It probably would not surprise you to learn that New Year’s Eve and Day can be dangerous times to be on the road. If you got hurt in a car crash during these holidays and you believe that someone else’s negligence was to blame, you may have a personal injury case on your hands. A San Angelo, Texas drunk driving accident lawyer from our firm can meet with you and tell you if you could be entitled to compensation.
Is New Year’s Actually a Dangerous Time to Drive?
It can be. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Safety Council are among the many researchers who have collected data about this. These agencies expect to see 300-400 fatalities on the road during each New Year’s holiday period.
This is due to a few factors. Some safety issues include:
- Drivers operating their vehicles under the influence of alcohol
- Drivers who are drowsy and less able to react to changing traffic conditions
- Crowded roads due to people traveling
New Year’s Eve is seen as a time to party, the roads are crowded because this can be a great time to travel, and even when people make the responsible decision to not get behind the wheel after a party they could end up driving back home tired on New Year’s Day. It should not be a surprise that there can be more injuries and fatalities than usual during this period.
What Kinds of Damages Can I Sue For After a New Year’s Car Crash?
If you get into a car crash and the other driver was negligent, you can probably sue for damages. Your compensation should help make up for things like medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Suing the driver may not be the only option though. Texas dram shop laws may also allow you to sue the establishment that overserved this driver. We can make the case that continuing to serve them after they were already drunk was irresponsible and that the establishment contributed to your crash and injuries as a result.
Should I Hire a Lawyer?
We do recommend hiring a lawyer. It can be tough to build a personal injury case on your own. Our lawyers can gather evidence and show how another driver’s negligence caused you harm. We can handle the paperwork while you focus on your recovery.
Will I Have to Go to Trial?
You may have to go to trial, but you should know that many personal injury cases settle before that point is reached. If you are worried about being tied up in court for a long time, don’t be. You may end up having to deal with that, you may not. The important thing is holding a negligent driver accountable for the harm that they have caused.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
When you are ready to explore your legal options, we want to hear from you. Contact the Mathis Law Firm and schedule a consultation with our team. There’s no obligation and the initial case consultation is free, so take the time to learn more about seeking damages and what an experienced personal injury attorney can do for you.
