The Tragic Consequences of DUI: An Avondale Man’s Devastating Actions
While this is not the story we wanted to be bringing you at the beginning of the new year, we think it is serious enough to warrant some discussion. Last week, an Avondale man, Gabino Matancillas, stood in front of a judge, holding himself up with a walker. He has been accused of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, which police say led to the death of his female passenger, his injuries, and the major injuries of two other people.
According to documents, this is his third DUI offense, something that the judge said was very concerning. As of right now, Matancillas has been charged with manslaughter, aggravated assault, endangerment, and driving under the influence.
At Lorona Mead, it is drivers like this who make the roadways particularly dangerous. There is just no way to predict when someone’s reckless behavior will change everything in your life. If you need a Phoenix car accident attorney, you can count on Lorona Mead to be there for you, fighting to get the compensation you deserve.
Alcohol-Related Crashes in Arizona
Alcohol-impaired drivers are a danger to everyone in and around the roadway. When we look at the latest year for the state, we see that there were 4,854 alcohol-related crashes. While they make up just 3.82% of total crashes, they account for over 30% of the total fatalities.
Aside from impaired drivers, we know that distracted drivers are also a major problem. In fact, they can be just as dangerous as drunk drivers. Anyone who pays more attention to their phones than the roadway should be held responsible for their actions.
When we look at the latest reporting year in Arizona, we see that there were 127,064 total vehicle accidents:
- 1,000 fatalities
- 55,474 injuries
- 320 alcohol-related fatalities
- 3,095 alcohol-related injuries
The Hidden Costs of Vehicle Accidents
The costs of vehicle-accident injuries go beyond medical expenses. Yes, the medical costs can be enormous, often entering into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. However, there are also hidden costs to be concerned about. This can include lost wages and benefits if an accident victim is unable to work. It can also include pain and suffering damages, things like loss of enjoyment of life.
Insurance companies rarely factor in all of these costs when determining settlements. Often, they do not even offer enough to cover medical expenses.
What Are Your Options?
So many people were hurt due to the actions of Mr. Matancillas. His repeated actions show us that we have to be ready for anything when we get behind the wheel. At Lorona Mead, we want to help you recover what you have lost. In the aftermath of an vehicle accident, you will be faced with so many expenses beyond medical costs. We will work to secure compensation for all of them, from medical bills and lost income to pain and suffering damages. When you need a Phoenix car accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling (602) 385-6825.
