Drunk Driving Injuries and Fatalities in Alabama and the U.S.

Close to 10,000 people died in traffic accidents in the U.S. in 2011 that were the result of alcohol-impaired driving. This translated into 31 percent of all traffic fatalities that occurred that year. The impairment rate among drivers involved in such crashes was 4.5 times higher at night than during the day. The percentage was doubled on weekends as opposed to weekdays. A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or more was highest for drivers between the ages of 21 and 24. In 2011, Alabama saw 862 traffic deaths of which 314 or 36 percent were alcohol-related.

The Century Council's statistics regarding drunk driving accidents in Alabama show that almost 62 percent of those drivers involved in traffic accident fatalities had a blood alcohol concentration of .15 percent or more. In repeat offenders, 26.7 percent had a blood alcohol concentration of .08 to .14 percent while 73.3 percent had a blood alcohol concentration of .15 percent or more. This clearly shows the debilitating effects on drivers of a higher BAC level. Other alarming statistics from MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers) state that the typical drunk driver commits the act up to 80 times before being arrested. In Alabama, a fourth DUI is elevated to a felony charge while earlier DUIs are charged as misdemeanors.

Personal Injury Claims against Drunk Drivers in Dothan, Alabama

Through groups like MADD, tightening legislature against alcohol and drug-impaired driving, and increased media attention, drunk driving has become the focus of public attention in the last decade. This has resulted in a decreasing number of drunk driving accidents and fatalities across the nation. While this is an improvement, those who still suffer the consequences of injuries and deaths due to drunk driving will forever have their lives changed needlessly. For these victims, seeking legal compensation for damages is necessary to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses.

The personal injury law firm of Morris, Cary, Andrews, Talmadge & Driggers, LLC is a well-respected group of attorneys who have a proven track record of results. The firm has achieved record-breaking verdicts in jury awards. Due to their outstanding achievements, these attorneys have been recognized by Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, Avvo, and Martindale-Hubbell with awards, accolades, and the highest ratings attainable. These distinctions reflect the level of excellence in legal ability that you will receive when working with them. Contact the firm to speak to an attorney in a free consultation if you have been involved in an accident with any type of negligent driver in Montgomery, Dothan, or elsewhere in southeastern Alabama.