Utah Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
Auto accident fatalities take a terrible toll on our nation every year. Groups like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) keep tabs on statistics relating to drunk driving, and the numbers can be quite sobering.
On average, nearly a third of all car accidents deaths are in some way alcohol related. This does not necessarily mean that alcohol consumption was directly responsible for the crash, but it means that at least one of the drivers (or a pedestrian or bike rider) had some alcohol in his or her system during the crash. Unsurprisingly (perhaps), male drivers are more likely to drive while inebriated than female drivers. Among young drivers (under 21), NHTSA stats suggest that on average, around three out of ten had been drinking alcohol. Auto accidents are the top cause of death for teens in this age bracket.
Interestingly, since the early 1980s, there's actually been a statistically significant drop off in alcohol-related accident deaths. Whereas in the early ’80s, around 25,000 people a year (on average) were killed in motor vehicle crashes related to alcohol; today, those numbers have dropped to around 15,000 -- still very high, but in some respects we are making some progress on a societal level. Perhaps this drop is due to education campaigns pursued by interest group, such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Students Against Drunk Driving. The NHTSA also believes that tougher consumption laws for underage drivers have contributed to this decline in alcohol-related vehicle deaths.
Here in Utah, the number of drunk driving accidents and fatalities is relatively low compared to nearby states like California and Nevada. However, any time a drunk driving tragedy occurs, the legal complications and logistics of getting compensation can seem completely overwhelming.
If you or someone you know has been hurt in a drunk driving accident in Utah, you may be able to pursue a liability claim. Contact the Christensen Law Firm, PLLC, here at UtahPersonalInjuryLawFirm.com or at our hotline, (801) 506-0800. Learn your rights and responsibilities under the law to get the justice that you need. Our firm boasts a reputation for experience and integrity, and we are happy to provide a free consultation.