Alabama authorities seem to continually step up their aggressive enforcement and prosecution of drunk driving laws, and for good reason. The human cost alone of drunk driving crashes is immeasurable, resulting in avoidable injuries or even wrongful deaths. Yet as a recent article reminds us, the societal cost of impaired driving is also staggering.
Based on collected data, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate the national cost of excessive drinking to be about $249 billion each year. That cost factors in metrics such as lost productivity, car accidents, health care expenses, and early mortality.
As a law firm that focuses on personal injury claims, we have seen the devastation that a drunk driver can bring. In many instances, a driver under the influence of alcohol ignored simple traffic rules, such as running a red light or entering a freeway on the wrong ramp. Yet a head-on collision can result in serious injuries that require long-term care such as physical, occupational or vocational rehabilitation. A crash victim may also be unable to work for a long period after the accident, resulting in lost wages and potential job endangerment.
An insurance company may seek to settle a drunk driving crash. However, we advise crash victims to consult with an attorney before they prematurely accept a settlement offer. Any compensation should reflect not only time off from work and medical costs, but also factor in any long-term costs, as well as pain and suffering. Our law firm can present a strong case in the courtroom to help victims get a favorable result.
Source: Washington Post, “The Hidden Cost of Your Drinking Habit,” Christopher Ingraham, Oct. 16, 2015
