According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 30 people die every day in the United States in drunk-driving crashes. That accounts for one death every 50 minutes. These are staggering statistics, despite the fact that drunk driving fatalities have declined by 33 percent over the last three decades.
We still have work to do to inform and educate the public about the real dangers of driving under the influence. This is especially true during the holidays when more people celebrate with alcohol and often get behind the wheel.
Statistics compiled by CyberDriveIllinois.com reveal that 42 percent of the state’s driving fatalities on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in 2014 were alcohol-related. That same year, 50 percent of Illinois’ New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day accidents involved alcohol.
The NHTSA also confirms the prevalence of drunk driving accidents during the holidays. In 2018, the United States saw 285 fatalities at the hands of drunk drivers over the Christmas and New Year’s periods.Â
Over 10,000 people are killed every year in drunk driving accidents, which is nearly one-third of all annual driving accidents. Drunk driving is a year-round problem of which we need to be aware of at all times, particularly during the holidays.
Drivers are educated about drunk driving when we receive our driver’s licenses. News programs show the horrors of drunk driving accidents, and activists such as Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) shine a light on drunk driving to inform the public of its dangers.Â
Despite the well-known risks of drunk driving, many people still choose to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. When these drunk drivers cause an accident that injures others, they need to be held accountable for their negligence.
If you’ve been injured in an alcohol or drug-related accident, you may be able to seek compensation from the driver by filing a personal injury claim. Damages arising from these accidents include physical property, medical care, loss of income, and the pain and suffering of the victim and their family.
What’s more, the Illinois Dram Shop Act provides a means for holding those responsible who sell or serve alcohol to a person who causes a drunk driving accident. For instance, if a bar or restaurant overserves a patron, who then gets behind the wheel and causes an accident, that establishment can be sued for damages.
If you or someone you love are dealing with injuries or a fatality caused by a drunk driver, the attorneys at The Horwitz Law Group can help you recover compensation from the responsible party(s).
Keep in mind there are deadlines for claims to be filed, so if you’re contemplating filing a claim, we urge you to contact our experienced legal team and schedule a free, no-commitment consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, answer all of your questions, and inform you of your rights and the potential outcomes of your case.
To arrange a free initial consultation with an experienced Illinois injury lawyer complete the e-mail form below.