There are numerous causes of car accidents, but when an accident is caused by someone under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or any other controlled substance, the crash will be referred to as a DUI Accident. DUI is an acronym for Driving Under The Influence, and when an individual is injured because of that driver, the victim should reach out to a DC DUI Accident Lawyer for representation in the legal process.
DUI Statistics
The statistics are alarming. According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly 10,500 people died in 2016 in vehicle accidents where alcohol was a determining cause. That makes for almost 30% of all traffic-related deaths in the United States. That same year, more than 1 million people were arrested for DUI, which involved either alcohol or narcotics.
In 2012, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) conducted a study in which adults across the country were surveyed about their alcohol use. They were asked if, over the course of a 30-day period, if they chose to drive after drinking too much. In Washington, DC, 1.8% of individuals reported doing so. While that number may seem low, consider this fact from your DC DUI Accident Lawyer: it only takes one accident to claim a life.
How to Avoid DUI Accidents
The sad fact is that some DUI accidents simply cannot be avoided. However, your DC DUI Accident Lawyer says there are things we can all do to lessen the chances of harming ourselves in a DUI accident or someone else.
- Plan Accordingly: If you plan to drink while out and about, make plans to ride with someone else or get a ride home via public transportation, a taxi cab, or via a car-sharing company.
- Take the Keys: If you see a friend or associate is unable to drive, take their keys. If they get upset, you can settle it later. Allowing them to put someone else’s life in danger (and their own), is not ok.
- Choose a Non-Drinker: Will you be going out with a group of friends? Suggest that one person volunteer to refrain from drinking any alcoholic beverage and be the group’s driver.
On the Road
If you suspect your driver is under the influence or another driver on the road is under the influence, your DC DUI Accident Lawyer says there are some things to look out for on the road which include:
- Weaving
- Crossing the Center Line
- Slow Response to Traffic Lights
- Driving Too Slow
- Driving Too Fast
- Abrupt Turns
- Illegal Turns
- Eyes closing or other indications of drowsiness
If you notice this behavior from your driver, ask them to pull over so you can get out of the vehicle and either drive the car yourself or find alternative transportation. If you witness this behavior and can’t do anything about it, call 9-1-1 immediately.
DC DUI Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI Accident, you need to reach out to your DC DUI Accident Lawyer at The Lapidus Law Firm immediately. The legal process can be very challenging, especially when it comes to insurance company claims. And even when you think your claim is going smoothly, be careful: the insurance adjusters could be offering you a settlement far less than what your DC DUI Accident Lawyer can secure for you.
Call the DC DUI Accident Lawyers at The Lapidus Law Firm today for a FREE consultation at (202) 785-5111. With four decades of experience in working with car accident victims and securing fair and reasonable settlements, your DC DUI Accident Lawyer will dedicate all the time and effort required for your case.