A Florida family has been awarded $5 million after their child was killed by a drunk driver. The child, who was 10 years old at the time of the accident, was walking home from school when he was struck by a car driven by a drunk driver. The driver was arrested and charged with DUI manslaughter.
The jury found that the driver was negligent and that his negligence caused the child’s death. The jury awarded the family $5 million in damages, which will help them to cover the cost of the child’s funeral, medical expenses, and lost wages.
This case is a reminder that drunk driving is a serious crime that can have devastating consequences. In 2021, there were over 10,000 people killed in drunk driving accidents in the United States.
Drunk driving is defined as driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. However, even driving with a BAC below 0.08% can be considered drunk driving if it impairs your ability to drive safely.
There are a number of things that you can do to prevent drunk driving. You can:
- Never drink and drive. This is the most important thing that you can do to prevent drunk driving. If you are going to be drinking, make sure that you have a designated driver who will not drink alcohol.
- Offer to be a designated driver for your friends. If your friends are going to be drinking, offer to be the designated driver. This will help to ensure that they get home safely and that they do not drink and drive.
- Call a taxi or ride-sharing service. If you are going to be drinking, call a taxi or ride-sharing service. This is a safe and reliable way to get home without having to drive yourself.
- Talk to your friends about the dangers of drunk driving. Many people do not realize the dangers of drunk driving. Talk to your friends about the risks of drunk driving and encourage them to make safe choices.
By taking these steps, you can help to keep our roads safe and prevent drunk driving accidents.
In addition to the legal and financial consequences of drunk driving, there are also emotional and psychological consequences. Families who have lost loved ones to drunk driving often experience grief, anger, and guilt. These emotions can be difficult to cope with, and it is important to seek professional help if you are struggling.
If you or someone you know has been injured or killed by a drunk driver, there are resources available to help you. You can contact a DUI attorney to discuss your legal options. You can also contact a victim’s advocacy group for support and resources.
Here are some resources for victims of drunk driving:
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): The NHTSA offers a variety of resources for victims of drunk driving, including information on how to file a claim, how to get help with medical expenses, and how to get counseling.
- MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving): MADD is a national organization that works to prevent drunk driving and to support victims of drunk driving. MADD offers a variety of resources, including a helpline, a victim’s assistance program, and a public awareness campaign.
- SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions): SADD is a national organization that works to prevent underage drinking and drunk driving. SADD offers a variety of resources, including a youth leadership program, a driver’s education program, and a public awareness campaign.
If you or someone you know has been injured or killed by a drunk driver, please reach out for help. There are resources available to help you cope with the physical, financial, emotional, and psychological consequences of drunk driving.
If you are in the Everett area and need help with a drunk driving case, please contact Russell & Hill, a personal injury law firm that specializes in drunk driving cases. Russell & Hill has a team of experienced attorneys who will fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
To schedule a free consultation, please call Russell & Hill at 425-212-9165.