Thanksgiving is one of the heaviest travel days of the year, with millions of people to their hometown or elsewhere to spend time with friends and family. While the traditional Thanksgiving celebration involves a turkey feast on Thursday evening, a newer tradition has evolved in recent years. According to many reports,1 the night before Thanksgiving has become the busiest bar night of the year, earning it the nickname “Blackout Wednesday” or “Drinksgiving.”
Of course, one of the potential consequences of more people out drinking can be more drunk drivers on the roadways. Law enforcement is aware of this fact, police departments throughout the state engage in yearly enforcement initiatives that are intended to act as a deterrent and also to catch people who violate the law. Unfortunately, drunk driving accidents continue to occur over the holidays, sometimes with serious consequences.
What to Do if You are Injured by a Drunk Driver
If you are one of the unlucky few that are hurt in an accident with a drunk driver this holiday season, you should take certain steps to protect your right to recover compensation. Some of these include the following:
- Alert Authorities – If you suspect that the driver of the other vehicle is under the influence of alcohol, you should call 911 immediately. If the police share your suspicion, they will likely perform sobriety or chemical testing, the results of which may make it easier for you to recover compensation.
- Document Fact about Your Crash – Be sure to take notes about things like the other driver’s name and address, his or her insurance information, and contact information from anyone who saw your accident occur.
- Call a Lawyer – The most effective thing you can do to protect your rights after an accident is to retain an experienced attorney.
Call a Texas Drunk Driving Lawyer Today to Learn More
Drunk driving accident victims are often entitled to significant compensation for their losses, including their medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and physical and emotional pain and suffering. To schedule a free consultation with Houston collision lawyer Stewart J. Guss, call our office today at 800-898-4877 or send us an email through our online contact form.
1 http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970204443404577052101406908524
