Drunk Driving: A Major Cause Of Indiana Car Accidents & Injuries

This week we covered a fatal LaPorte car accident in which a man lost control of his speeding car while drinking and driving. An autopsy revealed that his blood alcohol content was over three times the legal limit in Indiana. Unfortunately, drinking and driving is a significant problem in Indiana and is the cause of a large minority of car accidents, car accident injuries, and car accident fatalities.

The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Indiana is 0.08 percent – and breaking this law all too often proves disastrous. In 2006, there were 290 drinking-related traffic deaths, making up for 32 percent of all Indiana car fatalities. In 2007, there were 267 drinking-related traffic deaths, making up for 30 percent of all Indiana car fatalities. In 2008, there were 250 drinking-related traffic deaths, making up for 31 percent of all Indiana car fatalities. Although the rates of drinking and driving deaths have been falling steadily across Indiana since the early 1980s, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is still a major issue that costs lives. An estimated 20 percent of fatal car accidents are caused by those driving with a BAC over the legal limit.

Indiana State Police have recently begun cracking down on drunk driving in an effort to reduce the rate of IN car accidents and fatalities. Holiday checkbooks, billboard awareness campaigns, and other programs have helped lower numbers while tough consequences for those who are convicted of drunk driving also help curb numbers.

If you have been involved in an accident caused by a drunk driver and seriously injured, that person may be responsible for the consequences of the crash, including pain and suffering and medical bills. Talk to an Indiana car accident injury lawyer today.

WHAT'S MY CASE WORTH?