Drinking and Driving: More Expensive Than You Thought

Posted on Jan 31, 2017 in DUI/DWI

If you’re a driver, you’ve likely heard the warning, “Don’t drink and drive” more times than you can count. While for some, the repetition of this phrase may feel annoying or redundant, it’s important to note that you never can give or receive this reminder too many times. After all, while you may consider yourself a safe driver, there may come a point in your life, when you do not use your best judgment and decide to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. Maybe you only have a short drive, or think that you haven’t had that much to drink. Whatever the case, there are many excuses that are easy to make, especially after your clear thinking has become a little less clear. But, no matter how tempting it may be to get in your car and get back on the road, we’re here to remind you that this is never a good idea. Most of the time, we discuss the threat that drunk driving poses to physical safety. However, there are very real financial consequences that you should also take into account. A recent story further solidifies our advice to think carefully every time you choose to drive. Recently, a jury awarded $1.2 million in punitive damages and $112,655 in actual damages to a woman and her two children who were injured when a drunken physician rear-ended their car. The collision took place on the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway on April 3rd, 2012. The woman was driving her car on the causeway around 4pm when the doctor’s car slammed into the back of her SUV. The case became more complicated, as the doctor’s blood alcohol content of .21 percent—more than twice the legal limit of .08 percent—somehow “slipped through the cracks” according to a district attorney. However, ultimately, justice was served for the woman and her family.

Drunk Driving Is Too Pricy To Risk It

In the wake of this accident, we feel the need to remind all drivers just how risky it is to get behind the wheel when you’re not sober. Although it may seem like the right choice at the time, it is never worth the high safety risk you are posing to yourself and others. When you add in the potential financial strain that could go along with your drunk driving, then the choice is clear: It’s always safer and wiser to not drink and drive. As New Orleans DUI attorneys, we see far more cases of drunk driving than we would like. The unfortunate reality is that, while these kinds of accidents are entirely preventable, countless lives are lost each year, as a result of a few dangerous decisions. We care about you and your loved ones. And we want you to be as safe as possible. However, we also understand that accidents happen. And if you are beginning to worry about handling your legal situation, we are here to help. After all, the right attorney can take the appropriate steps to ensure you obtain the best outcome possible, so that you can get back to living your life. Ready to take the next steps and move forward? Do not hesitate to contact us.

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