The best way to prevent DUI and deaths due to drunk driving is to employ multiple preventive and deterrent strategies. This article will highlight some proven ways to prevent drunk driving and discuss what you should do if you get into an accident with a drunk driver.
Different Measures Can Be Taken to Prevent Drunk Driving
The effects of alcohol on driving are well known and publicized. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), even a small amount of alcohol can affect a driver’s ability to multitask and to see properly. As a person keeps drinking, they gradually impair the cognitive skills needed for driving, such as good judgment and hand-eye coordination.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists many ways of preventing DUIs. Among these methods are:
- Implementing laws that prohibit drunk driving and punish motorists who do so with fines, jail time, or license suspension
- Treating and intervening anyone caught driving drunk and/or anyone who may have a substance abuse problem
- Educating everyone, especially young people, so that they become aware of the dangers of drunk driving
These methods can help prevent people from making the decision to drink and drive or hold them accountable for their actions. These methods may provide the help and information they need and the incentive to drive sober.
Drunk Driving Accident Victims May Be Able to Win Compensation
If you were involved in a drunk driving accident, you may be able to recover monetary compensation. There are two main types of compensation. Each is designed to compensate you for different kinds of injuries or losses caused by the accident.
Non-economic damages cover physical and/or mental harm. You may qualify for non-economic damages if you experienced:
- Pain and suffering: This may refer to any type of physical or emotional anguish caused by the accident and/or accident-related injuries.
- Disability: You have lost (or lost use of) a digit, limb, organ, or other important function.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Your injuries left you with obvious or painful marks.
- Loss of companionship: A drunk driving crash led to the loss of your loved one. You might be eligible to sue for compensation for the support and affection that the deceased can no longer give you.
Economic damages cover financial harm. You may qualify for economic damages if you experienced:
- Loss of wages: You may be compensated for any income you lost when your injuries kept you home from work.
- Loss of earning capacity: You may still be able to work, but your injury prevents you from earning as much as before.
- Medical expenses: You went to a hospital, had tests done, received a prescription, or underwent any other type of medical treatment for your injuries.
- Funeral expenses: You might be able to recover compensation for the expense of laying your loved one to rest or settling their estate.
This is an incomplete list of compensatory damages. To be sure that you ask for all of the damages you may be entitled to collect, you may want to consult a lawyer.
Let a Lawyer Help You Seek Justice and the Compensation You Need
It is too late to prevent the drunk driving accident that has upended your life. However, you may still be able to hold the at-fault driver accountable for their actions. A lawyer can help you in many ways. They may:
- Find the liable parties: Whether the drunk driver was solely responsible or other factors played a role, your lawyer may be able to get to the bottom of your accident.
- Communicate with others on your behalf: Your lawyer can act as the go-between throughout your case. You do not have to worry about fielding requests or offers from the liable party or their representatives.
- Negotiate with the insurance company: Insurance companies are sometimes reluctant to pay accident victims an adequate amount, so they hire legal representation of their own to protect their interests. Your lawyer can negotiate with them for a fair settlement.
- Go to trial: If the insurance company does not agree to your demands, you have the option of taking the liable party to court. Your attorney may act as your representative, showing a jury why you deserve the compensation you seek.
- Defer fees: If you are struggling financially, do not let that deter you from seeking legal representation. Many lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay their attorney’s fees once you recover compensation.
Unfortunately, even the best ways to prevent DUI and deaths due to drunk driving are not always enough. Morelli Law Firm can help you fight for justice and for the compensation you need. Call our office at (212) 751-9800 for a free consultation. You do not have to pay any attorney’s fees until you get your money.