What You Should Know About Drunk Driving Deaths.
The following are some frequently asked questions about wrongful death caused by drunk driving.
How many deaths result from drunk driving?
NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) reports that drunken driving kills 28 people a day or more than 10,000 persons a year in the U.S. In fact, deaths and damages add up to more than $44 billion annually as a result of drinking and driving.
Alcohol related driving fatalities comprise close to 30 percent of all traffic fatalities a year.
Who are most at risk in alcohol related traffic fatalities?
Those most at risk are individuals between the ages of 21 and 54. The age statistics break down as follows for percentages of drunk drivers involved in fatal collisions:
Ages
- 21-24: 27%
- 25-34: 25%
- 35-44: 21%
- 45-54: 19%
How does the driver’s gender factor into drunk driving accidents and fatalities?
Men outrank women in alcohol related accidents, which are four times what women’s accidents are. In addition, men are responsible for 80% of drunk driving deaths. However, a man weighing 180 pounds would have to drink four drinks to reach the blood alcohol level of intoxication. Whereas, a woman weighing 120 pounds would only have to drink two alcoholic beverages to reach the legal limit.
What are the legal implications of wrongful death caused by drunk driving?
When a drunk driver causes a car accident and someone dies as a result of the crash, the legal term used is “wrongful death.” When the drunk driver is at fault, the surviving family in New York has the legal right to sue for damages.
What should you do if you’ve lost a loved one through a drunk driving accident?
If the driver causing the accident was intoxicated, you should speak with an accident lawyer about pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit. The initial consultation is free. Our law firm can advise you whether to pursue a case. Fees only apply if we settle or win in court.