Every day in the United States nearly 30 people are killed in motor vehicle accidents that involve an alcohol-impaired driver. This amounts to one fatality every 48 minutes and an annual cost of more than $51 billion.

Alcohol related car accidents are also a problem in West Virginia. In 2011 in West Virginia,

  • 91 people were killed due to alcohol impaired drivers
  • 9 people under 21 years of age were killed due to alcohol-impaired drivers
  • 17.3 percent of total driving fatalities involved under 21 alcohol impaired drivers
  • 75 percent of the alcohol impaired driving fatalities involved a BAC of greater than .15
  • 5,356 people were arrested for driving under the influence

Alcohol-impaired car wrecks are devastating. When drunk drivers get behind the wheel, they are putting innocent lives at risk. Victims of DUI accidents face many hardships including serious injuries, loss wages, and high medical bills.

Alcohol-impaired car wrecks can be prevented. These safety steps can be used to minimize DUI related car accidents:

  • Prior to drinking, designate a non-drinking driver when with a group
  • Don’t let your friends drive drunk. Take away their car keys.
  • If you have been drinking, and do not have a designated driver, get a ride home from a friend or call a taxi.
  • If you are hosting a party where alcohol is served, remind your friends and gusts to plan ahead and to designate a sober driver; offer alcohol-free beverages; and make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.

Deaths and injuries can be prevented. Effective measures to reduce alcohol related car accidents include:

  • Actively enforcing .08 BAC laws; minimum legal drinking age laws, and zero tolerance laws for drivers under 21 years of age;
  • Using DUI checkpoints to identify drunk drivers;
  • Requiring mandatory substance abuse assessment and treatment for DUI offenders;
  • Using community-based approaches to alcohol control for DUI prevention.

Alcohol related car accidents can be prevented. Unfortunately, when alcohol related car accidents occur, the victim often faces devastating consequences. Medical bills pile up, wages are lost, and at times, lives are lost. A West Virginia drunk driving accident attorney can help investigate a DUI accident, determine the cause of the accident, and often can pursue punitive damage claims. Punitive damage claims are used to punish and deter reckless conduct of the impaired driver.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver, contact the Manchin Injury Law Group to protect your legal rights.

Attorney Timothy Manchin established the Manchin Injury Law Group in 2011 after his law partner of more than 25 years became a West Virginia circuit court judge. His focus is on helping individual clients and entire families victimized by negligent acts.

  • Taylor Downs was easy to talk to (I do not speak the legal language well!) and was very upfront and honest about the entire process of my case. He kept me updated as the case progressed, and answered my relentless questions. The end result was a favorable settlement that I’m not sure could have been any better with anyone else. In short, go see Taylor if you have a case. Don’t be intimidated to go seek his help, he won’t blow your brains out with “legal speak”.

    - PAUL MOUSER

  • Being referred to Taylor was the best thing I could have asked for. Taylor and staff are very easy to talk to. I would highly recommend them to anyone.

    - DAWN FRISENDA

  • If I ever have to go through it again I would definetly call Taylor right away. The group was so helpful through my situation and handled everything that needed to be done. They made a stressful situation a stress free situation. With Taylor you dont have to worry about one thing. Definietly would recomend to anyone.

    - TAYLOR G.

  • Efficient, knowledgeable, and friendly.

    - NOAH SCHUMAKER

  • Taylor and Tim helped make a difficult moment in life, a little more bearable. Easy to communicate with and informative. I will absolutely recommend them to everyone.

    - ANONYMOUS

  • Manchin Injury Law Group, Took care of me when I got into a car accident while I was pregnant. Very scary moment for a first time mom but thankfully Manchin Injury Law Group had my back and treated me great. They made me feel as if I was part of their family. My son is now 7 Months Old and very happy and healthy. I’m very thankful for them for helping me through everything and getting me what we deserved. I 100% would recommend them to anyone. If I ever have an accident again they will be my number 1 phone call!

    - SHAWNNA SHAFFER.

  • The support given helped me to feel like I was included in my personal injury case every step of the way. I was informed about the entire process throughout. It was amazing how quick the turn around time was and I would definitely recommend Attorney Timothy J. Manchin to anyone!

    - ANONYMOUS

  • Taylor and Kelly worked hard on my case so I didn’t have to. Thanks guys!

    - TERRI L. ARMENTROUT

  • Excellent experience dealing with Manchin Injury Law. They were very responsive, professional and easy to talk to. I did my homework before I hired a lawyer after my accident and I am so glad I found Manchin Injury Law Group. If you are injured, give them a call!

    - VILLA COVENANTS

  • Taylor and Tim helped make a difficult moment in life, a little more bearable. Easy to communicate with and informative. I will absolutely recommend them to everyone.

    - CHAD BILOTTA

  • Kelly and Taylor did all the hard work so that I didn’t have to. They both cared about my circumstance and got me a nice settlement. Taylor knows what he is doing and I felt comfortable with my case in his hands.

    - JASON + STACIE MORGAN

  • Great lawyers. They helped me with a West Virginia case.

    - JOSEPH SAUNDERS

  • Such a great experience with Taylor and this firm. Thankful for their diligence and their work on our case. Thank you to all!

    - RENEE FLORENCE WARNER

  • Had a easy and smooth experience with a great attorney so when you go there make sure you ask for Taylor.

    - TIM CROSS

  • My experience at the Manchin Injury Law Group was extremely positive, and I would recommend them to anyone who needs a compassionate and experienced lawyer on their side.

    - TAMMY LACARIA

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