Staying Safe on the Road; Thanksgiving and Avoiding DUI-accidents
With the holidays around the corner, you may be looking forward to spending the season with friends and family, but it is important to remember to celebrate safely. While many people assume New Year’s Eve has the most drunk driving accidents, Thanksgiving is actually more notorious for its drunk driving fatalities.
Driving under the influence is a very serious offense that puts both the driver and others on the road in danger. Here is what residents in Jacksonville, Florida need to know about staying safe on the road and preventing personal injury or car accidents related to DUIs this Thanksgiving.
Prohibit Alcohol or Limit Drinks
The best way to prevent being involved in an accident is to limit drinks or prohibit alcohol altogether at your gatherings. Make sure no one gets in their car after drinking too much. Guests may accuse you of being a party pooper, but you could be saving them from a terrible accident.
Spend the Night
Another way to prevent people from drinking and driving is to have them spend the night. It is fairly common for friends and family to stay over during the holidays anyway.
Have a Designated Driver
If you do plan on drinking at a bar, party, or family member’s home choose a designated driver.
Call a Taxi or Public Transport
Avoid getting in trouble with the law by calling a taxi or using public transport after drinking. These days there is no lack of transportation options available to choose from.
What to do If You Are Injured by a Drunk Driver
Even if you do not drink and drive, this does not mean there will be no intoxicated drivers on the road. In the event that you sustain an injury in an accident caused by a drunk driver you have the right to sue for damages in civil court.
Work with the Police
The first thing you should do if you are injured is report the accident to the police. Answer any questions they have about the accident and do your absolute best to be cooperative. Whether or not the drunk driver is convicted on criminal charges, you can still hold them responsible for injuries or losses.
Seek Medical Treatment
Get medical treatment even if you feel you have not sustained serious injuries. Remember, some injuries may not manifest themselves immediately. Make sure all treatment is well documented as this can be important in any legal proceedings.
Gather Evidence and Speak to Eyewitnesses
Talk to any eyewitnesses, get their contact information, and gather any evidence you can that shows alcohol played a role. Take pictures of the accident and record video if you notice the other driver showing signs of intoxication such as staggering or slurring words.
Work with an Attorney
Consult with a personal injury lawyer to better understand your rights and options available for further action. At Gillette Law, P.A. we work with every client to ensure their needs are taken care of. We work on a contingency fee basis. Our offices are located in Jacksonville, FL, and Brunswick, GA.
