Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Injured in a Drunk Driving Accident? A Personal Injury Lawyers in Albuquerque, New Mexico May Be Able to Help
Drunk driving car accidents have an immense impact on victims and families. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, every two minutes a person is injured in a drunk driving related accident. These accidents are both emotionally and financially devastating to victims and their loved ones. Families may find themselves having to shoulder sudden and extensive medical bills. To make matters worse, the injured person may be unable to work, further adding financial stress to an already challenging situation. Criminal sanctions may be able to punish offenders, and Albuquerque New Mexico drunk driving accident lawyers can work with families to help them seek justice and compensation.
MADD reports that the average drunk driver has chosen to drive drunk 80 times on average before a first-time arrest. By the time a first-time offender is caught, he or she may have committed the crime many times before. To make matters worse, license suspension and other sanctions don’t always prevent drunk drivers from going out and repeating the crime again. Anywhere from 50% to 75% of drunk drivers will continue to drive despite having a license suspension.
Victims of drunk drivers have the right to seek justice for their injuries and losses. A personal injury lawyer in Albuquerque, New Mexico may be able to assist individuals in pursuing drunk drivers responsible for their accident to the furthest extent of the law. The Law Office of Brian K. Branch, PC offers legal representation to car accident victims and their families.Our Albuquerque drunk driving accident attorneys are compassionate and know the law and are ready to fight for your rights.
Personal Injury Lawsuits Punish Drunk Drivers
According to the Insurance Journal, New Mexico was the first state to implement the mandatory use of ignition interlock devices. Ignition interlock devices are placed on vehicles of known drunk driving offenders. In order for the vehicle to start, a driver must breathe into the device. The device tests the person’s blood alcohol level and will only allow the car to start if the person is found to have been drinking. The device is designed to prevent individuals from driving even if they’ve had only a small amount of alcohol. Offenders are required to pay to have the device installed in the vehicles they will be driving. Since New Mexico enacted the law, it saw a 40% decrease in the number of drunk driving offenses. The Centers for Disease Control reports that in states where ignition interlock devices are mandatory, repeat offenses of drinking and driving can be reduced by as much as 70 percent. Currently, New Mexico is one of 24 states that require the use of ignition interlock devices for first time offenders. The device has been found to be more effective in preventing repeat offenses than even license suspension.
Unfortunately, the device can’t help keep people safe from individuals who drink and drive, and who have yet to be convicted of their first offense. Each person’s decision affects the safety of other people on the road every year. Yet, drivers are more likely to follow the law if they understand that they face serious consequences for breaking the law. In addition to criminal sanctions and fines, drunk drivers who injure or kill innocent drivers face civil litigation as well. Personal injury lawyers in Albuquerque New Mexico can help victims and their families raise awareness for the crime and prevent future drivers for making the tragic decision to drink and drive. The Law Office of Brian K. Branch, PC aggressively defends his clients. The firm understands that the effects of drunk operation are devastating for families and victim. Mr. Branch is an experienced Albuquerque drunk driving accident attorney who works diligently to ensure that justice is served.
Seeking Justice for Victims of Drunk Drivers
If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver, a personal injury lawyer in Albuquerque, New Mexico may be able to assist you in recovering money and in getting the justice your family deserves. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 1999 alone, drunk driving accounted for about 17,800 crashes. Just one single alcohol-related fatality can cost victims and their families an estimated $3.4 million. Individuals who survive drunk driving accidents lose, on average, $98,000 in monetary expenses and in lost quality of life. If you’ve suffered as a result of a drunk driver, you don’t need to suffer in silence. Contact the Law Office of Brian K. Branch, PC today. Our firm works tirelessly to serve individuals who have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence in Albuquerque, New Mexico.