For many, the Fourth of July is a holiday spent with friends and family commemorating the birth of our nation. However, it is imperative to acknowledge the risks associated with this occasion. Sadly, this holiday has a high rate of auto accidents, often due to the number of people that make the poor decision to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. During this holiday, individuals attend barbecues and watch fireworks while enjoying an alcoholic drink such as beer, wine, or another cocktail, which amplifies the risk of drunk driving. If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident, contact a talented Bronx Car Accident Lawyer who can help you fight for the just compensation you are entitled. In addition, please keep reading to learn why driving is so dangerous on the Fourth of July.
What should I know about driving on the Fourth of July?
Similarly to Memorial Day weekend, the Fourth of July holiday is known as one of the deadliest holidays for car accidents. This is because festivities often involve having a few drinks. This is because people tend to celebrate by consuming alcohol. Although drinking while celebrating is not a problem, it becomes a serious issue when someone decides to drive while intoxicated. According to research, from 2017 to 2021, 1,460 drivers were killed in motor vehicle accidents over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, with 38% of drivers impaired by alcohol. That said, being on the road this weekend is extremely dangerous.
Even the smallest amount of alcohol can impair your ability to operate a motor vehicle safely and impacts your cognitive abilities. With so many other driving options, such as designated sober drivers, rideshare services, and public transportation, there is no excuse for getting behind the wheel while under the influence.
What should I do if a drunk driver hits me?
If you’ve been injured in an accident and suspect the other driver is drunk, you must take the following steps to ensure your safety and maximize your chances of recovering compensation for your damages. After an auto accident, it is critical to seek immediate medical attention. This will provide you with documentation of your injuries as well as ensure your injuries are treated. Depending on the severity of the accident, calling the police is not always necessary. However, if you suspect someone is driving under the influence (DUI), you must contact the police. Drunk driving is a serious crime, and the police can perform field sobriety and chemical tests to determine the driver’s blood alcohol concentration. These measures can help prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident, as they violated the law. This will maximize your chances of satisfying the burden of proof.
If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident, contact a determined lawyer at James Newman, P.C. Our firm is prepared to work tirelessly to help you get the justice you deserve.
