Injured by a Drunk Driver on St. Patrick’s Day? Here’s What to Do
St. Patrick's Day
While there’s nothing wrong with having a few pints with friends, the alcohol-centric nature of many St. Patrick’s Day celebrations tends to encourage overindulgence. As inhibitions lower and judgment gets impaired, people make bad decisions. It’s unfortunate, but it’s probably no surprise that St. Patrick’s Day generally brings a huge spike in drunk driving crashes along with all the partying and good times.
In 2016, nine people died in drunk driving crashes in North Carolina on St. Patrick’s Day, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). Presumably, many more people suffered injuries in motor vehicle collisions related to drunk driving as well.
We sincerely hope that neither you nor anyone else gets seriously hurt on March 17 this year. But the reality is that people will continue to suffer injuries as long as drunk drivers take to the roads. Read on to learn about what to do if the worst happens and you or someone you love gets hurt in a drunk driving-related collision.
Important Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Crash
We covered many of the most important steps that can help you after an auto collision in a previous blog article, and those tips will also help in a drunk driving-related crash on St. Patrick’s Day.
In brief, the most important steps to take after a car wreck are:
- Make sure everyone at the scene is safe and out of harm’s way.
- Call 911 and report the crash.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with other drivers.
- Use your smartphone to take pictures of the scene and get contact information from any witnesses.
- Get medical treatment for your injuries.
Of course, when drunk driving crashes cause severe or catastrophic injuries, it’s not reasonable to expect victims to walk around the scene gathering evidence and talking to people. If you weren’t able to complete some of these steps after your crash, don’t worry. The single most important step after a wreck, besides getting prompt medical treatment, is to contact an experienced car accident attorney who can evaluate your case and protect your rights.
RELATED: 8 Things You Should Never Do After an Auto Accident
The sooner you get in touch with a lawyer after a collision, the sooner they can start investigating your case and gathering evidence. Plus, they should be able to draw on their expertise and experience to do a better job than you ever could by yourself. If they can take your case, they can also help you file a personal injury claim and pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses and expenses.
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SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATIONStay Safe on St. Patrick’s Day With These Tips
Ideally, no one would get hurt or killed by drunk drivers, especially on fun and cheerful holidays like St. Patrick’s Day. Everyone has a role to play in reducing the number of drunk driving crashes that happen each year on St. Patrick’s Day. And you can lower your risk for being involved in a car wreck with the following tips from the NCDOT and the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program.
- Make sure to create a plan to get home safely before the end of the night. Designate a sober driver, download a ridesharing app like Uber or Lyft, save the number of a taxi service to your phone contacts, and/or check the schedule for public transportation in your area. The State of North Carolina also maintains a helpful website, besmarterthanthat.com, where you can easily explore all of these options.
- Remember that walking while drunk can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Rather than going on foot, try and designate a sober friend who can drive you all the way home.
- If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 911 and notify the police right away.
- Don’t let friends drive drunk. If someone you know is trying to get behind the wheel while they’re impaired, help them make safe arrangements for alternative transportation instead.
Unfortunately, even the most careful and conscientious people can end up being victims of a drunk driving crash through no fault of their own. If you or a loved one end up in this situation, you should get in touch with an experienced personal injury attorney who can investigate your case and protect your rights.
Contact Myers Law Firm for Help if You’ve Been Hurt in a Drunk Driving Accident in North Carolina
If someone else is at fault for your damaged vehicle or injuries, you deserve justice and compensation for your losses, and the team at Myers Law Firm is here to help. At Myers Law Firm, we use our years of experience and our knowledge of the local courts to fight for justice on behalf of auto accident victims in Mecklenburg County.
We offer free initial consultations for all personal injury cases. We listen to your story and provide you with expert advice about your best course of action, all at no financial risk to you. To schedule your free consultation and talk with an experienced personal injury lawyer today, please complete our online form or call 888-376-2889.
References
Banish drunk driving on St. Patrick’s Day. (2017, March 15). National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Retrieved from https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/dont-test-your-luck-st-patricks-day
North Carolina Department of Transportation. (2017, March 16). There is no such thing as a lucky charm if you drink and drive [press release]. Retrieved from https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2017/There-is-No-Such-Thing-as-a-Lucky-Charm-.aspx
The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.
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