As the clock strikes midnight every New Year’s Eve, millions of people around the globe engage in celebratory toasts and cheers. However, when these festivities are coupled with recklessness on the roadways such as drunk driving, this joyful celebration can quickly turn tragic.
Drunk driving is a dangerous problem year-round but poses an even more severe risk during holiday celebrations like New Year’s due to elevated alcohol consumption. Understanding these risks and taking preventative measures is essential for ensuring safer roads for everyone.
The Risks of Drunk Driving
Alcohol significantly impacts a person’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Drinking impairs several vital factors necessary for driving such as judgment, reaction times, motor control, and concentration – dramatically increasing the danger on the road.
The consequences of drunk driving last long after the actual incident is over. Driving under the influence can result in severe criminal charges, leading to a criminal record which can negatively affect many aspects of your life – like employment and housing opportunities and personal relationships. Having a DUI conviction will also increase insurance premiums significantly.
Additionally, if someone causes an accident while driving drunk, they could be sued by victims who are owed compensation for their physical injuries and damages they’ve sustained due to these actions, adding further financial stress.
What To Do If You’re a Victim of a Drunk Driving Accident
Becoming a victim of a drunk driving accident can be an incredibly scary and overwhelming scenario. Knowing what to do in such circumstances is vital for your safety, well-being, and financial recovery. Consider taking the following steps after an accident:
Ensure Safety
First, ensure your immediate safety if possible. If the scene of the accident is not safe or poses a threat to you or others around, move yourself away from oncoming traffic and any damaged vehicles. Never leave the scene unless there’s an immediate danger.
Call for Help
As soon as your immediate safety is assured, you should inform the authorities. Dial 911 and stay on the scene until law enforcement arrives. They will then document the accident in a formal report, capturing essential details that might be crucial during an insurance claim or legal proceedings.
Seek Medical Attention
Regardless of whether you believe you’re injured or not, it’s imperative to seek medical attention. This is because some injuries – particularly those involving the head, neck, or back – may not present symptoms immediately. Having a professional medical evaluation will also establish a record of your injuries which can be important if you decide to pursue a legal claim.
Obtain Relevant Information
If you are able, start gathering pertinent details from the scene while they’re still fresh. Acquire contact and insurance information from other drivers involved, note down license plate numbers, and make sure you take photos of the vehicles and damage as well as any visible injuries you’ve suffered.
Look for Witnesses
Witnesses play a crucial role in these cases. Their recollections can help substantiate what occurred during the accident, potentially adding weight to your case. If possible, seek out any bystanders who may have seen the incident and request their contact information.
Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer
One of the most important steps you can take is to consult with a Savannah car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Insurers may quickly approach you with settlement offers that don’t fully cover the costs of your injuries and other damages. When you have competent legal representation in place, they can guide you through the claims process and work to secure fair compensation on your behalf while protecting your rights every step of the way.
Handling the aftermath of a drunk driving accident can be confusing and overwhelming, but protecting yourself should be a priority. We understand the toll an accident takes and dedicate ourselves to helping victims navigate these difficult times. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation if you or someone you know has been affected by drunk driving.
Contact the Car Accident Law Firm of Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers in Savannah for Help Today
For more information, please contact our experienced Savannah car accident lawyer at Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have a convenient location in Savannah, GA.
We proudly serve Chatham County, Georgia, and its surrounding areas.
Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers
308 Commercial Drive, Suite 100, Savannah, GA 31406
(912) 335-1909
Open 24/7