Accident attorneys at Sette Law begin this blog with a sobering statistic: According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the number of people admitting they drove while drunk exceed the population of Texas. Our Sacramento injury lawyers say that number, 29.1 million people, shows the serious, often deadly results of driving under the influence.  Because personal injury attorneys deal with the tragic outcomes of a Sacramento DUI accident, our lawyers compiled data from several sources to help educate our community.

Sacramento accident lawyers often represent people injured and, in the most severe cases, families filing a suit for wrongful death. Our attorneys know that losing a loved one because someone chose to drink and drive is an emotionally devastating event that causes unbearable loss. Consequently, our Sacramento wrongful death lawyers want to focus on prevention. First, our accident attorneys offer recent data from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and other organizations that track national DUI accidents.

The FBI reported in 2013 that 300,000 people drive while intoxicated per day. That alone is frightening, but Sacramento accident attorneys are even more concerned that just 4,000 of those offenders are arrested.  It’s also common knowledge among law enforcement and Sacramento DUI accident attorneys that many (about 33 percent) of those arrested are repeat offenders. And, most of the fatalities caused in DUI accidents, our lawyers say, happen at night. According to a 2011 NHTSA study, 36 percent of crashes happened at night compared to eight percent during the day. Our Sacramento injury lawyers say the agency’s 2014 data indicates that 28 people die each day due to DUI accidents. Attorneys cite NHTSA’s 2013 survey showing that 290,000 people were injured and more than 10,000 died in DUI crashes that year. Our Sacramento accident lawyers say that MADD reports that their organizations across the U.S. help a survivor or victim of a DUI accident every 8.6 minutes.

Our Sacramento accident and injury attorneys believe statistics such as these should be common knowledge, but are not.  When studies show that two out of three people will, in their lifetime, experience an accident in which alcohol played a role, Sacramento DUI lawyers say that everyone should be very worried.

Teenagers at High Risk in Sacramento
Accident attorneys encourage parents, schools and local communities to take a serious look at the statistics regarding teenage drinking. A study out of Michigan showed that nearly 50 percent of 10th graders and 30 percent of eighth-graders admit to drinking. Our Sacramento DUI attorneys also referenced another study published by the National Academies Press that concluded teenagers using alcohol played a role in 4,700 deaths a year. Particularly troubling, according to our Sacramento injury lawyers, is binge drinking by teens as highlighted in the study – while one out of six kids admits to binge drinking, only one out of 100 parents thinks their teen may indulge in this dangerous activity.

Sacramento DUI lawyers at Sette Law believe these high numbers indicate there is a serious problem with teen alcohol use in the nation and in Sacramento. Injury attorneys urge parents to be more involved and realistic about the pressures their teen may feel to drink alcohol. Our DUI lawyers know only too well the unspeakable family tragedy of a DUI accident. 

Our injury attorneys add that it isn’t just the teenage years that show heightened risk. Young drivers in general seem vulnerable to drinking and driving accidents. Lawyers cite a 2011 survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration showing that the “rate of drunk driving is highest among 21-25 year olds.” Sacramento accident attorneys point out this study is supported by NHSTA data, showing a 32 percent rate of drunk driving for this approximate age group.

Education May Reduce DUI Accidents
Although our Sacramento DUI lawyers discourage the practice of drinking and driving, we feel it’s good for people to know more about how alcohol effects the body and brain. On average, people can metabolize about one drink per hour without alcohol playing a role in an accident. Our attorneys further explain that it’s not the kind of alcohol imbibed, but rather, how much is taken over a period of time. Sacramento accident and injury attorneys urge people to monitor alcohol consumption and to never risk an accident. Our attorneys add that people should be aware that nothing counteracts the effects of alcohol, other than time – not coffee, strenuous exercise or a cold shower will help to prevent a potentially deadly DUI accident.

