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Study reveals frequency of drunk driving across the country

 

A recent study showed that over 4 million adults admit to driving drunk during the past month.

Every time you get behind the wheel, you have to rely on other people to make responsible choices to ensure you are safe on the road. Sadly, a new study has shown that many people make reckless decisions when it comes to driving while intoxicated every day.

The researchers found over 4 million adults in the United States drove drunk on at least one occasion during the last month. In all, that would account for approximately 121 million instances of drunk driving every year in the U.S.

The study also determined that men account for around 80 percent of all drunk drivers across the country. In fact, the so-called typical drunk driver is a man between the ages of 21 and 34. That demographic accounts for about 33 percent of all cases of intoxicated driving in the country.

Connecticut considered one of the toughest states on drunk drivers

While these statistics are alarming, residents of Connecticut may be heartened to know that the laws in our state are particularly severe for those who choose to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.

Last year, strict laws relating to ignition interlock devices were passed in Connecticut, requiring first-time drunk drivers who enter a diversion program to also install the interlock device in their vehicle. Consequently, Mothers Against Drunk Driving suspects that the number of people killed in drunk driving crashes in Connecticut will begin to decrease.

Nevertheless, drunk driving crashes lead to a high number of fatalities in Connecticut every year. Last year, 114 people lost their lives in drunk driving collisions in the state, according to MADD. Those fatalities accounted for over 41 percent of all traffic fatalities in Connecticut – a 14 percent rise from the year prior.

These statistics are worse than the national average, where drunk drivers cause almost one-third of all traffic fatalities, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Talk to a personal injury attorney after a drunk driving crash

When a negligent, intoxicated driver causes a motor vehicle accident, the consequences can be horrific. The expenses associated with property damage and injuries suffered in the collision can be significant.

If you or someone you love has been hurt in an auto accident caused by a drunk driver, you should take prompt action to protect your interests. Consider seeking the counsel of a skilled personal injury attorney, who will work diligently on your behalf to ensure your rights are safeguarded.

Verdicts & Settlements

36-year-old laborer for landscaping company fractured wrist when fellow employee hit him with truck. Claimant received in excess of $30,000 in workers’ compensation benefits for total disability and medical expenses and settled with automobile insurance company for fellow employee for $95,000.

1989 workers’ compensation claim settled for $125,000. Claimant originally sustained a low back injury when she slipped and fell at local grocery store resulting in low back surgery in 1989. Several years later, claimant exacerbated her low back injury. Claim was reopened and settled with carrier for $125,000 in 2006.

47-year-old deli clerk sustained low back injuries at work for local supermarket. Carrier originally denied claim on the grounds that the injury was pre-existing. After formal workers’ compensation hearing carrier accepted claim and paid all total disability benefits and medical expenses in excess of $100,000. Case then settled for an additional $100,000 after injured person received a permanent disability rating.

34-year-old male roofer sustained multiple injuries to his shoulder, neck, back and hip when he fell from roof during work. Claimant was provided workers’ compensation benefits in excess of $100,000 and settled remaining claims for an additional $55,000.

40-year-old male working for cleaning company sustained neck and low back injuries when he fell on defective staircase while cleaning local museum. Claimant recovered over $95,000 in workers’ compensation benefits and resolved claim against museum for $85,000.

26-year-old laborer sustained fractured foot when a cast iron pipe was dropped on his foot. Employer and workers’ compensation carrier denied claim on basis that injured worker was an independent contractor. After a series of informal and formal workers’ compensation hearings, carrier conceded that claimant was an employee and settled case for $85,000.

24-year-old waitress sustained back injury while working at Outback Steak House. Workers’ compensation insurance company initially denied the claim. After a series of informal hearings, carrier accepted claim paying medical expenses and total disability benefits. In addition to those benefits paid, claim settled for an additional $75,000.

Delivery truck driver sustained right wrist fracture in rear-end motor vehicle accident while in the course of his employment. Claimant recovered in excess of $40,000 in workers’ compensation benefits for medical expenses and total disability benefits. Claimant settled case against at-fault driver for $105,000.

22-year-old male working as stocking clerk at “big box” retailer sustained herniated disc in low back. Workers’ compensation carrier refused to accept the claim. After formal workers’ compensation, hearing commissioner ordered carrier to pay over $35,000 in past total disability benefits and pay for surgery and all related medical expenses. Case settled for an additional $35,000 for a total recovery in excess of $100,000.

Rear-end collision on entrance ramp to Merritt Parkway resulting in 49-year-old woman sustaining mid-back injury. Case settled at mediation after filing suit for $300,000.

28-year-old passenger sustained multiple herniated discs in automobile accident in New York state. New York no-fault carrier paid for extended period of disability from work and medical expenses, including expenses for surgery. Case settled against driver of vehicle for $300,000 policy limits shortly after filing suit.

54-year-old man sustains shoulder injury when hit from behind by uninsured motorist on New Jersey Turnpike. Case settled for $135,000 prior to trial.

CT Transit bus driver sustained torn meniscus in collision with another vehicle. Claims made against at-fault driver, workers’ compensation carrier and client’s underinsured motorist policy. All claims settle for a recovery in excess of $100,000.

68-year-old woman sustained neck and back injuries in rear-end collision and required extended course physical therapy, but was not a surgical candidate. Case settled for $100,000 prior to filing suit.

34-year-old woman sustained concussion and neck and back injuries in hit-and-run accident on a New York highway. Claimant settled uninsured motorist claim for her $100,000 policy limits.

80-year-old woman sustained right foot fracture when her foot was run over in a parking lot. Case settled for at-fault driver’s policy limit of $100,000 prior to filing suit.

38-year-old nanny sustained right femur fracture when she fell down defective stairs in home of her employer’s neighbor. All medical expenses and lost wages reimbursed and case settled for an additional $150,000.

Claim against landlord for defective staircase in multi-family rental house. Claimant sustained a right femur fracture. Case settled for $125,000 prior to filing suit.

$95,000 judgment obtained against bar and nightclub for assault by one of its patrons against another patron.

47-year-old woman sustained a broken left wrist when she fell from porch stairs at house she was renting. Case settled for $95,000 shortly before trial.

26-year-old male bitten on leg by German shepherd. Claim against dog owner settled for $65,000 plus payment of all medical expenses.