Maine Injury Lawyer Blog
The victim of a drunk driving car accident in Bangor is highly upset with the judge’s sentencing. According to The Republic, the victim, who now uses a wheelchair to get around, is asking for stiffer sentences for those who have been charged with drunk driving in the state of Maine.
The driver charged in the case pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and criminal operating under the influence of intoxicants after causing a car crash that left his passenger paralyzed.The plea agreement called for the driver to serve two years for the assault charge and six months for drunken driving. The judge postponed sentencing after the victim asked for a stiffer sentence.
Our Bangor accident lawyers understand that drivers in the state of Maine who are convicted of a first-time drunk driving offense may not face the toughest of penalties. According to Maine’s Bureau of Highway Safety, a first-time offense comes with a possible 90-day license suspension and fines of up to $400. We have some of the most relaxed laws in the country. Recent studies have proven that the tougher the laws and the penalties the less likely drivers are to recommit. When penalties are loose, drivers are more likely to be involved in another incident.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently released new statistics illustrating the true risks for alcohol-related car accidents throughout the nation. The most recent statistics report that there were nearly 11,250 people killed in these kinds of accidents in 2010. Hundreds of thousands more were injured. These accidents are so common that they account for about a third of all roadway fatalities.
In the state of Maine, there were nearly 50 people killed in alcohol-related accidents in 2010 alone. These accidents accounted for 30 percent of all traffic accident-related fatalities throughout the year.
Nationwide, drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.08 or higher in fatal accidents in 2010 were four times more likely to have a prior conviction for drunk driving than drivers who were in accidents with no alcohol. This proves the likelihood of drivers to recommit these crimes. Maine needs to toughen its sentences to help to reduce these risks. Year after year, innocent people are taken in these accidents. It’s time to stop it!sThese accidents are completely preventable. All it takes is a little bit of preparation and responsibility.
Before you head out drinking, make sure you’ve got a sober ride home. Designate a driver. The designated driver shouldn’t be the person who has had the least to drink. You can always call a friend or a family member, too. Whatever you do, do not get behind the wheel if you’ve had too much to drink!
If you or a loved one has been injured in an alcohol-related accident in Bangor or in any of the surrounding areas, contact Peter Thompson & Associates to schedule a confidential appointment to discuss your case. Call 1-800-804-2004.