Drunk driving accidents are occurring at a stunning rate throughout the United States. In fact, statistics now reveal that three out of every 10 Americans will become involved in an alcohol-related collision in their lifetime.
The people who choose to drink and drive are risking the lives of everyone on the road. Drunk driving can result in catastrophic injuries and untimely deaths.
In 2005, motor vehicle accidents involving alcohol accounted for 1,719 deaths, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 1,250 of those cases the driver was legally intoxicated; meaning his or her blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was at or above .08 percent.
Anyone who makes the decision to get behind the wheel if they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs is committing a crime. This crime, which impairs judgment and delays reaction time, can cause significant suffering for innocent victims and the families of those seriously injured or killed in an alcohol-related accident.
The criminal court system punishes the drunk driver who caused the accident, but it does not compensate the victim of a drunk driver. Victims and victims’ families who have suffered a drunk driving tragedy have the right to hold that drunk driver responsible for the injuries or death caused by reckless behavior.
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Hospital treatment and ongoing medical expenses
- Medication costs
- Lost wages and the inability to earn future wages
- Property damage and repairs
- Pain and suffering
- Other out-of-pocket expenses
If you are the victim of a drunk driver, you should not speak to an insurance adjuster without first talking to an experienced lawyer. Insurance companies will try to pay you as little as possible for your claim. Representatives often try to pressure victims and their families into agreeing to a cheap and fast settlement offer.
If you or a loved one is the victim of a drunk driving accident, please contact the Arkansas and Oklahoma injury attorneys at Carr & Carr for a free case evaluation. Serving the residents of Oklahoma and Arkansas, our experienced lawyers offer free consultations and will not charge an attorney’s fee if there is no recovery. We have offices in Tulsa, Oklahoma City and Springdale Arkansas. We can also meet with you wherever you may be.
