A car accident can be a difficult and painful event in life. This is especially true when the driver responsible for the car accident was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Knowing that the event was the result of another person’s recklessness can make the frustrations of dealing with the aftermath even more troubling. Whether it is paying medical, bills, handling insurance claims or finding repairs or a new vehicle, recovering from a wreck can be a time-consuming and expensive process.
A nationwide effort to reduce the occurrence of accidents from drunk driving and other causes is underway. It is called the Drive to Zero Fatalities initiative. Part of this effort involves increased DUI and seat belt enforcement. The Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner for Tennessee explains that the goal of the new initiative is to eliminate as many traffic fatalities as possible.
Currently, impaired driving is estimated to be responsible for nearly one-third of all motor vehicle accident fatalities, and it is also a factor in many non-fatal accidents. In the city of Jackson, Tennessee, the number of DUI arrests has increased by roughly 20 percent in the past year as law enforcement officials seek out drivers who place themselves and others in potentially dangerous situations.
Although progress is taking place, the risk of suffering an accident at the hands of a drunk driver remains a very real possibility. If you have been in an accident that involved a drunk driver or a drugged driver, experienced personal injury attorneys may be able to help you. Working through medical bills and insurance claims can be difficult, though being familiar with all of your options and the specific steps involved can help in the process of trying to obtain the best resolution to your situation.
Source: Jackson Sun, “State crash deaths decrease,” Beth Knoll, May 13, 2014