New York auto accident lawyer gives real-life example. Everyone knows the devastating effect drunk driving has on the lives of innocent victims. The statistics on drunk driving are powerful. The Federal Bureau of Investigation estimates that over 1.37 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics in 2005 (latest data available). The arrest rate represented about one arrest for every 137 licensed drivers in the United States. There is an alcohol-related traffic fatality every 31 minutes and an alcohol-related traffic injury every 2 minutes.Here is a real-life example of how in a fraction of a second a single drunk driver can forever alter the lives of many people.
New York City, NY (NewYorkInjuryNews.com) — “Julia” (driver), age 21, and “Sabrina” age 24 (a passenger in Julia’s car) were driving eastbound on the Long Island Expressway at about 10 o’clock at night. While in mid-conversation, the rear panel of their vehicle was struck from behind and sent propelling into the air. The car flipped over several times, crossed the median and then was struck by a car going westbound that was driven by a young woman, named “Anna” who was only 19 years old.
The cause of this ugly chain of collisions was a 36-year-old man who was severely intoxicated. When he struck the back of Julia and Sabrina’s car, he was driving at 98 miles per hour. Julia sustained breakages throughout her body that kept her in the hospital for 8 months. Sabrina suffered traumatic brain injuries including lacerations of her brain’s dural matter, hemorrhages, spinal fractures and a punctured spleen. Anna remained comatose for 18 days following the accident. And even after the injuries to her lungs, liver, skull and spine healed, she still suffers from permanent memory impairment.
As for the drunk driver, he was prosecuted in criminal court and was sued for money damages to help compensate Sabrina for her past and future pain and suffering. Of course, no amount of money will ever restore her health.
Stories like this are far too common and some of you or your loved ones may have experiences that closely reflect the details of this event. If you or someone you know have been affected by drunk driving, make sure you report it to the proper authorities and immediately seek professional legal counsel.
Contributor: New York auto accident lawyer – Christopher T. McGrath a stellar reputation in the legal community. His recent successes include an $11 million recovery in a wrongful death case involving a motor vehicle accident, and a $4 million recovery for an injured worker at a construction site. For More information about this leading New York auto accident lawyer visit his web profile