One constant worry for drivers, regardless of age, location, or weather patterns, is the possibility of sharing the road with intoxicated drivers. That concern might increase around popular “drinking holidays” such as Independence Day, Labor Day, or New Year’s Eve. One fact that might put drivers across the Commonwealth at ease is that alcohol-related car accident deaths are on the decline in Massachusetts.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has released a study showing that alcohol-related traffic deaths on a national scale have decreased steadily since 2007 with the exception of 2012, during which those numbers unfortunately showed a short-lived increase. During that same time period, Massachusetts has seen a 15% decrease in traffic deaths and an 8.5% decrease in alcohol-related car accident fatalities. The Massachusetts State Police are constantly striving to raise awareness and continue to lower that number. Drivers all across the Commonwealth can also do their part to educate themselves as well as their family and friends on the dangers of drunk driving.
The Consequences of Intoxicated Driving
It is well-known that the legal limit for driving while intoxicated is .08, but it is even more well-known that it is far safer to drive completely sober. If a driver in Massachusetts is caught by police officers to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they face a fine of up to $5,000 and a two and a half year prison sentence under their first offense. Fines and prison time only get worse from there.
Please teach your family and friends to never take the risk of driving after drinking. Even one drink over the course of an evening will make a difference. If you are planning on drinking alcohol, no matter how much, insist that a designated driver come with you and provide a safe ride home. If no designated sober driver is available, use a cab, a ride-share service, or public transportation. Your life, or anyone else’s, is worth far more than the added cost of cab fare.
Retain An Experienced Personal Injury Trial Lawyer
Aside from legal consequences, injuries caused by drunk-driving accidents can be positively devastating. Injuries from these types of accidents can include broken bones, spinal cord injuries that can potentially cause paralysis, concussion, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and even death. Each of these claims, particularly wrongful death, have several layers of damages involving obtaining lost wages, medical treatment and costs, pain and suffering, as well as loss of consortium or wrongful death claims brought on by family members of the accident victim.
In all of these cases, a lawyer who can help victims navigate the tumultuous roads to recover and communicating with insurance companies is an incredible asset. Attorney Neil Burns is exactly that kind of lawyer. He has been aggressively representing clients in personal injury cases since 1985, working hard to get them every dollar they deserve. An initial consultation with Attorney Burns is always free and there is never any cost to you unless your case is successful. Call 617-227-7423 to discuss your case today!