Information about accidents related to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, known commonly as a DUI accident, mostly offers statistics related to injuries or fatalities. Very few informative pieces offer information and resources regarding the massive amounts of property damage in these accidents. After all, millions of dollars of property damage due to DUI issues cannot be overlooked, and should be integrated as a key part of learning about the affects of driving under the influence.
The main types of property affected in a DUI accident are vehicles and property. Here is a quick breakdown of the millions even billions spent each year.
Vehicles of All Kinds
The most obvious type of property damage related to a DUI accident is vehicular, from a victim's car to the offender's vehicle. Any vehicle that suffered damage is considered a form of property damage, and the monetary value of this nature likely numbers in the millions each year. In accidents involving more than two vehicles, the cost is even higher, and the result is felt most by insurance companies nationwide.
Consider all of the types of vehicles that you see on the roadways each day. Tractor-trailers, large SUVs, trucks, cars, motorcycles, and even bicycles pass you on a daily basis, and any one of these can be the target of a DUI accident.
Affects on Insurance Rates
Have you ever wondered why everyone's insurance rate suddenly increases without warning? Property damage can be a major factor in this problem, as insurance companies seek to compensate for the millions paid out each year in vehicle damages alone. Medical payments are not even included in this statistic, and these also play a huge role in the insurance hikes each year.
This is not an invitation to see DUI offenders as heinous criminals simply because they can make your insurance rates increase. Social stigma is a key concern already, and associating your financial stress with someone involved in a DUI accident can leave you even more frustrated.
Damage to Other Property
Vehicles are not the only type of property that can be damaged in a DUI accident, although they are primary targets. Everything from street signs to curbs and even guardrails can be included as property damage, costing the respective county or state millions each year. In some cases, even homes or businesses can be damaged in a DUI accident, especially if a vehicle crashes into the structure directly.
This information is provided solely for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.
William Bly of The Law Office of William T. Bly is a criminal defense lawyer near Portland Maine who spends part of his practice on issues related to drunk driving in Maine. To read more information, please visit the firm's Maine OUI focused website.
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