Beginning with Memorial Day and ending with Labor Day, the summertime months see more fatal drunk driving accidents than any other time of the year. In fact, from Late May through Early September, fatal auto accidents involving drunk or intoxicated drivers nearly doubles.
Throughout the year, around 35% of all fatal auto accidents are caused by alcohol-impaired drivers. On the Fourth of July alone, that number rises to 47% - and while the Fourth is considered the deadliest day for drunk driving accidents during the summer months, both Labor Day and Memorial Day see a substantial increase as well.
The NHTSA reports that one alcohol-related death occurs every 52 minutes on our roadways. Most of these involve males between the ages of 21 and 44. Over 80% of all drunk driving fatalities are caused by men, four times the amount caused by women – and Florida has the second-highest rate of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities in the United States, just behind California. What’s more, despite stay-at-home orders last year, drunk driving accidents increased by 5% in 2020, even while the total miles traveled decreased by nearly 15%.
Your Rights When You Lose a Loved One
Drunk drivers may face criminal charges, especially when they take a life. But criminal charges don’t do anything for the families forced to deal with the loss of a loved one. What’s needed in these cases is civil justice.
When you lose a loved one to a drunk driving accident, you have every right to seek maximum compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. This is a civil action that stands separate from criminal proceedings, meaning you may be able to seek compensation even when no charges are brought. The best way to understand your options and your rights is through a one-on-one consultation with an experienced wrongful death attorney.
The attorneys at Kelleher Law are passionate about helping families get the justice they deserve. Thoughtful, compassionate, and thorough, our lawyers are here to listen to your case, provide honest and useful information about your options, and guide you towards the best solution for your family’s needs. Please call us at 833-546-3675 to schedule a free consultation and learn more. We maintain offices in Naples, Fort Myers, and Atlanta, GA to serve families living throughout the area.
