National Drugged and Drunk Driving Prevention Month
December was chosen as National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, largely due to the fact that more drivers are likely to take the wheel when impaired around the holiday season. It only takes one poor decision to cause an accident resulting in injury or death. However, cognitive impairment due to intoxication is not a valid defense when the actions of the driver put other road users or pedestrians at risk.
Impaired Driving
National Impaired Driving Prevention Month is a federally-recognized push to help raise awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Statistically, drunk driving accidents result in a death every 50 minutes on average. Over the past half a century efforts to prevent impaired driving have proven successful. In the years 2016 and 2017, there are worrying signs that deaths from impaired driving are once again on an upward trend.
While each federal administration may take a different approach to addressing the issue, all agree that the number of injuries and deaths resulting from impaired driving is an important subject to address, at a time when more Americans are likely to make that fateful decision to drive while impaired. There are various programs designed to educate and help prevent DWIs. Programs that apply specifically to Texas can be found via the official DMV website.
Long Term Injuries
Injuries from a serious motor vehicle accident are often a life sentence. You may no longer have the physical or mental capacity to remain in your chosen occupation. Even short-term loss of earnings will impact on your ability to pay your bills and medical costs. Some patients may require ongoing treatment or care, resulting in financial strain on the entire family unit.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can cause behavioral changes, which impact interpersonal relationships. Depression, anxiety, and outbursts of aggression are not uncommon among victims of a motor vehicle accident. In many cases, familial relationships suffer due to the stresses associated with a loved one’s debilitating injury. The victim of the accident, and any affected family members may require extensive counseling in order to cope with the challenges they will face.
Wrongful Death
Wrongful deaths caused by an impaired driver are more complex, because they potentially involve both a criminal and civil case. As a bereaved family member, you will understandably wish to seek answers for your loss. The primary aim of National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month is to highlight and raise awareness of the potentially life-altering consequences for everyone involved, when a driver makes the decision to drive under the influence.
You can never replace a loved one, but seeking compensation can help you cope with the potential financial burdens you are likely to face. Those who are left behind endure enough suffering, which is why GreeningLaw is here to act as your advocate if you have lost a child, partner or spouse in a drunk or drugged driving incident. We will fight on your behalf to win you fair compensation, so you can take some comfort in the fact that you and your family are financially secure. Your voice is one among many and we are here to help ensure that you are heard.
Pursuing Compensation
When you seek compensation for your injuries or the loss of a loved one, you are doing more than simply pursuing a financial reward. Just as businesses are held to a higher standard through litigation for negligence, bringing private citizens to account does have an impact on the behavior of others. A large part of impaired driving prevention involves ensuring those who take the risk are brought to justice, and cases are highlighted to the public.
You have a right to seek compensation for your injuries, damage to your property, or a wrongful death. As the injured party, you do not deserve to suffer further punishment when criminal charges against an impaired driver are not equal to the suffering you have endured. If bringing a case for compensation against an impaired driver makes that person think twice before ever again driving under the influence, you have made the right choice.
We fight the legal battle, so you have time for healing and renewal after an accident caused by an impaired driver. Contact GreeningLaw today if you have suffered injury or lost someone in a drunk or drugged driving accident. Our team will provide compassion and understanding throughout every stage of your case.