Fourth of July DWI Accidents & the Rights of Injured Victims
With the Fourth of July weekend quickly approaching, residents throughout Texas and the nation will have the opportunity to reflect on some of the more concerning aspects of what this holiday has come to mean. In particular, July 4th – as well as the days preceding and following the holiday – have become notorious for increased rates of auto accidents, injuries, and fatalities across the country. In many cases, these increased occurrences of accidents and injuries can be attributed to higher rates of impaired and intoxicated driving. In fact, the problem of DWIs and DUIs during this time of year have become so prevalent and alarming that law enforcement and public safety agencies across the United States have joined in a nationwide campaign to step up enforcement and come down hard on those who get behind the wheel under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
In a recent news release from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), law enforcement agencies throughout the region announced that they will increase DWI patrols for a 10-day period during Fourth of July week. Increased patrols were set to begin this past Friday and will continue through the holiday, ending on Sunday, July 7. As stated by officials from the Texas DPS, impaired driving can quickly turn a joyous celebration into tragedy.
And avoiding tragedy is precisely what this initiative is all about. As part of the news release, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) also released figures from last year’s Fourth of July week. During last year’s DWI campaign, DPS troopers made 1,294 DWI arrests. Statistics also confirmed that Independence Day has historically been one of the most dangerous and deadliest holiday periods for alcohol-related crashed on Texas roads and highways. Officers further stated that extra troopers will be deployed throughout the county, particularly in areas where there are more alcohol-related events – including Possum Kingdom Lake.
VICTIMS’ RIGHTS
Although increased DWI enforcement is always reassuring and a necessary measure for protecting public safety, the fact remains that drunk driving accidents, injuries, and fatalities still occur frequently. As reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 10,000 people were killed alcohol-related crashes in 2010 – a statistic that equates to one drunk driving death every 51 minutes.
Victims who have been injured in an auto accident caused by a drunk or impaired driver – as well as families who have lost a loved one to such needless tragedy – can face immense and profound struggles as they navigate the road to recovery. As such, the American judicial system provides victims with legal avenues to hold wrongdoers accountable for their actions and the right to recover their damages. By filing a personal injury claim with the assistance of an Austin personal injury attorney from the Lowey Law Firm, injured victims can receive the guidance, support, and representation needed to recover full and fair compensation.
While compensation and specifics will vary from case to case, injured DWI accident victims and families will have the right to recover any physical, emotional, and / or financial damages they suffered as a direct result of their accident and injuries. From recovering the costs of medical expenses and future treatment to damages for lost work wages, pain and suffering, and emotional injuries, financial compensation is vital to helping victims and families put their lives back on track. In many drunk driving accident cases, victims may also have the opportunity to pursue exemplary damages – a form of damages designed to punish wrongdoers for gross acts of negligence and deter others from committing similar acts of misconduct.
If you or your loved one has been injured in a car or truck accident in which the at-fault driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, place your trust and your case in the hands of a proven personal injury attorney. Prepared to inform you about your rights as a victim, guide you through the personal injury claim process, and recover the maximum compensation possible on your behalf, Attorney Adam Loewy can provide the support and representation you need to successfully navigate these difficult experiences. Contact the firm today to learn more.