March is a busy month, full of Spring Break activities and St. Patrick’s Day parties. It seems like every week provides an opportunity to celebrate and engage in some revelry, especially here in South Florida where we have so many events happening throughout the month.
This weekend is one to especially pay attention to when it comes to safety, as St. Patrick’s Day tends to be an alcoholic-centric holiday here in the U.S. It is estimated that someone driving under the influence causes 30-40% of the accidents that happen on the roads this weekend. The National Highway Safety Administration released information that stated that 40% of all crash fatalities during this holiday involve drunk drivers, and most of those accidents happen between midnight and 5 AM.
Safety should always be a top priority and understanding that St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday with lots of drinking, everyone should be exercising caution on the roads. However, if you find that you are involved in an accident with someone who has consumed alcohol, here are some steps that you should take.
6 Steps to Take Following a Drunk Driving Accident:
1. Make Sure Everyone is Safe & OK
Following an accident, the first step to take is to make sure that everyone is OK. If you are able to do so, check those in the car with you, and then check-in on those in the other vehicle as well. If you are injured and feel as though moving your body would cause further injury, wait for assistance.
2. Call 911
Always call 911 following a major accident, especially if medical attention is required. The police should always be called to the scene to survey the accident. They will be responsible for determining if alcohol has played a part in the crash.
3. Exchange Contact Information
If both drivers are well enough, it’s important that you exchange all necessary contact information. This will include phone numbers and email addresses, as well as license and insurance information. Despite who receives the ticket from law enforcement, information should be exchanged between drivers.
4. Take Photos
Again, if you or your passengers are healthy enough to take photos, it’s a good idea to document the scene. Take photos of the vehicles using your phone, as your insurance company may require them as evidence. Make sure you also take photos of the license plates if you can.
5. Get Medical Treatment
If you need to be treated onsite, this may happen immediately following the accident, but it’s always a good idea to follow-up with a doctor as well. Some injuries may be delayed and begin to cause problems after the accident. A qualified physician will be able to help you determine what medical issues may be a result of your accident.
6. Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
The final step in this process is to contact an experienced personal injury accident attorney who can potentially help you recover financially from your accident. Car accidents can be expensive, even if you are not at fault in the accident. It’s important that you consult with an attorney who can help you determine the best course of action to take in order to receive the compensation you are owed.
St. Patrick’s Day can be a dangerous day on the roads, which is why it’s extremely important to plan for a designated driver or to use a ride-sharing service such as Uber or Lyft if you decide to drink at all during this holiday. Don’t take a chance. Buzzed driving is also drunk driving. Ensure that you and your loved ones have safe rides home this weekend. Safety first!
References:
Binge drinking warning ahead of St. Patrick’s Day. (2017, March 01). Retrieved March 13, 2018, from http://fox59.com/2017/03/01/binge-drinking-warning-ahead-of-st-patricks-day/
L. (2017, June 15). Saint Patrick’s Day – Drive Sober. Retrieved March 13, 2018, from https://trafficsafetymarketing.gov/get-materials/drunk-driving/drive-sober-or-get-pulled-over/saint-patricks-day-drive-sober
Attorney Jeffery Robinette Illustrates St. Patricks Day Safety Measures. (2018, March 13). Retrieved March 13, 2018, from http://wtol.com/story/37710141/attorney-jeffery-robinette-illustrates-st-patricks-day-safety-measures
