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There has been a significant increase in fatal DUI car accidents in California and across the country as a whole. This is especially scary news as we head into the winter driving season when inclement weather will inevitably make the roads more dangerous.
Law enforcement is blaming the pandemicIn a press conference on Dec. 22, the district attorney of Sacramento County said that she believes the stress people have been experiencing over the past two years has played a role in the increase in drunk driving fatalities. There has been a rise in alcohol sales and consumption since the pandemic began, and over the past year, California has seen a 15% increase is DUI fatalities.
San Diego County Is Especially Bad
In San Diego County, fatal alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents are at the highest level they have been in 20 years. So far in 2021, 37 people have died in DUI accidents, which is around double the annual average. There have also been 27 DUI fatalities in Sacramento County, which was a huge increase from the 12 DUI fatalities that occurred there in 2020. In Kern County, 26 people died in DUI accidents compared to 11 in 2020.
Liability for Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk drivers that get into car accidents are liable for the injuries and deaths that they cause. If you were involved in an accident with a drunk driver, you may be able to sue the at-fault driver for financial compensation. Your medical expenses, property damage and lost wages may be compensable. Families of people killed in drunk driving accidents can also file wrongful death claims.