Drunk Driving Accidents A Growing Problem in Visalia and Tulare

Feb. 7, 2011 - PRLog -- California Office of Traffic Safety statistical reports were just released last month, revealing cities in the state with the most reported alcohol-involved collisions. The report revealed Tulare is among the worst cities in the state for DUI accidents, compared to other California cities with similar populations. Visalia is also among the five worst cities for its population size. Tulare, with a population of nearly 60,000 people, had 27 alcohol-related collisions in 2009, compared with 17 reported alcohol-related collisions in 2008. The more populated Visalia, with a population of about 125,000, reported 91 alcohol-involved fatal or injury accidents in 2009.

For the fourth year in a row, 2009 marked a decrease in the number of traffic accident fatalities in California. Overall, traffic deaths are down, and the number of traffic deaths in California reported in 2009 (3,075 deaths) was 24% lower than the number reported in 2005 (4,304 deaths). However, the percentage of accidents that are alcohol-related has steadily increased. Statewide, approximately 41% of traffic deaths are alcohol-related.

Statistics for 2010 will not be released until early 2012, however, reckless driving took its toll in 2010 in Tulare County.  In one collision on Tuesday, December 21, 2010, a   passenger suffered major injuries in a drunk driving crash in Three Rivers. On November 17, 2010, a 29-year-old Cutler man was killed in a suspected drunk driving crash on Road 144 in Tulare County.  On July 23, 2010, a 4-year-old boy died in a suspected drunk driving crash in Orosi.  On May 27, 2010, two men were killed in a suspected drunk DUI crash at the intersection of Avenue 232 and Road 36, west of Tulare.

DUI accidents may have very unique and complex legal issues, especially when they involve an underage drunk driver or an underinsured or uninsured motorist. After any suspected drunk driving accident, injured victims and their families are well-advised to speak with a drunk driving victim lawyer. A knowledgeable drunk driving accident injury attorney can review the law enforcement report and advise the injured parties of their legal rights and options to pursue a claim. In the interest of preserving evidence, time is of the essence in contacting a lawyer.

Drinking and driving is a crime, and accidents caused by drunk drivers are entirely preventable. Getting behind the wheel of a car is a conscious choice. Drivers who choose to be reckless and negligent may be held responsible for their actions in a personal injury claim. Although criminal charges, fines, and incarceration may punish a drunk driver, criminal charges do nothing to compensate a victim for their trauma, pain and suffering, lost earnings and medical expenses. Victims and their families must pursue compensation in a personal injury claim. When accidents result in death, family members of victims may pursue damages in a wrongful death claim.

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Estey Bomberger attorneys have represented hundreds of victims of drunk driving accidents in Tulare County and throughout the state of California. Lawyers at the firm have received the highest possible "Superb" 10/10 rating from Avvo.com, and have been selected as "Super Lawyers" by their peers. To learn more about your rights after a drunk driving accident, visit http://www.dui-accident-victim-lawyer.com or http://www.californiaduiinjurylawyerblog.com.