Attorneys representing the victims and loved ones of a drunk driving accident know that alcohol dramatically effects the brain and, consequently, the body. Our Sacramento injury lawyers regularly call expert witnesses in DUI cases to attest to impacts such as slowed reaction time, impaired vision, and hazy thinking that lead to a DUI accident. Our attorneys say that alcohol damages neurons in the brain – affecting normal connections that impact judgment and lead to accidents. Attorneys know that alcohol can actually move from circulating in the blood to the brain. The changes caused can turn a normally cautious driver into one who is ripe for a DUI accident. Lawyers further add that teens are at even greater risk of harm because their brains are still developing. Essentially, our Sacramento accident and injury lawyers know from courtroom experience, that no one is immune from the effects of excessive alcohol consumption and the high risk of a vehicle accident.

Lawyers Look for Sobering Solutions
Although MADD has been an effective national leader in the fight against drunk driving, the organization can’t manage the threat alone. Our Sacramento DUI attorneys say that educators, community groups and parents must be part of the solution to prevent DUI accidents. Our lawyers say that drunk driving is a community problem, one that requires attention and participation from all quarters. It’s our hope that, as Sacramento wrongful death and accident attorneys, we can help increase awareness of the significant effects of driving under the influence. And, as parents, our Sacramento injury lawyers believe we must begin early and inside our own homes with education and support so that tomorrow’s teens will face a safer future behind the wheel.

News reports that “eating while driving” has been blamed for causing a roll-over car crash near Sacramento. Sources indicate that a man was eating a taco while driving down a street in the town of Antelope. Witnesses state that the man took his eyes of the road to brush some crumbs of his lap when he crashed into two parked cars. The impact of the collision then caused his car to flip onto its roof. Officers also note that the man was driving a “whole lot faster” than the stated speed limit of 20 mph.

Car accidents can happen for a myriad of reasons. Regardless of the cause, if you are injured in an accident it is important to seek the advice of a top Stockton accident attorney right away. Many times, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries including medical expenses, back pay, pain and suffering and emotional distress.

Here – “eating while driving” falls into the category of distracted driving – one of the most common factors behind California car accidents. Distracted driving includes more than just texting while driving, it includes any actions where a driver loses focus on the road and diverts a person’s attention away from the task at hand – safe driving. As stated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is a dangerous epidemic on America’s roadways. In 2010 alone, over 3,000 people were killed in distracted driving crashes and an estimated additional 416,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver.

NHTSA comments that all distractions endanger safety, including that of the driver, passenger and bystander. Types of distractions include:

• Eating and drinking

• Texting

• Using a cell phone or smartphone

• Talking to passengers

• Grooming

• Reading, including maps

• Using a navigation system

• Watching a video

• Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player

Texting if often considered the most dangerous because it distracts a driver visually, manually and cognitively. Some additional driver distraction statistics provided by NHTSA include:

• 18% of injury crashes in 2010 were reported as distraction-affected crashes.

• In the month of June 2011, more than 196 billion text messages were sent or received in the US, up nearly 50% from June 2009.

• 11% of all drivers under the age of 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crash. This age group has the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted.

• 40% of all American teens say they have been in a car when the driver used a cell phone in a way that put people in danger.

• Drivers who use hand-held devices are 4 times more likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves.

• Text messaging creates a crash risk 23 times worse than driving while not distracted.

• Sending or receiving a text takes a driver’s eyes from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, the equivalent-at 55 mph-of driving the length of an entire football field, blind.

• Headset cell phone use is not substantially safer than hand-held use.

• Driving while using a cell phone reduces the amount of brain activity associated with driving by 37%.

In an effort to end distracted driving, several organizations have attempted to raise awareness about the dangers posed – especially targeting teens who as a group are the most frequent to text and drive.

However, as this accident shows – eating and driving can also lead to significant injury accidents.

For more information, or if you have suffered personal injuries as the result of a car accident, contact a top Stockton personal injury attorney at the Law Office of Frederick J. Sette for an immediate consultation.

Yolo County news reports that a Redwood City woman and teenager have been killed in a drunk driving car accident. According to reports, the two were killed when a truck they were riding in veered off the highway near Woodland and crashed into a tree. Initial investigations indicate that the truck had been traveling west when it left the roadway, overturned several times and crashed into a tree nearly 75 feet down an embankment. The two were pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the truck suffered severe injuries and remains hospitalized. It is unknown the connection between the driver and the victims. He has been arrested for two counts of DUI causing injury or death and could face additional criminal charges.

