Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of auto accidents in the United States. That is why all fifty states and the District of Columbia have enacted strict drunk driving laws to deter impaired driving and punish offenders. Generally, the offense of drunk driving is defined as the operation, control, or manipulation of a vehicle, in a place accessible to the public, while under the influence of an intoxicating substance, such as alcohol or drugs. A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level at or above .08% constitutes "per se" drunk driving in all fifty states, regardless of whether the driver's control over the vehicle is actually diminished by the presence of intoxicants in his or her blood.
Each year, nearly one-third of all crashes are classified as alcohol-impaired crashes. According to statistics published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), almost 11,000 people were killed in alcohol-impaired crashes in 2009 - the most recent year for which comprehensive data is available. That means that someone dies every 48 minutes in the United States as a result of impaired driving. Family members of people killed in drunk driving accidents deserve compensation for the financial and emotional losses they suffer after losing a loved one.
On average, 1.5 million drivers are arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics every year. In addition to the severe criminal penalties these drivers face, they may also be held civilly liable for any injuries caused by their reckless behavior. In some states, the individuals or businesses who served alcoholic beverages to the drunk driver may also be held legally responsible for any resulting injuries, particularly if alcohol was sold to an underage person or to a person who was obviously intoxicated at the time of sale.
Insurance companies use their vast experience and resources to obtain the lowest possible settlement in all impaired driving accident cases. That is why it is crucial to hire an attorney with experience in drunk driving accident cases in order to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive a fair settlement for your injuries. If you have recently been injured or someone you love has been injured or killed in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you may have the legal right to obtain compensation. Drunk driving-related personal injury cases are usually quite complex. Our highly-qualified legal team at stands ready to help. Call us now at (866) 606-3059 for a free consultation regarding your case.
Kerckhoff Law, APC is a San Diego personal injury law firm handling all types of serious accident and wrongful death cases throughout California. If you have been injured or have lost a loved one due to an auto accident, brain injury, burn injury, motorcycle accident, truck accident, boating accident, dog bite attack, premises injury, or work injury, contact A. Jason Kerckhoff at 866-606-3059 for a free consultation with an experienced San Diego personal injury attorney.
