[edit] CALIFORNIA DRUNK DRIVING STATISTICS

It has been an unfortunate trend that the number of California DUI incidents has been increasing steadily over the last 5 years. Despite the efforts of groups such as the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and other advocacy groups the total number of California drunk driving incidents have been on the rise according to the following statistics:

From 2002 - 2007

• Total number of DUI charges increased 13.5%
• Total number of DUI related accidents increased 8.3%

DUI / DWI also remains the single largest cause of automotive related fatalities in the state of California with 56.4% of motor vehicle related deaths caused by drunk drivers. This means over 2,200 people were killed by intoxicated drivers in 2007. To put this in perspective - the number of people killed by drunk/intoxicated drivers in 2007 was more than double the number of American soldiers who were killed in the wars in Afganistan and Iraq combined (1021) in 2007. The problems caused by California drunk driving are even more severe when you consider the injuries it causes. In 2007, 33,532 people were injured in accidents caused by drunk drivers. Again consider this number in relation to the 6108 soldiers injured in Iraq during 2007 - California Drunk Driving injures were 550% higher than the number of injuries to soldiers in Iraq. Now, each one of these people will be forced to undergo a painful, costly and time consuming recovery.

[edit] VICTIMS OF DRUNK DRIVERS - PERSONAL INJURY AND SUPPORT GROUPS

When someone is killed or injured by a drunk driver, they are not the only victim. Families and loved ones are also greatly affected. There are a number of different ways that these people can look for the support and justice needed to cope with being the victim drinking and driving. First, a person can look for compensation for personal injury or death through the legal system. Second, there are support groups such as the Mothers Against Drunk Driving that provide many valuable services to the victims and their families.

[edit] THE LEGAL SYSTEM - PERSONAL INJURY

For the victims of a California drunk driving incident there are legal options. Often claims can be made for compensation for pain and suffering, loss of income due to time off work, disability and other trauma. The justice system is designed to help give rights to the victims of criminal offenses and in California drunk driving is always a criminal offense. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a drunk driving incident you can have a personal injury and dui lawyer contact you by filling out the form below. If you submit your information a lawyer will contact you to evaluate your case and discuss your options. This service is free and there is no obligation.

[edit] Have a Local Personal Injury Attorney Contact You to Discuss Your Options

SUPPORT GROUPS - MADD

MADD is the most prevalent support group for the victims of drunk drivers. It was founded by Candy Lightner in 1980 following the death of her 13-year-old daughter, Cari, who was hit by a drunk driver in Fair Oaks, California. Since then MADD has been campaigning to bring awareness about drunk driving and support for its victims. Currently MADD has a number of services including:

• Bereavement Support for those who have lost a loved one
• Injury Support for those who have been injured by a drunk driver
• Justice Advocacy to help victims with the criminal justice system
• Guidance for financial recovery for victims

If you are a victim of a drunk driving related incident you can email victims@madd.org or call their free support line at 1-877-MADD-HELP (1-877-623-3435). For more information about MADD, their work or their support services visit MADD.org.

[edit] LEGAL ADVICE FOR CALIFORNIA DRUNK DRIVING CHARGES

If you have been charged with a DUI in the state of California you need to seek legal advice from a qualified California DUI lawyer. Having to mount a California DUI Defense is a serious undertaking and is covered in the next article - California DUI Defense.