Drunk driving accidents are thought to account for approximately one-third of America’s fatal crashes (more than 10, 000 accidents per year), but not all victims are other drivers. In fact, one study found that about 13 percent of all pedestrian deaths were caused by an intoxicated vehicle driver. What sort of compensation might the families of these victims be entitled to, and where can you find assistance? The following explains.
Drunk Driving is a Prominent Issue in America
No one is immune to the dangers of drunk drivers. In fact, statistics show that 16 percent of all the traffic deaths among children are related to drunk driving. Pedestrians, other drivers, bicyclists, and even law enforcement officers are also at risk. To make matters worse, some of the drunk drivers are commercial drivers – people who drive semi-trucks, garbage trucks, school buses, and transit vehicles. By nature, these tend to be devastating crashes, and they often result in a fatality for other road users.
Pedestrian Death Statistics
Pedestrian deaths have increased drastically over the last several years. In fact, a recent study from the National Safety Council determined that pedestrian deaths have increased by a total of 6 percent over the last year – and that is not the first major increase. In 2011, researchers determined that pedestrian deaths had increased by 3 percent from the previous year. Distracted driving and drunk driving are thought to be some of the biggest influences on these statistics.
Pursuing Compensation for Wrongful Death
When victims are killed in a drunk driving crash, their family has the right to pursue compensation from the negligent party. Sometimes, this can be a challenging process; many drunk drivers flee the scene, either because they are unaware that they have hit someone or because they are afraid of getting caught. Drunk drivers also tend to be habitual offenders, so they may not have a license or insurance, which can further complicate the process. Thankfully, families do not have to face the difficult process alone.
Contact Our Appleton Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
If someone you love has been killed by a drunk driver, contact Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd. for assistance. Our Appleton pedestrian accident lawyers understand the pain and grief that your family is experiencing, and we will fight for the most favorable outcome possible for your case. Schedule a free consultation to learn more. Call our offices at 920-739-7366 today.
Sources:
http://kfoxtv.com/news/local/sti-investigating-fatal-pedestrian-accident-in-west-el-paso
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/08/05/drunk-pedestrian-fatalities/2621673/
https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/impaired_driving/impaired-drv_factsheet.html
http://www.npr.org/2017/03/30/522085503/2016-saw-a-record-increase-in-pedestrian-deaths