Glen Larson Law Injury Attorneys know football is a huge part of Texas culture, and with the college and NFL season in full swing, tailgating, parties, and games bring incredible joy to University of Texas students, alums, and fans, Austin residents, and communities throughout the state who are enjoying a seemingly endless list of fall events.
And the fun doesn’t stop there. Whether celebrating October fest, Dias de los Muertos, or just visiting one of Austin’s many craft breweries, these celebrations are often accompanied by food and alcohol that make it easy to overdo.
Unfortunately, this often means too many drivers get behind the wheel after imbibing, leading to preventable and unfortunate drunk driving accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
Drunk Driving in Texas Costs More Than Money
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, a staggering 26% of all traffic deaths in Texas involved a drunk driver last year.
In 2022, 1,162 people were killed in drunk driving crashes in Texas, a 2% increase from the year before. Tragically, those crashes led to one person dying every 7 hours and 32 minutes. That’s equivalent to three people dying every day of the year. Another 2,114 people were seriously injured because someone foolishly chose to get behind the wheel while impaired.
Driving under the influence can have severe and often irreparable physical, emotional, and financial consequences for survivors and offenders alike.
Following are a few key impacts of drunk driving accidents on Austin’s roads:
- Financial Costs
Drunk driving accidents impose substantial financial costs on the community including medical expenses, emergency response and law enforcement costs, legal proceedings, and costs associated with property damage.
- Strain on the Healthcare System
Severe injuries from drunk driving accidents often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, which can strain the local healthcare system and ultimately increase healthcare costs.
- Legal Consequences
Drunk drivers face criminal charges and legal penalties, including fines, license suspension, and potential incarceration. Legal proceedings can also be lengthy and expensive.
- Insurance Costs
Drunk driving accidents can increase insurance premiums for all drivers in the community, as insurance companies may raise rates to cover their losses.
- Emotional Toll
Beyond the physical and financial impacts, drunk driving accidents emotionally affect victims and their families. The pain and suffering experienced by survivors can be long-lasting.
- Loss of Productivity
Injured individuals may be unable to work for extended periods, resulting in lost wages and productivity not only for them but also for their employers and the local economy.
One of the most significant impacts is the realization that most drunk driving accidents are preventable. When other motorists are injured or lose their loved ones in drunk driving accidents, they have the right to pursue compensation for their damages. We can help.
Contact Our Skilled Drunk Driving Accident and Injury Attorneys
Call our skilled drunk driving accident and injury attorneys at (512) 883-0277 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation. We pursue dedicated, driven results for our clients, and there is never a charge to talk to an attorney. We stand ready to help you.
