Attorney
Sadly, every 51 minutes, a drunk driving accident results in a fatality in America. These accidents are responsible for nearly one-third of all traffic-related deaths in the country, but there are ways to strategically avoid drunk driving.
These numbers are unacceptable because drunk driving accidents are completely preventable. If you plan to drink, make sure you have alternative transportation arrangements. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following:
- Designating a non-drinking driver prior to going out
- Taking away the keys of any friend who may be on the verge of drunk driving
- Calling a taxi or using other forms of transportation like city buses or subways
- If you are hosting a party, remind your guests to designate their sober driver; offer alcohol-free beverages; and make sure all guests leave with a sober driver
Keep in mind, aside from criminal charges, if you are involved in a drunk driving accident that injures or kills someone, you can face civil penalties. Through a lawsuit, someone can hold you responsible for your reckless actions.
Avoid Drunk Driving: Arlington Woman Killed in Alleged Accident
We bring up drunk driving because recently an Arlington woman was killed when the driver she was in a vehicle with crashed into the back of a parked tractor-trailer.
According to ARL Now, 26-year-old Nancy Tinoza, an immigrant from Zimbabwe, was killed in the collision on the 3400 block of Eastern Avenue NE on March 22. The news outlet reported that the driver of the vehicle she was in and another passenger were also hospitalized with injuries.
The driver, who has been charged with second-degree murder, allegedly was intoxicated and speeding at the time of the crash. He apparently thought the stopped truck was moving, according to his statements to police.
Contacting an Attorney Following a DUI Accident
As this case allegedly shows, the decision to drive drunk can lead to a horrific accident. Stay safe by avoiding this habit.
If you or a loved one has been hurt by a drunk driver, it may be important to take legal action. A lawsuit could help you get the financial assistance you need to deal with the injury and follow-up treatment.
Our firm treats drunk driving accident victims with compassion. We understand the tremendous amount of pain and suffering a reckless driver can cause you. Our firm has more than 30 years of experience working on behalf of those hurt by careless drivers in Virginia.
For more information about vehicle accident and injury lawsuits, continue to follow our blog.
Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP
Source: http://www.arlnow.com/2015/03/24/arlington-woman-killed-in-alleged-drunk-driving-crash/
Did You Know? In 2010, more than 1.4 million American drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.