Impaired Drivers are One of the Leading Causes of Auto Accidents in California
According to the latest statistics provided by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (CDMV), there were 124,141 DUI arrests throughout the state over a single year. The same report listed 27,333 alcohol-impaired crash injuries, and 1,187 alcohol-impaired crash fatalities.
In addition, the California Office of Traffic Safety cited, over the same period, 50% of all drivers killed in motor vehicle crashes, who were tested, tested positive for legal and/or illegal drugs, an increase of 8% from the previous year. Drug-involved crashes injured 2,998 people throughout California and led to the deaths of 798 more.
Closer to home, the CDMV reported San Luis Obispo County drivers accounted for 1,633 DUI arrests, 133 traffic fatalities involving alcohol-impaired drivers, thirteen crash deaths attributed to drug-impaired drivers, and four fatalities attached to drivers who were impaired by both alcohol and drugs.
Although San Luis Obispo is generally a very safe city, with residential neighborhoods, canyon homes, vineyards, and walkable urban communities, impaired drivers do not differentiate between safe and unsafe areas when they get behind the wheel. Unfortunately, this puts everyone — including pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motorists — in harm’s way.
James McKiernan Lawyers represent clients throughout California who have been hurt or lost a family member because of the fault of another. If an impaired driver has negatively impacted your life, we want to help ensure your story is told during a free consultation.
How Would I Know if the At-Fault Driver Who Caused My Collision Was Impaired?
Our California auto accident lawyers know traffic crashes cause significant confusion, so it may be difficult to know whether the driver who caused your collision was impaired, or if he or she was just dazed by the crash impact. Without a significant smell of alcohol or a visible sign of drugs on their person or in the vehicle, impaired driving may go undetected by the injured party or witnesses at the scene.
This is why it is important to contact law enforcement after an accident with injuries or fatalities occurs. Police officers are trained to detect drug or alcohol impairment and will take the necessary steps to confirm or deny their suspicion. This may include administering a breathalyzer at the scene or detaining the driver(s) for medical assessments, which may include blood tests to determine if the at-fault driver, or any drivers involved in the crash were impaired.
While driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs may result in a criminal arrest, your car accident and injury claim will unfold as a civil claim. We can help you understand your legal rights and options to pursue the impaired driver’s insurance coverage for your full financial recovery, so you can take back control of your life.
Contact James McKiernan Lawyers for a Free Consultation Today
If you have been injured because of the fault of another, contact us today by calling (800) 200-4878 or by contacting us online to learn your next steps for the best outcome for your case.
JML San Luis Obispo personal injury attorney has handled more than 30,000 accident, injury, and wrongful death cases, recovering over $300 million in settlements and jury verdicts for our California clients. Read our almost 400 5-star client reviews to learn more.
