Would it surprise you to learn that roughly 400 people lose their lives in drunk driving accidents here in South Carolina every single year? Would you be alarmed to know that impairment is responsible for nearly half of all traffic fatalities in the state? How about the fact that South Carolina has the second-highest rate of fatalities related to substance abuse on the road in the nation, trailing only Wyoming? If these data have not gotten your attention yet, it may be that you have not suffered the loss of a loved one due to the irresponsible and reckless decision of another to drink and get behind the wheel of a car. If you can relate to the devastation of such an incident, however, you would likely benefit from the assistance of a drunk driving accident attorney who is practiced in matters related to personal injury and wrongful death.
More Statistics
The fact of the matter is, the number one cause of death among Americans aged one through 54 is motor vehicle crashes—taking roughly 30,000 lives annually. In addition to the human devastation, these fatalities cost the nation well over $40 billion every year. Tragically, over one-third of these incidents are directly related to inebriated driving, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Wrongful Death
When a person’s recklessness or negligence leads to a fatality, it could result in wrongful death charges. In the case of a drunk driving accident, the decision to drive a motor vehicle was clearly a reckless one. These cases may be filed by the estate of the deceased on behalf of family members or, in some cases, others who relied on the deceased financially. A wrongful death lawsuit is a way for families to pursue remuneration for matters including the following:
- Expenditures associated with hospitalization or other medical costs related to the incident;
- Funeral and burial expenses;
- Loss of current and future wages;
- The absence of spousal companionship;
- The loss of protection and guidance for minor children who lose a parent;
- Payment for services that might normally be performed by the deceased, including babysitting, snow removal, and other types of maintenance; and
- The emotional suffering of family members.
Moving Forward
Losing a loved one is never easy. When the loss can be attributed to the reckless choice of an impaired individual to get behind the wheel of a 2,000-pound machine and meander into your life, it only intensifies the sense of anger and grief. Though nothing can turn back time, the experienced and ethical lawyers at the Dan Pruitt Injury Law Firm can help make the future a little brighter. Contact our Greenville office today to schedule your free, confidential consultation.