The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that on average, someone in the United States is killed by a drunk driver every 45 minutes. Automobile accidents resulting from intoxicated vehicle operation account for nearly one-third of annual traffic fatalities. Despite strenghened drunk driving laws in jurisdictions across the country, the dangers posed by this behavior persist.

Potentially Devastating Consequences

While it is possible to be fortunate enough to emerge from a drunk driving automobile accident unscathed, a far too common outcome involves serious physical and psychological injuries. Brain trauma, spinal injury, knee damage and back pain are some of the devastating effects suffered by victims of drunk driving accidents.

The physical and psychological impacts of such traumatic events are quick to appear, but the financial ramifications can emerge and linger for years to follow. Disputes with insurance companies reluctant to pay for medical bills and continuing care can grow into protracted battles. Victims may find themselves struggling to make ends meet due to income lost as a result of their temporary or permanent physical disability.

Anyone suffering injuries as a result of a drunk driving automobile accident should seek the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney who will be able to provide a thorough evaluation of the facts of the case, determine possible settlement and recovery strategies and render a claim valuation. By securing the aid of a seasoned attorney, drunk driving accident victims can be assured that their rights will be vigorously asserted and that they have a powerful ally fighting to win the compensation each victim deserves.

Common Factors Leading to Automobile Crashes

The vast majority of automobile crashes involve either driver mistake, mechanical malfunctions or hazardous driving conditions. Many accidents, therefore, are the result of factors that could have been prevented, making high fatality rates that much more regrettable.

Those operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol cause a large number of automobile related injuries and deaths each year. Drunk driving is an entirely preventable cause of roadway casualties, and it is thus critically important that victims of such recklessness pursue their rights to full compensations for injuries and economic loss.

Critical Steps in the Aftermath of an Accident

If the unthinkable occurs, and an automobile accident takes place, it is important for the crash victims or their representatives to establish contact with law enforcement as soon as possible. Once the victim's health and injuries are stable, it is critical to determine whether insurance coverage in place at the time of the accident is sufficient, and that the insurer is being appropriately responsive to the victim's needs. All health and automobile policy documentation should be assembled, along with any other insurance policies that may be available to provide assistance with expenses.

In the event that an insurer request approvals or signatures from the insured victim, an experienced personal injury attorney should be immediately consulted prior to the execution of any authorization or release. An experienced lawyer will be able to review the request and provide the victim with assurances that they are not waiving any legal rights or entering into any settlement agreement that may be far less than that to which they are entitled, or significantly less than that which will be required to provide ongoing care or replace lost wages for those faced with debilitating injury.

Drunk driving accidents that also implicate mechanical malfunction or unsafe road conditions require that as much crash evidence is preserved as possible in order for factual reconstruction to occur. It is important for towing contractors responsible for removing the vehicles involved to take great care, and photographs of the crash scene and vicinity should be taken.

Protecting Victims Right

In order to be certain that the drunk driving automobile accident victim's rights are protected and that the compensation to which they are entitled can be secured, it is vitally important that an expert personal injury attorney be contacted as soon after the accident as practicable. The state's statute of limitations will dictate the amount of time available to pursue any personal injury claim, and therefore the sooner the facts of the case can be reviewed by a professional, the better the chance of full and fair financial recovery.