Whether you were in an accident caused by a drunk driver, driving under the influence yourself, or caused an accident as a result of drunk driving, it’s important to seek the services of an attorney.
When you choose a local law firm and retain the services of a DUI attorney, you will receive counsel related to your specific situation. It is important to be aware of your rights and responsibilities, and an attorney can provide you with this information.
Drunk Driving Statistics
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), on an annual basis, the United States incurs a $199 billion cost due to drunk drivers. Even though less than 4,000 drunk drivers are actually arrested, MADD states that on a daily basis, there are approximately 300,000 people that drive drunk. Before a drunk driver has been arrested for the first time, they have driven drunk an average of 80 times.
Car Accidents Involving Drunk Drivers
A person is injured in a drunk driving accident every two minutes. When these car crashes result in death, 32% are the result of someone driving drunk. Other fatalities are caused from speeding, distracted driving, and weather conditions, all of which could be exacerbated if the person behind the wheel is also drunk.
A Recent Virginia Law
When you contact Virginia lawyers, they will be able to explain the details surrounding the ignition interlock car device. Basically, as of 2012, Virginia requires everyone that has been convicted of a drunk driving offense to have an ignition interlock in their car. By 2013, it was predicted that there would be over 8,500 of these devices installed.
According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, even if the court does not mandate having this device installed, the DMV will require that you have it installed in at least one of your vehicles as part of its restricted driving privilege’s conditions. Virginia lawyers will also be able to explain this requirement to you.
If, for example, you are convicted of a DUI for a second time within a ten year period, or are convicted of a third offense, the courts will mandate that you have this device on all of your vehicles. This will include any vehicles that you co-own that may be shared with others.
The Virginia DMV also indicates that if you violate the above, that you will have your license revoked. If you have over two violations, then your license may be revoked for three years.
