Drunk Driving Accidents

Halloween Can Mean More Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving crashes tend to see an increase on Halloween. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, these crashes cause close to 10,000 deaths per year, and when the night of candy and costumes rolls around, that number of fatal car crashes can increase. 

 

Halloween is a popular holiday across the country. One night a year, children and families roam the streets in costumes in search of tricks and treats. Because there are more people in the streets, there is a higher chance of pedestrian fatalities as a result of a person driving while intoxicated. Additionally, the use of dark-colored costumes by trick-or-treaters may make it more difficult to see them at night. Driving while intoxicated only increases the risk of failing to see a pedestrian who may be wearing dark clothing. 

 

Halloween also means an increase in parties amongst teens and young adults, especially those between 21 and 34. Because Halloween falls on a weekend in 2020, the chances increase of celebrations where alcohol is served, which only increases the chance for a serious drunk driving accident. It is important for those revelers who choose to consume alcoholic beverages to have a plan for a sober ride in place before joining the festivities. 

Drunk Driving in Texas

The Texas Department of Transportation shows that the number of people that died as a result of a drunk driving accident in 2019 was 437. Additionally, someone is seriously injured or killed as a result of a drunk driving accident approximately every twenty minutes. 

 

DWI laws in Texas provide some significant penalties for those drivers who chose to operate a vehicle while intoxicated. In Texas, a driver is generally considered impaired when his or her BAC is 0.08 percent or higher. However, a driver can be arrested for DWI while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, even if his BAC is below the legal limit. Depending on the number of prior DWI convictions, a driver can be subjected to a term of imprisonment from 3 days to 10 years and fined anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000. Additionally, a DWI conviction almost always means suspension or revocation of a driver’s license.

 

These criminal penalties for drunk driving do very little to help victims of accidents. Instead, injured victims must take action to seek compensation for their losses through the insurance process or in civil court. This can be a challenging task, and you should remain focused on your medical treatment. The good news is that the right lawyer can help you hold drunk drivers liable for your losses.

Seek Help from an Austin Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

If you or a loved one is injured or killed as a result of another driver operating a vehicle while intoxicated, you may be entitled to damages for medical bills, lost wages, and other compensation. You need experienced Austin drunk driving accident lawyers who understand the law and can build a good case to get you and your family the compensation you deserve. The attorneys at Terry & Kelly, PLLC, know how serious a drunk driving accident can be and refuse to let those who cause injury or death walk away without being held accountable. Call (512) 872-4584 or visit our website to schedule your free consultation.