal injury attorney as soon as you can. An experienced attorney can help you to recover damages for your injuries, lost income, mental anguish, etc. Being involved in any type of accident is scary. Having a collision because another driver decided to get behind the wheel of their car after drinking can be infuriating. If you have been the victim of a drunk driving accident, seek medical attention immediately and contact the San Diego Drunk Driving Accident Attorney at Injury Trial Lawyers shortly thereafter. Our attorneys are prepared to work on your behalf to seek the compensation that you deserve.
Drunk Driving Statistics
Since the 1980s there has been a variety of drunk driving advocacy programs in place to inform the public of the dangers of ‘driving a car while under the influence. Though these programs have helped to curb some instances of drunk driving accidents, there are still far too many that occur. Learn more about drunk driving statistics in California below.
- 1.8% of drivers in California report that they have driven their car while intoxicated
- Fatalities resulting from drunk driving accidents in CA have been increasing in recent years
- Every 53 minutes, someone is killed by a drunk driver
- More than 100 million drivers self-report getting behind the wheel after drinking
- People convicted of drunk driving have driven drunk 80 times before they were finally convicted
Penalties for Driving While Under the Influence
Most states (including California), have a zero-tolerance policy concerning drunk drivers. If convicted, drunk drivers face stiff penalties that can negatively affect them for years to come. Penalties for driving while under the influence in California can include jail time, fines and penalties, license suspension, as well as a court-ordered installation of an interlock ignition device. Even with these stiff penalties, many people still choose to drive under the influence each year and as a result, cause many drunk driving accidents.
What to do if You’re in an Accident with a Drunk Driver
With drunk driving accidents being so prevalent, you must know what to do if you are a victim. Listed below are recommended steps to take if you have been hit by a drunk driver.
- Contact the police so you have appropriate documentation of the accident
- Collect evidence from the scene, note driver’s condition (tell the police), identify eyewitnesses
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible (follow all physician orders)
- Contact an experienced personal injury attorney to represent you in the matter
Following the aforementioned steps is necessary to build a strong personal injury case. If you have been the victim of an accident due to a drunk driver you deserve to receive compensation for your injuries, lost income, mental and physical anguish, etc.
Contact the San Diego Drunk Driving Accident Attorney at Injury Trial Lawyers
At Injury Trial Lawyers we understand the devastating implications of being involved in an accident with a drunk driver. It can negatively affect your health, career, relationships, mental health, etc. Our skilled San Diego Drunk Driving Accident Attorney has years of experience in helping victims to recover damages and get compensated for injuries suffered as a result of a collision with a drunk driver. If you have been injured in an accident, seek medical attention first. Afterward, connect with an attorney at Injury Trial Lawyers to schedule your free consultation and learn more about how we can help you to develop a personal injury lawsuit and help you to recover the damages that you deserve.