Texas has a troubling and unfortunate reputation for accidents caused by drunk drivers. A new study shows that Texas ranks among the top five worst states in the nation for drunk driving. The driving education organization who ran this study, Zutobi, also noted that fatal DUI accidents are rising across the U.S., citing a startling 10,142 deaths.
Getting hit by a drunk driver can cause severe injuries with lifelong complications. If you were in a car accident with someone who was driving under the influence, it is vital to secure the support of an experienced car accident attorney after tending to your immediate medical needs. Your attorney will review your case and advocate on your behalf to ensure you are compensated for the full extent of your losses.
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The 5 Worst States in the U.S. for Drunk Driving
Zutobi drew on data from the FBI and the National Highway Transportation Safety Board to determine this ranking. The organization looked at data regarding DUI deaths and fatalities by state with data from 2019. Here are the five worst states for drunk driving:
- #5: Texas
- #4: South Dakota
- #3: Montana
- #2: Wyoming
- #1: North Dakota
Texas had 360 DUI arrests in 2019 and 7.5 DUI-related deaths per 100,000 drivers. These numbers were enough to rank Texas as the fifth-worst state in the nation for drunk driving.
What Are the Dangers of Drunk Driving?
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher can cause impaired driving and lead to accidents. In certain individuals, impairment can occur at a BAC of 0.05%. Some ways that drinking can affect your driving include:
- Slowed reaction times
- Decreased coordination
- Reduced concentration
- Blurred vision
- Impaired judgment
These impairments, among others, can make driving drunk deadly to the driver, their passengers, and others on the road. It is essential to come up with a plan if you are going to go out and drink. Using a rideshare service or depending on a designated driver can save lives.
What Damages Can I Collect If I Was Hit by a Drunk Driver?
Dealing with the aftermath of being hit by a drunk driver can be both devastating and costly. As long as you were less than 50% responsible for the accident, you are eligible to seek compensation for your losses. Driving drunk exhibits negligence on the driver’s part, and they are legally required to pay for the suffering they caused. A skilled car accident attorney can help ensure you can prove negligence and collect the damages you are owed. A few examples of damages you may be able to recover include:
- Pain and suffering
- Costs of current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages or earning potential
- Disfigurement or permanent disabilities
- Mental anguish
- Reduced quality of life
- Funeral expenses (if the accident caused the wrongful death of a loved one)
Your lawyer will review your case to help you determine which damages you are entitled to and help ensure that you are fairly compensated.
Contact a Board-Certified Houston Car Accident Attorney
Recovering from an injury suffered due to an accident with a drunk driver can be painful and stressful. The experienced and skilled attorneys at Sutliff & Stout understand the stress of navigating the recovery process and are committed to helping clients across Texas relieve the financial burden caused by the accident. We are dedicated to providing a personalized approach to every case to help you achieve the best possible outcome. Get started today by filling out our contact form or calling (713) 987-7111 to schedule a free and confidential consultation.
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