The Social Impacts of Driving Under the Influence
The car accident attorney at Hicks Law Firm has represented victims of vehicle accidents caused by drunk and impaired drivers since we opened our doors. All accidents are preventable, but none more than these kinds of crashes, which can cause fatal or crippling, lifelong injuries. These drivers face many consequences for their mistakes, including their relationships with others.
Driving Under the Influence is a Different Level of Mistake
A driver can make an honest mistake when driving too fast for conditions. A parent can be distracted by a child in the car. But a drunk driver or one impaired by drugs makes a conscious decision to put into their bodies something they know is toxic and will increase the risk of causing an accident.
Many of these accidents are caused by people who are not just a little impaired after a social gathering. They have so much alcohol or drugs in their systems that they can barely function. But that didn’t stop them from driving.
The Criminal and Financial Costs of Driving While Impaired
After an accident, the impaired driver is usually arrested, which carries many consequences:
- Depending on the situation, you could spend days or years in prison
- There could be thousands of dollars in fines and a suspended license
- If you have the resources, you may also spend thousands of dollars on legal representation
- Car insurance rates will increase, or an insurer may drop you entirely
- Your license may be suspended for a prolonged period
- You may lose your job, and it may become more difficult to be hired elsewhere
These are all good reasons not to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, but there’s also a DUI’s impact, especially if a crash kills someone or leaves them permanently disabled, on relationships.
Driving Under the Influence and How It May Affect Your Relationships
Here are several ways causing an accident while intoxicated and needlessly injuring or killing another can impact your relationships:
- Trust issues: This is the basis of any relationship, which can erode trust between spouses, partners, family members, and friends. The act of driving under the influence may be seen as a breach of trust, as it involves irresponsible and potentially dangerous behavior
- Emotional strain: Friends and loved ones may be disappointed in you and your choices. They may be angry, worried, or fearful for you and your future. The criminal and financial consequences will only raise the tension
- Communication breakdowns: You may withdraw because of your embarrassment and shame, causing communication with those closest to you to stop. They also may not want to deal with you, too. No one can maintain a relationship without open and honest communication, and the aftermath of an accident can shut them down
- Financial strain: Legal fees, fines, increased insurance costs, and the loss of a job may result in a financial disaster. This strain can impact relationships, especially if you can’t pay your bills or need to ask a friend or family member for a loan
- Social stigma: A DUI-related accident and arrest can affect your standing in your community and social circles. Friends and family may distance themselves from you, leading to a sense of isolation. This can be especially damaging if you’re active in local community, business, or political groups
- Lifestyle changes: You may make significant changes in your lifestyle. Time spent working, with friends or family may be spent instead on mandatory counseling, treatment programs, or incarceration. If you’re on probation, your life may be very restricted. If you’re missing time from work to accommodate these requirements, financial losses will compound the impact on your family
- Effect on family dynamics: Children may be impacted by the stress and changes in your household as a spouse or partner takes on additional responsibilities due to the collision’s fallout. If impaired driving was a habit and you’ve had multiple accidents, family members may have had enough and are ready to push you out of their lives
Do yourself, your friends, your family, and everyone on the roadways a favor by not using alcohol or drugs before you drive. The potential legal, financial, and social impact aren’t worth it. If you drink, don’t drive. If you drive, don’t drink. You may not only prevent injuring or killing someone else, you may save yourself, too.
Experienced California Car Accident Attorney for Drunk Driving Injuries or Wrongful Death Cases
The car accident lawyer at Hicks Law Firm has successfully represented numerous clients who are injured or lost a close family member in a vehicle accident caused by an intoxicated or impaired driver. These accidents can cause catastrophic injuries and death.
Our talented car accident lawyers can help you recover compensation for your suffering, pain, short or long-term disability, medical bills, lost wages, or the wrongful death of a loved one. Please contact the Hicks Law Firm for a complimentary consultation covering your claim and how we can help.
Aaron Hicks is a civil trial attorney and founder of Hicks Law Firm, based in Orange County with offices in San Diego and Tennessee. His practice includes representing plaintiffs in personal injury cases including motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, dog bites and wrongful death. Mr. Hicks is and AV Rated attorney, Super Lawyer and is currently on the Board of Directors of the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association where he serves as 1st Vice President.
