Drunk driving affects many people every year, causing tragic and long-lasting effects. Resources for victims include legal support, victim services, and counseling from organizations such as MADD and AA. Victims should seek help as soon as possible after the accident.
Drunk driving, or under the influence, affects the lives of countless people every year. For victims of drink driving, the effects can be tragic and long-lasting. While nothing and no one can go back in time and prevent a drunk driving accident from happening, there are a number of resources available to drunk driving victims to help cope with the effects of the accident. From a legal point of view, the prosecutor’s office can help ensure that the drunk driver is held accountable for his actions and provide support services to victims. Additionally, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Alcoholics-Anonymous (Al-Anon/AA), as well as numerous other local, state and national organizations, may be able to help.
The local attorney’s office should be the first stop for victims of drunk driving. Many victims feel angry and/or helpless when their life has been affected by a drunk driver. By cooperating with the prosecution of the offender, victims can feel empowered. In addition to prosecuting the offender, many prosecutors’ offices also have a victim services section that can help victims receive compensation for property damage caused by the accident. The Victim Services section can also be a great source of additional community-based resources for victims of drink driving.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is another well-known international resource for victims of drink driving. MADD is an organization dedicated to educating the public about the dangers of drink driving and helping victims of drunk driving. The MADD organization has an entire section devoted to victim services, who may be able to refer a victim to local and/or national resources. Additionally, MADD regularly offers live online chats for victims, which can enable a victim to gain support from other victims and provide another source for additional resources.
Counseling is another option for victims of road accidents while intoxicated. Many victims need to express their anger or grief in a safe and constructive way. A victim of a drunk driving accident should seek counseling, either on an individual basis or through a local support group, as soon as possible after the accident. If the local prosecutor’s office or local MADD chapter cannot provide a victim with a list of counseling agencies, an Internet search or call to the local Alcohol Anonymous chapter can provide the requested information.
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