Recourse for Victims of Drunken Drivers
by PATRICIA WOLOCH
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), in 2006 there were an estimated 17,602 deaths as the result of alcohol-related accidents. This number constitutes 41% of the total number of all traffic fatalities that year. On average, every 39 minutes someone is killed in an alcohol-related accident somewhere in the U.S. Other statistics have stated that over a million people were injured in alcohol-related accidents last year. While it is tragic when the impaired driver is killed, it is even more so when an innocent victim is part of the accident. Families are torn apart, and the inevitable question of why was this drunken driver on the road is asked.
Unlike other vehicle accidents, drunken drivers make a choice when they get behind the wheel of their vehicle. People certainly have the right to drink alcohol, but when they get into their car, their right becomes the problem of everyone else on the road. Their choice can lead to the death or injury of unsuspecting people coming home from work, dropping kids off at a movie, or going out to eat. Probably something that doesn��t even register with those who have driven drunk before with no problem. If they made home the first time, what are the chances something will happen this time?
When someone has killed another in an alcohol-related crash, they may face charges of vehicular homicide, manslaughter, or second-degree murder. They��ll stand up in court, apologize for their actions, swear they��ll never do it again, and go on to serve their sentence. Those who have been injured, often seriously, or those whose family members or friends were killed, have to sit in the courtroom and hope for the best. For many, justice has been served. The accused will spend time in prison. However, those feelings of despair, anger, frustration, and more will continue with those who were directly affected, namely the immediate family.
Because a family member was taken from you through the negligence of another party, seeking the aid of an experienced personal injury lawyer is one of the steps you should take. If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunken driver, you may also make a claim for damages. Loss of wages due to injury or death, loss of benefits, medical bills, mental anguish, loss of companionship, debilitating physical injuries, punitive damages and more are generally covered by the law.
Due to the different statutes in each state, your claim will depend on the law there. This will also determine the amount of compensation you may receive.
If you are in Los Angeles, San Diego, or Southern and Central, California, the law offices of Jacoby & Meyers can help you find some answers. Please contact Jacoby & Meyers if you are in need of an experienced personal injury lawyer.
