Drunk Driving Car Accidents

In 2015, over 10,000 people died in drunk driving crashes. This accounts for nearly 1/3 of all traffic- related deaths in the United States. As North Providence personal injury lawyers, we find these figures daunting, especially since we all know drinking and driving is entirely preventable. In 2014, North Providence saw one death due to drunk driving that took place on Mineral Spring Avenue. Prior to 2014, the last drunk driving fatality in the city was 2009. While the number of drunk driving fatalities in North Providence during the last years may seem low, even the loss of one life is too many. This does not take into account the personal injury some victims have incurred due to drunk drivers, and the perilous effects that these car accidents can have on one’s life. Drunk driving accidents can cause life-threatening injuries and have a life-long effect on the injured as well as their family. The guidance of a North Providence drunk driving attorney should be sought immediately if you or a loved one have been in a car accident involving an alcohol or drug impaired driver.

The state of Rhode Island defines driving while intoxicated (DWI) as any driver with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .08% or higher. For drivers under the age of 21, the laws are even more stringent and underage drunk drivers can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) for a BAC between .2% and .8%. In Rhode Island, the charge of a DUI or DWI that results in serious injury or death is considered a felony. Young people are more prone to being involved in drunk driving crashes than older people. Nearly 1/3 of fatal drunk driving crashes in 2015 involved drivers between the ages of 21 and 24. Attorney David Tapalian is a North Providence drunk driving lawyer who can help those who have been hurt in auto accidents seek damages for their losses.

Despite strict laws against impaired vehicle operation, drunk driving is still the largest cause of death on U.S. roadways. Rhode Islanders, including North Providence residents, spend a lot of time on the road. The more time we spend driving, the greater the risk of being impacted by a drunk driver. Drunk driving accidents often result in death. If not fatal, the injuries caused by a car accident can be severe and effect a person for life. Drunk driving accidents also have a huge impact on the injured person’s family. The victim may require life-long care and be laden with huge medical expenses, hospital bills, and caregiver expenses. Often a victim will be unable to work while they recover or even not be able to return to work or be limited as to what type of job they are able to carry out. These limitations may result in a loss or reduction of wages, making it difficult to support themselves and their family. If a loved one is injured they may require intermittent home care, either temporarily or long-term. Injuries from a drunk driving accident may demand future surgeries. All of these expenses add up quickly and can be impossible to keep up with. That is why victims of drunk driving accidents need to seek the guidance of a North Providence drunk driving attorney like David Tapalian. The personal injury law firm of Tapalian Law has helped North Providence residents hurt by a drunk driver seek compensation for their losses. If a drunk driving crash results in a death, certain family members of the deceased may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek monetary compensation for their loss including pain and suffering. If you, or a loved one, have been hit by a drunk driver, seek the advice of Tapalian Law immediately. Get started on the road to recover today. Contact us at our easily located Providence office at 401-552-5000 or by email.