Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer Blog

A man by the name of Rick DeGeorgis, was a victim in a drunk driving accident Friday, August 1st in Sonoma California. DeGeorgis was a passenger in a car driven by Curtis Kapple, both were Sonoma Residents. Kapple was driving a Pontiac GTO, and was traveling at about 70 mph on Highway 116. when he attempted to pass another car across a double yellow line, he swerved back into his own lane to avoid on-coming traffic and hit the side of the car he was passing. Eventually Kapple's car hit the guard rail and came to a complete stop, but DeGeorgis suffered major injuries, and died immediately at the scene. Kapple suffered minor injuries and was arrested on suspicion for man slaughter and drunk driving.

It is very sad that this man, Rick DeGeorgis died, but there will always be consequences when you get in a car with a drunk driver. It's a big risk that's not worth taking. This man would still be alive today if he just chose to not get in the car and had just waited for another ride.

In 2006, an estimated 15,827 people died in alcohol-related traffic crashes—an average of one every 33 minutes. These deaths constitute 37 percent of the 42,532 total traffic fatalities. Of these, 13,470 involved a driver with an illegal BAC (.08 or greater). On average someone is killed by a drunk driver every 39 minutes.

About three in every ten Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some time in their

Over 1.46 million drivers were arrested in 2006 for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. This is an arrest rate of 1 for every 139 licensed drivers in the United States.

In 2001, more than half a million people were injured in crashes where police reported that alcohol was present — an average of one person injured almost every minute.

Since 1980 (the year Mothers Against Drunk Driving was founded), alcohol-related traffic fatalities have decreased by about 44 percent, from over 30,000 to under 17,000 and MADD has helped save over 300,000 lives.

Alcohol-related crashes in the United States cost the public an estimated $114.3 billion in 2000, including $51.1 billion in monetary costs and an estimated $63.2 billion in quality of life losses. People other than the drinking driver paid $71.6 billion of the alcohol-related crash bill, which is 63 percent of the total cost of these crashes.

In 2005, 52 percent (7,330 drivers) of the drivers with alcohol in their system who were involved fatal crashes (14,068 total) had BAC levels at or above .16 g/dl. The most frequently recorded BAC level among drinking drivers involved in fatal crashes was .17 g/dl .

Only 17 percent of impaired drivers who are injured in crashes are charged and convicted. Eleven percent are charged and not convicted and 72 percent are never charged.

Attorney Moseley Collins has helped many people injured by drunk drivers. He was the founding President of the Santa Clara County chapter of MADD.

If you or a loved has been injured or killed by a drunk driver you have a claim for personal injury or wrongful death. It is vital that you find an experienced attorney to fight for your rights as a victim. So many times people incur huge bills after an accident like this.

Moseley Collins is a Sacramento personal injury lawyer, specializing in major injury cases, including people injured or killed by drunk drivers.