Drunk driving causes one-third of all fatal car crashes

Posted on September 25, 2015 | Categorized: Accidents, Car Accidents, Fatal Crash, Motor Vehicle Accident,

According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2013 a total of 10,076 Americans lost their lives in car accidents where a driver was above the legal blood alcohol limit. In fact, drivers who are legally drunk, meaning their blood alcohol level is 0.08 g/dL or higher, caused one-third of all highway deaths, the CDC said. Florida was no exception to the high rates of alcohol-impaired car crashes, with 676 DUI fatalities.

Despite the risk of serious injuries or death, many Americans report that they have taken the wheel while impaired. According to CDC, 4.2 million adult drivers reported that they had driven while impaired at least once during the past month.

While death is the most serious result of drunk driving, serious injuries are also common. The latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that there were 326,000 non-fatal injuries caused by crashes where alcohol was involved. These injuries may include fractures, burns and traumatic brain injuries.

If you were injured or a loved one lost their life in a car accident that was the fault of the other driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact Chalik & Chalik for a free consultation to learn more about your rights.