Whenever a drunk driving accident occurs, in addition to criminal penalties, drivers may face civil charges as well. Injury victims and their families may file a personal injury lawsuit for negligence or wrongful death. A wrongful death lawsuit is similar to a personal injury claim, but is filed by the surviving family members such as a child, spouse or parent. If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident or lost a loved one pursuant to a DUI crash, it is important to seek the advice of an experienced Stockton personal injury lawyer right away.

Unfortunately despite significant attention paid to the dangers of drunk driving, driver intoxication remains one of the leading causes of California auto accidents. Mother Against Drunk Driving (MADD) reports that one person dies every 30 minutes as the result of driver intoxication.

Victims of negligent drunk driving face significant expenses such as medical bills, lost wages, as well as physical and emotional pain and loss of enjoyment of life. Family members who lose loved ones may be torn apart without warning.

Typical injuries include head and neck injuries, brain injuries and spinal cord injuries.

While filing a lawsuit may the furthest thing from your mind if you have been injured or lost a loved one – it is very important to speak to a knowledgeable accident lawyer who can begin an investigation into just what happened and preserve your rights for the future. Because memories fade and as time passes, it may be more difficult to piece together what may have happened during any accident. Having an attorney represent you and take care to preserve evidence right away becomes crucial as time passes.

For more information or if you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident please contact the top Stockton accident lawyers at the Law Office of Frederick J. Sette for an immediate consultation.

A recent survey conducted by an insurance company tries to answer the question, “Which states have the worst drivers?” The worst driver survey collected data from three different sources – the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), which reviews driving fatalities, including car accidents, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), which compiles statistics concerning drunk driving and drunk driving accidents, and the American Motorists Association, which tabulates number of tickets received.

On the whole, California performed fairly well. Overall, it ranked as #36 in terms of having the worst drivers. Although room for improvement exists, California drivers had fewer citations and accidents than average. Further, California ranked quite well for not having “careless” drivers. In fact, California ranked in the top ten for the most careful drivers. Careless driving includes distracted driving such as texting while driving.

Distracted driving remains one of the top reasons for predicting bad driving and is to blame for causing traffic accidents and fatalities. NHTSA warns, “distracted driving is a serious life-threatening practice and we will not rest until we stop it … The message is simple – Put It Down! If you have been injured in a car accident or a loved one has been killed in a car accident due to distracted driving, speak to a knowledgeable Stockton personal injury lawyer at once to determine your rights and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

According to the study, of the worst ranking states, nine of bottom twenty “careless driver” states made the bottom ten overall. This means that becoming distracted by your self-phone can be just as dangerous as drunk driving.

As a Stockton car accident lawyer I am encouraged by California’s positive ranking in this latest survey and hope that the trend toward fewer serious car accidents continues. For more information, contact the dedicated Stockton personal injury lawyers at the Law Office of Frederick J. Sette.

California news reports that a the driver responsible for killing a pedestrian in a California drunk driving accident was a drug counselor at a Torrance treatment center. The suspect, Sherri Wilkins, tried to help others deal with the addiction she had "tried to put behind her."

According to the Los Angeles Times, the pedestrian accident occurred when Wilkins allegedly hit a man while she was driving under the influence on Torrance Boulevard. After she struck man, she continued to drive for more than two miles with the victim embedded on her windshield.

The victim, Philip Moreno, still had a pulse when the police officers arrived, but died shortly thereafter at a nearby hospital. Wilkins' blood alcohol content was more than double the legal limit of 0.08. She was subsequently arrested on the suspicion of driving under the influence and manslaughter.

This accident is a tragedy for all involved.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, its important to seek the advice of an experienced Sacramento personal injury attorney at once. Where a drunk driving accident leads to an injury, the driver may face at least two separate and distinct legal proceedings. First, the driver may face criminal charges and penalties as the result of a DUI. Additionally, in a personal injury accident the victim may be able to recover damages in a civil lawsuit. Where a wrongful death occurs, the victim's family may be able to recover compensation in a negligence lawsuit. Talking to a skilled Sacramento injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident is important to determine your rights and protect your interests in the event you are interesting in pursuing a civil lawsuit for damages.

