My Prosperous World

Annually, America’s horrendous death toll from drunk drivers reaches its apex in what should be a joyful holiday season. But year-end celebrations lead to increased indulgence, and increased drunk driving, which in turn leads to severe injuries and even fatalities for innocent victims of drunk driving accidents.

Should a family member become such a victim, find solace in the fact that you can fight back with a drunk driving lawsuit. A car accident attorney or drunk driving lawyer can pursue financial compensation for your loved one’s losses, including medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages.

This form of legal action is vital in view of the fact that America’s drunk driving toll is enormous. In recent years, as many as-,000 Americans have been killed by drunk drivers in a 12-month period, or about a third of all traffic accident deaths. In 2008 in Texas, the state had 975 persons killed in drunk driving calamities, or 28 per cent of the total traffic accident death toll.

Since’82, more than half a million Americans have been killed by drunk drivers. That’s more than all American combat deaths in every war since and including World War II. In short, drunk drivers are slaughtering Americans far more than any foreign enemies in an undeclared war which knows no end.

Texas recently beefed up its laws to assist police officers in making drunk driving arrests. Starting on Sept. 1, 2009, police were authorized to take blood samples to ascertain blood alcohol levels (BAC) in suspected drunk drivers without first obtaining a warrant. This only can be done: if the suspect already has a drunk driving record; if a victim other than the suspect dies or is expected to die; if a victim other than the suspect suffers an injury and must be hospitalized; or if at least one passenger in any vehicle in the accident is a child under 15 years old.

Also combating drunk driving deaths is Mothers Against Drunk Driving, or MADD, a national organization with a strong presence in Texas. MADD not only serves drunk driving victims and their families, but also presses for legislation to fight drunk driving. That includes calling for breath-testing devices in cars which will prohibit a drunk driver from turning on the ignition.

While these kinds of efforts certainly can help, the devastating impact of drunk driving goes on. A clear and loud message must be sent to drunk drivers that they will be held responsible for what they do, both legally and monetarily. A knowledgeable car accident attorney or drunk driving lawyer can send that message while fighting for victims’ rights – and justice.

Offering a free case review, Jim S. Adler & Associates is a longtime Texas personal injury law firm with offices in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Channelview. The law firm represents victims of SUV, car, auto, bus, truck, motorcycle and other traffic accidents, along with victims of defective drugs and defective medical devices.