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A new law took full effect across the state of California on January 1 and it is aimed directly at cutting down on DUI accidents. The new law requires that drivers who are repeating DUI offenders, or those who are first-time offenders that cause injuries, to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicles. The IID devices require a driver to blow into a tube to determine their blood alcohol concentration and can prevent the vehicle from starting.

“This is about saving lives. It’s about trying to prevent those from getting behind the wheel,” said a state senator. The article points out that those with IIDs in California “are 73% less likely to be convicted of a subsequent DUI or an accident compared with convicted DUI drivers with no device.”

At Allegiance Law, we certainly hope that this new law has the desired effect. Unfortunately, we know that there will still be people who make the poor choice to drink and drive and even get around their IIDs. If you need a drunk driving accident attorney in San Francisco, you can count on us to get the compensation you deserve.

What Are The Numbers?

One of the biggest dangers that we face on state roadways is impaired drivers. That is one thing the new law we discussed aims to help with, but it will not solve all of the problems. No matter how strict the laws get, there will still be those who make the decision to drink and drive.

We all know how dangerous drinking and driving is and we have the latest report from the California Office of Traffic Safety to show us the statistics:

  • There were 27,065 alcohol-related injuries
  • These represented 27% of all vehicle crash fatalities
  • They killed 1,552 people

What Can Happen?

Alcohol-related crashes often lead to major injuries. Consider the following potentially catastrophic events:

  • Major internal organ damage
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Broken and dislocated bones
  • Severe lacerations or crush injuries

Those who sustain these injuries often face a long road to recovery and often suffer from long-term or permanent disabilities. The cost of emergency and long-term medical treatment can reach into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Will your insurance cover all of that?

What about the other expenses that many people do not think about after an accident? This can include:

  • Lost wages and benefits
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Emotional and psychological damages
  • And more

Drunk drivers are a danger to more than just people in other vehicles. They are a danger to motorcyclists, pedestrians, and bicyclists as well.

What You Can Do Now

If you or a loved one have been injured because of the actions of a drunk driver, seek legal assistance as soon as possible. We know that you will have expenses related to the accident and we want to help you get proper compensation. This can include:

  • Coverage of medical bills
  • Recovery of lost wages and benefits
  • Pain and suffering damages
  • Possible punitive damages

At Allegiance Law, our knowledgeable and experienced team is ready to help. When you need a San Francisco drunk driving accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 415-404-6395.

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