While filing a lawsuit after a tragedy may be the furthest thing from your mind - often the costs associated with a significant personal injury or death can be substantial.

In many situations it may be possible to recover substantial compensation to offset these costs such as:

• Medical expenses

• Current and future wages

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

Sometimes where the negligent actions are particularly reckless it may be possible to recover punitive damages.

Here details from the pedestrian accident are slow to emerge. Wilkins allegedly panicked after hitting Moreno and kept driving. Other drivers somehow managed to stop Wilkins and grab her keys several blocks later at 182nd Street and Crenshaw Boulevard. Wilkins told police she was on her way home from work at the time of the crash however officials from the treatment facility said they were closed at the time of the incident.

Sadly, Wilkins had been on the road to recovery when the accident occurred.

For more information or if you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, contact a top Sacramento personal injury lawyer at the Law Office of Frederick J. Sette for an immediate appointment.

News reports that a Menlo Park man who suffered serious personal injuries in a drunk driving accident has sued Hobo Limousines, Inc. for it's role in providing a "party bus" that allowed minors to drink for 4-hours during a "booze-cruise." In February 2010 after a 21st birthday celebration aboard a party-bus, a minor - 19-year-old Brett Studebaker - got behind the wheel and crash into a car driven by Gregory Hinman. Studebaker died in the drunk driving accident and Hinman suffered permanent brain damage and broken bones.

As a result of the crash, Assemblyman Jerry Hill has proposed legislation making drivers, companies and riders responsible for preventing underage drinking on party busses.

In many situations, more than one party may be at fault for causing an accident. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident it is important to consult with an experienced Sacramento personal injury attorney to begin an investigation into all of the causes of a particular incident in order to ensure you obtain all the compensation you deserve.

Here, the parties dispute who is at fault for the underage drinking. The company asserts that the people onboard were drinking prior to getting on the bus, but not during the ride, and that parents signed a contract agreeing that minors wouldn't be drinking. Conversely, the parents of Brett Studebaker blame the company asserting that it's the driver's responsibility to ensure that no minors were drinking while on the party bus and that the driver added to the drinking by providing a bottle of champagne.

Because California is a comparative law state, each party who has caused or contributed an injury may be held responsible. Where more than one defendant is found to blame, each party may be held liable for a percentage of the total.

This accident is a tragic reminder of the dangers of drinking and driving. What was meant as a celebratory party ended in heartbreak for two families.

For more information or if you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash or any other type of personal injury accident, contact a dedicated Sacramento personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Frederick J. Sette for a free, confidential consultation.

A recent story out of Texas revealed a startling statistic - more than 4 million Americans admit to drunk driving. In a study conducted by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), four million drivers admitted to driving under the influence, meaning that the true number of impaired drivers is much greater. The CDC notes that alcohol impaired drivers were on the road at least 112 million times last year, a decrease of 30% since 2006.

These statistics are alarming and groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) continued to be concerned. As stated by a representative "It's very, very frightening news to see that four million Americans, and those are just the ones that have admitted to drinking and driving, it's a frightening thought, all of us are put at risk. While 30 percent is down which is certainly exciting to hear, nonetheless, it's still very frightening to hear the number of individuals that are risking not only their own lives, but the lives of others."

If you or a loved one has been injured in a California drunk driving accident, contacting an experienced Sacramento drunk driving accident lawyer is important to protect your rights, answer your personal injury questions and provide you crucial advice concerning your next steps.

Victims injured by negligent drunk drivers fact medical bills, loss of wages, physical pain and emotional distress. In the event of a wrongful death, families are torn apart without warning. Although filing a lawsuit may be the furthest thing from your mind at this difficult time, it is important to speak to a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer to protect your future and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

In order to combat drunk driving and decrease the number of drunk driving accidents, the CDC is urging all states to increase sobriety checkpoints. As a Sacramento drunk driving accident lawyer, I am hopeful the number of drunk driving accidents will continue to decline.

