Drunk driving remains a leading cause of fatal accidents, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reporting an increase in DUI-related fatalities from 9,865 in 2011 to 10,322 in 2013. According to the NHTSA, most fatal DUI accidents involve drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15 percent or higher—nearly twice the legal limit. A 2006 study estimated that a drunk driving fatality occurs every 30 minutes in the United States.
One tragic case underscores the ongoing dangers of impaired driving. A 23-year-old woman was sentenced to 120 days in jail and one year of probation after admitting she had been drinking before a fatal crash that claimed the life of a 23-year-old man. Prosecutors had initially sought a seven-year sentence, but the court issued a significantly lower penalty.
At the accident scene, the driver told officers she had been drinking, and a subsequent BAC test revealed a level of 0.134 percent—well above the legal limit. The victim’s family pursued a wrongful death lawsuit, which was settled for $650,000 before the case went to trial.
For a free legal consultation, call 980-246-2656
Georgia’s DUI laws can be complex, and victims of drunk driving accidents often face legal hurdles when seeking justice. Clayton County DUI injury attorney Shane Smith is experienced in handling DUI-related injury and wrongful death cases, ensuring victims and their families receive the compensation they deserve.
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