Not Uncommon for a DWI Accident to Result in Fatality

Every day on roads in New Jersey and throughout the United States, it is not uncommon to find impaired drivers. Millions of drivers a year admit to having driven drunk at some point — though not all are involved in accidents or are criminally charged. However, numerous alcohol-related auto collisions do occur and many of them result in fatality. When a fatal DWI accident does take place, a victim’s surviving family members may be left struggling in a variety of ways.

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics of the U.S. Department of Transportation, it is estimated than an average of three people lose their lives in DWI-related collisions every two hours, nationally. Thousands die annually in such incidents. Knowing these numbers, what are states doing to help reduce or stop these accidents from occurring?

New Jersey and other states do actually work hard to prevent alcohol-related auto accidents. Zero Tolerance Laws have been put in place, safety campaigns for public education often occur and law enforcement officials can be seen out in force looking to stop impaired drivers. However, these accidents do still happen fairly frequently.

Families in New Jersey who have lost loved ones due to the actions of impaired drivers have a lot to overcome as they work to move forward. Thankfully, according to state laws, these families may have legal recourse. Wrongful death and any other appropriate claims may be filed in civil court against the individual and/or establishments believed responsible for a fatal DWI accident. If negligence can be proved to the satisfaction of the court, monetary compensation may be granted.

Source: rita.dot.gov, “Drunk Driving by the Numbers“, Accessed on June 10, 2016