Alcohol contributes to nearly one-third of all motor-vehicle accidents in the United States. Despite awareness campaigns that illustrate the dangers of drunk driving, 13,138 people died in drunk-driving wrecks in the state of Texas between 2003 and 2012, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If you were injured by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income and other damages. An accident lawyer from the Robson Law Firm can evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds for a claim.
Our attorneys have been representing the injured for more than 20 years, and we have recovered more than $26 million for our clients. Call 512-345-8200 to schedule a free initial consultation with an injury attorney in Austin.
5 Alarming Statistics about Drunk Driving in Texas
According to an anti-alcohol abuse program called The Right Step, Texas has the highest number of impaired drivers in the United States. If you drive often, chance are you’ve shared the road with an intoxicated motorist.
Many drivers underestimate the magnitude of this problem, but these five statistics reveal that drunk driving has become an epidemic in our state:
- One person is hurt or killed every 20 minutes due to drunk driving in Texas. This is more than double the national average, which is one injury or death every 53 minutes due to drunk driving.
- A total of 1,446 people died in drunk-driving accidents in Texas in 2014. Of those crashes, 193 involved a driver under the age of 21.
- Approximately 70 percent of drunk drivers involved in fatal accidents had a BAC of 0.15 or higher. That is almost double the legal limit of 0.08 percent.
- In 2014, the number of drunk driving arrests went down, but fatalities increased by more than 8 percent. Texas legislators have been cracking down on drunk driving, but this statistic indicates that more pressure is needed to curb the problem.
- More than one-fifth of high school students in Fort Worth and Houston reported riding in a motor vehicle with a drunk or drinking driver. Teenagers are inexperienced drivers, so even when they are sober, they are at a higher risk of crashing than other motorists. When alcohol is involved, though, that risk increases exponentially.
Even if you never drive under the influence, it is important that you know what to do after a drunk-driving crash. One misguided statement or action could prevent you from recovering fair compensation for lost income, medical bills and other damages.
If you were hurt by an intoxicated driver in Texas, turn to the Robson Law Firm. An Austin injury attorney will help you fight for the maximum settlement. If your case goes to trial, we have the resources and litigation experience to represent your interests in court. Call 512-345-8200 today to schedule a free initial consultation.