Drunk Driving Accidents Are More Common in the Summer Months

 Posted on July 02, 2021 in Personal Injury

Based on recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are more fatal alcohol-related car accidents in the summer than in any other season. In part, this is due to the prevalence of drinking on summer holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Fourth of July weekend. In order to protect yourself and your family, you should consider taking extra precautions when driving during the summer, especially on weekends and holidays. You should also know where to turn for help if you are injured by a drunk driver.

Avoiding Accidents With Drunk Drivers in Illinois

For most people, avoiding driving altogether in the summer, or even just during a holiday weekend, is unrealistic and undesirable. However, it is worth considering your travel plans to see if you can stay off the road during some of the most dangerous times. For example, rather than going out to a bar or to a party for the Fourth of July and driving home late at night, you might consider celebrating at home.

If you do choose to drive when more drunk drivers are on the road, you should be sure that you are fully alert and aware yourself. If you are distracted, impaired, or tired, it will be more difficult for you to react to another driver who may put you at risk. If you notice another driver acting erratically, keep your distance as much as possible, and consider calling the police. You should also avoid getting into a car with a driver who is under the influence.

Pursuing Compensation From Drunk Drivers

If you or a loved one is injured in an accident with a drunk driver, the effects can be severe. You should get medical help and hire an attorney as soon as possible to start preparing a personal injury claim and pursuing the compensation you deserve. Your attorney can help you work with law enforcement to obtain police reports, blood alcohol test results, and other evidence that can strengthen your claim.

A victim of serious injuries, or the family of a victim of fatal injuries, can often recover substantial compensation from a negligent driver who was under the influence. Available damages include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and funeral expenses in the event of wrongful death. You may even be able to pursue punitive damages, given the importance that Illinois places on deterring drunk driving behavior.

Contact a Cook County Car Accident Attorney

At Adler Law Offices, LTD., we can represent you in your personal injury or wrongful death claim to hold a drunk driver accountable for the hurt they have caused you and your family. We know that the summer, and especially the Fourth of July, is an especially dangerous time, and we are available to help. For a free consultation, call our Arlington Heights personal injury lawyer today at 312-236-2700 or 847-394-0100.

Sources:

https://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/resources/most-dangerous-dui-days/

https://idot.illinois.gov/Assets/uploads/files/Transportation-System/Resources/Safety/Crash-Reports/crash-facts/2019%20Crash%20Facts.pdf

https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving