Annually, America’s horrendous death toll from drunk drivers reaches its apex in what should be a joyful holiday season. But year-end celebrations lead to increased indulgence, and increased drunk driving, which in turn leads to severe injuries and even fatalities for innocent victims of drunk driving accidents.
If someone close to you or a loved one becomes such a victim, find some comfort in the fact that you can redress the wrong with a drunk driving lawsuit. An experienced drunk driving lawyer or car accident attorney can seek full and fair financial compensation for your loved one’s losses, such as medical expenses, lost present and future salary, and pain and suffering.
This form of legal action is necessary and vital, in that America’s drunk driving toll is catastrophically high. In 2007 alone, 13,000 Americans died due to drunk drivers — almost a third of all who died in traffic collisions. And in the state of Texas in 2008, drunk drivers slaughtered 975 persons. That’s 28 per cent of the total traffic accident fatalities.
Historically, it looks even worse. More than a half million Americans have died due to drunk drivers since 1982. In short, drunk drivers have killed more Americans than have all foreign enemies in combat in each American war or military action for 70 years, including World War II. In effect, Americans are being slaughtered by domestic enemies in an undeclared war which never ceases.
Texas recently beefed up its laws to assist police officers in making drunk driving arrests. Starting on Sept. 1, 2009, police were authorized to take blood samples to ascertain blood alcohol levels (BAC) in suspected drunk drivers without first obtaining a warrant. This only can be done: if the suspect already has a drunk driving record; if a victim other than the suspect dies or is expected to die; if a victim other than the suspect suffers an injury and must be hospitalized; or if at least one passenger in any vehicle in the accident is a child under 15 years old.
Joining the fight against drunk driving fatalities is Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), a national group with a major presence in Texas. MADD not only assists drunk driving victims and their families, but also pushes for laws which will combat drunk driving. These include a proposed law requiring breath-testing devices in cars to prevent a drunk driver from starting the vehicle.
While these kinds of efforts certainly can help, the devastating impact of drunk driving goes on. A clear and loud message must be sent to drunk drivers that they will be held responsible for what they do, both legally and monetarily. A knowledgeable car accident attorney or drunk driving lawyer can send that message while fighting for victims’ rights – and justice.
Jim S. Adler & Associates is a longtime Texas personal injury law firm with offices in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Channelview. The law firm offers a free case review and represents victims of auto, car, SUV, truck, motorcycle, bus and other traffic accidents.
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