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Drunk Drivers Create Unnecessary Dangers for other Motorists, Pedestrians, and Bicyclists
The law requires all drivers to exercise “reasonable care under the circumstances.” When someone does not use reasonable care, then their actions are considered negligent. Accordingly, when this negligence is exercised by a drunk or drugged driver, your life could be at risk. Every instance of death or injury caused by a drunk driver could be prevented.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over 1.1 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics in 2014. Frighteningly, this is only one percent of the 121 million self-reported episodes of alcohol-impaired driving among U.S. adults each year. The irresponsible and reckless actions of drunk drivers — excessive speeding, falling asleep, driving in the wrong direction — can lead to serious and oftentimes fatal injuries.
Drunk Driving Crash Statistics
Here are statistics regarding drunk driving in the United States in 2015, provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- 10,265 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes involving a drunk driver.
- Drunk driving deaths account for 29 percent of all motor vehicle traffic deaths in the United States.
- Every day, 28 people die in a drunk driving crash.
- 16 percent of traffic fatalities among children age 14 and younger occurred in a drunk driving crash.
- The annual cost of drunk driving crashes in the United States totaled more than $44 billion in 2015.
- Drunk driving deaths by state:
- DUI Deaths in Texas — 1,323
- California — 914
- Florida — 797
- North Carolina — 411
- Georgia — 366
Contact an Experienced Drunk Driving Lawyer
While your insurance company may be more than willing to help you after your automobile accident, you should remember that although insurance companies will provide some type of financial support, they may not always give you what you deserve. There are many times when a drunk driver has no insurance and you, the victim, are left without a way to pay for your injuries. Even if the negligent driver does have insurance, you may not get enough money to pay for your medical treatment and other expenses.
Our experienced team of injury and DUI accident attorneys will make sure you get the compensation you deserve for the injuries you incurred from getting hit by a drunk driver in Texas. We are available 24/7, nights and weekends to provide you with a free case review. Contact Thomas J. Henry today if you were injured by a drunk driver. Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Dallas, and Austin, serving clients across Texas and nationwide.