For more information or if you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, contact the dedicated Sacramento drunk driving accident attorneys at the Law Office of Frederick J. Sette for an immediate consultation. 

KSEE 24 News out of Fresno and Visalia reports that a 32-year-old Encino man has been arrested in a fatal DUI accident that occurred last weekend. Sancho Kibufu was allegedly driving under the influence on Golden State Boulevard in Madera when his car went across the centerline, hitting a car carrying four teenage boys from Chowchilla. Three of the boys suffered serious injuries and one was killed. Kibura is being charged with vehicular manslaughter.

If you have been injured in a car accident, including a drunk driving auto accident it is important to contact an experienced Sacramento auto accident attorney to determine your next steps. Not only do drunk drivers face criminal penalties, but they may also be liable in civil actions for personal injury and wrongful death.

Drunk driving injury accidents are far too common. Statistics provided by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) reveal that 17,013 people were killed due to alcohol related car accidents in 2005, representing forty percent of the nation's total traffic deaths. This figure has likely increased since last reported.

Where a victim dies as the result of a drunk driving auto accident, families are torn apart without any warning and suffer an unimaginable loss. Although speaking to a drunk driving accident attorney may be the furthest thing from your mind, it is crucial in order to protect your right to obtain compensation. In many situations, survivors may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages for medical bills, mental anguish and the loss of companionship.  

As a Sacramento personal injury lawyer I am hopeful that California roads stay safe this Labor Day weekend and people who drink act responsibly and designate a sober driver.

For more information, or if you or a family member has been injured in a drunk driving car crash or any type of car accident, contact the dedicated Sacramento accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Frederick J. Sette for a free consultation.

Bakersfield news reports that a former substance abuse counselor was arrested on DUI charges after a drunk driving accident. According to the news, Jessica Woodward slammed her car into the back of a California Highway Patrol vehicle while the officers were performing a traffic stop. The driver and the two officers all received injuries and were treated at local hospitals.

If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident, it is important to contact a Sacramento drunk driving accident lawyer to provide advice concerning your next steps.

Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of car crashes in the United States - representing 40% of the total traffic deaths. On average, a drunk driving accident occurs every 30 minutes, putting all California drivers at risk.

If you suffer injuries as the result of a DUI crash, the drunk driver may be liable for civil damages in addition to facing criminal charges. If you are injured by a drunk driver, an experienced Sacramento personal injury attorney can help you recover compensation for medical bills, physical pain, lost wages, emotional distress and loss of enjoyment. If the damages are permanent, you may also recover damages required for future care, economic loss and mental anguish.

Here, the police officers were the victims - injured when the drunk driver hit their vehicle. Criminal charges were filed - it is unknown whether the officers will seek to recover civil damages as well.

With the end of summer and Labor Day approaching, the number of drunk drivers on Sacramento's roads is increasing. Use caution while driving, understand the steps to take if you are in a car crash and contact an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer if you are injured in an accident.

For more information, contact the dedicated Sacramento personal injury lawyers at the Law Office of Frederick J. Sette, helping those injured by the carelessness and recklessness of others for more than 15 years.

The family of a man convicted of vehicular murder as the result of a Novato drunk driving accident must pay restitution to the family of the Novato girl he killed.

According to the Pacific Sun, although Edward Schaefer died after being stabbed on a San Quentin prison yard, his estate is still required to compensate the girl's family for lost wages as well as funeral and medical expenses.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a California drunk driving accident, a skilled drunk driving accident lawyer can help you obtain compensation for your injuries. Victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, loss of wages, emotional distress and funeral expenses.

Here, Schaefer was cleared of his criminal conviction as the result of his stabbing death. But his death did not relieve his estate of his obligation to pay nearly $1.4 million to the estate of the family of the girl he killed.

In a previous ruling, the judge described evidence of Schaefer's responsibility in the girl's death from the drunk driving accident as overwhelming.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving auto accident, please contact the experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyers at the Law Office of Frederick J. Sette. We are dedicated to helping the victims of negligence obtain the compensation they deserve.