Fewer DUI Arrests, but Not Fewer DUI Fatalities
Posted Friday, July 7, 2017 by Chris Thayer
Fewer people are being arrested for driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but DUI fatalities are rising and there is no indication that there are fewer drunk or drugged drivers on Washington roads. According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, DUI fatalities rose steadily between 2011 and 2015, but according to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, more than 10,000 fewer DUI suspects were arrested in 2015 than in 2011.
(Note that Washington law defines impaired driving as driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol with a blood concentration level of 0.08% or above.)
There are numerous reasons why number of DUI arrests has gone down, including a shortage of state troopers and changes in DUI procedures that have increased the amount of time required to process a DUI. Regardless of the factors involved, if you are injured by a drunk driver, you deserve compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other related damages.
Recent Accidents Caused by Drunk Drivers
Here are a few examples of car accidents that were allegedly caused by people driving under the influence (in these cases, police arrested all of the alleged DUI drivers):
- On July 1, two passengers were killed when the driver of their car lost control while going around a curve on Highway 27. The car rolled off the road and hit several trees before catching fire. The two passengers died at the scene and the driver was taken to the hospital with injuries. Police say that drugs and/or alcohol were involved, and the driver has been taken into custody.
- On June 21, a member of the Spokane school board allegedly clipped a bicyclist and then fled the scene before crashing into a power pole. Paul Schneider was charged with, among other offenses, driving while under the influence. According to police reports, Schneider tried to pass a vehicle on Rockwood Boulevard when he hit a bicyclist who was traveling in the bike lane. He did not stop to offer assistance.
- On June 20, a man pulled over on I-90 just east of Issaquah to help a woman having car troubles. He was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver. The woman was also injured when the drunk driver struck her car. Her 11-year-old daughter, who was also in the car, did not sustain any injuries. The alleged drunk driver continued on past the accident but eventually lost control of his vehicle and ran off the road. Police arrested the man, who was uninjured.
These accident victims (or their families) likely have cause to bring personal injury lawsuits against the responsible parties. Note that passengers, even those riding in the car responsible for an accident, may also bring personal injury lawsuits against negligent drivers.
Contact Us Today
Contact one of our personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation if you or a loved one were injured by a drunk driver. We will help you receive the compensation that you deserve, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.