How Many Alcohol-Related Auto Accident Deaths Occur in Virginia?

In 2019, 252 people lost their lives in Virginia due to a drunk driver, according to the state Department of Motor Vehicles. Another 2,961 suffered injuries in alcohol-related accidents that year. The good news is that alcohol-related fatalities have dropped by 37 percent over the past 30 years, but that is small consolation to those who lost a loved one at the hands of a drunken driver.

Nothing can bring back a beloved family member killed by a drunk driver. Still, by filing a wrongful death lawsuit, you may receive compensation that can help the deceased’s family financially. Our personal injury lawyers and specialized drunk driving lawyers at Rutter Mills can help you receive the maximum compensation for the loss of your loved one.

Fatality Statistics

While the numbers of people killed in Virginia drunk driving accidents vary annually, about 250 die this way each year. The numbers tend to increase in the summer months. That is partly because teen and college-age drivers are more likely to drink and drive at this time.

While drunk driving accidents make up just about 6 percent of all traffic accidents in the Commonwealth, they account for as many as one-third of all fatal crashes. In 2018, the number of overall fatal crashes declined, but the number of alcohol-related fatal collisions rose by 12 percent. That was the most significant jump in alcohol-related fatalities since 2010.

The majority of fatal drunk driving accidents are single vehicle, but passengers are as likely to succumb as the drunk driver. Those between the ages of 21 and 35 are the most likely to die in a drunk driving accident. The second-highest age demographic is from 51 to 65. As is true nationwide, men are more likely to die in drunk driving accidents than women.

Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Only relatives may file a wrongful death lawsuit. Spouses and children have priority when it comes to filing suit. If the deceased did not have a spouse or children, surviving parents, siblings, and any family member dependent on the deceased may file.

Contact us for a free consultation

If you lost a family member to a drunk driver, you need the services of an experienced personal injury attorney at Rutter Mills. Schedule a free consultation by filling out our online form or calling or texting 24/7. Since we work on a contingency basis, there is no fee unless you receive compensation.