How Can You Reduce the Risk of Getting into a Drunk Driving Collision on New Year’s Eve?
Businesses and individuals alike host some of the biggest parties of the year on New Year’s Eve because many Americans use the holiday as an excuse to indulge before hitting their resolutions hard on January 1. Although there is nothing wrong with welcoming 2018 by having a few cocktails, there are steps you need to take in order to ensure you do so responsibly.
Sadly, drunk driving is incredibly common following the countdown to midnight. In fact, according to The New York Times, half of the fatal collisions that occur on January 1 involve an impaired motorist.
If you were hurt in a motor vehicle collision with a drunk driver, you may be eligible for compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. To discuss your case with a compassionate personal injury attorney and determine the best way to proceed, contact Jeffrey E. Estes & Associates.
Attorneys Jeffrey E. Estes and Alton J. Smith have been litigating injury claims on behalf of California residents for nearly three decades. Call 855-290-8080 to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in San Diego.
Read on to learn how you can reduce the risk of getting into a motor vehicle collision with an impaired motorist after ringing in the New Year:
- Host a Party at Home
If you have the space, why not host a New Year’s Eve party at home? Staying in and celebrating is a lot more affordable than going out on December 31, and if you ask everyone to bring one dish or the ingredients for their favorite cocktail, you won’t even have to cover the cost of feeding all your friends. Just make sure you can provide sleeping accommodations for everyone who plans on drinking, so your guests can also avoid getting into a serious accident on the way home.
- Know the Signs of Impairment
In many scenarios, drunk drivers seemingly come out of nowhere. In some cases, though, it may be possible to avoid a collision if you can recognize the signs of impairment.
Signs of drunk driving include swerving, accelerating or decelerating for no apparent reason, and failing to stay in the proper lane. If you see a vehicle doing any of the above, keep your distance, and call the local police if possible so they can assess the motorist in question.
- Call a Cab
If you plan on drinking at all, it is wise to hire a taxi or rely on a ride-sharing service for the evening. There is no way to gauge your blood alcohol content accurately by tracking how many drinks you have had, so always hail a ride when you have been drinking just to be on the safe side.
Unfortunately, you can follow all the tips above and still find yourself in a devastating collision with a drunk driver. If you were hurt because of an impaired motorist, contact Jeffrey E. Estes & Associates for guidance during every stage of the claims process.
We have recovered more than $150 million for our clients in successful settlements and verdicts. Call 855-290-8080 to schedule a free case evaluation with a personal injury attorney in San Diego. If you want to learn more about car accident claims in California, visit the USAttorneys website.
