The Fourth of July is synonymous with summer, fireworks, and picnics with friends and families. However, many forget to consider the underlying dangers associated with this holiday. Unfortunately, many are injured or killed in collisions with drunk or impaired drivers. If injured due to a negligent, intoxicated driver, it’s necessary to understand how to proceed. Luckily, a San Angelo, Texas drunk driving accident lawyer can help you explore your legal options and recover the damages you are entitled to.
Why Is It Dangerous to Drive on the Fourth of July?
For many, the Fourth of July is a fun time to get together with family and friends to celebrate the day the United States gained independence. As this is a federal holiday, many employees get the day off and will attend barbeques, parades, and fireworks shows. However, this also means that many will enjoy a few drinks.
Unfortunately, there is often an uptick in collisions around holidays, and Independence Day is no exception. Research shows that in a four-year period, nearly 1,500 people were killed in car collisions, with just under 40% of drivers intoxicated.
Many drivers believe they are sober enough to get behind the wheel without realizing even one alcoholic drink is enough to impact their ability to drive. As such, they may disregard road signs, traffic lights, and other drivers, which can all lead to a collision.
What Injuries Can I Sustain?
If you are struck by a drunk driver, you can sustain a multitude of injuries. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Broken bones
- Internal organ injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck and spinal cord injuries
- Burns
- Soft tissue injuries
- Disfigurement
- Amputations
- Death
It’s also important to note that many who live through car crashes will experience psychological damage, like PTSD, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Car collisions are often very traumatic for victims, and on top of the physical pain, mental issues can contribute to a diminished quality of life.
What Should I Do if I’m Involved in a Car Crash?
If involved in a collision, the most important thing to do is call emergency services immediately. This helps you receive medical treatment for the injuries you’ve endured while the police deal with the drunk driver. The police will likely conduct the necessary sobriety tests, and when they determine the individual is intoxicated or over the legal limit, they will be charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). This can help later when you choose to file a lawsuit, as it shows they were negligent.
At the Mathis Law Firm, we believe that those injured because of a negligent party deserve justice. As such, our dedicated team will do everything possible to help you recover the damages you are entitled to. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.
