The Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, is a holiday that honors the birth of our great nation. For many, this holiday is time spent with family and friends. Many celebrations involve fireworks, parades, barbecues, concerts, swimming, and drinking. While it is perfectly normal to enjoy a few drinks with your loved ones, it becomes a concern when alcohol impairs an individual’s judgment, leading them to make poor decisions like getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. This decision not only puts themselves in danger but everyone else on the road as well. If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident, contact a talented Essex County Auto Accident Attorney who can help you fight for the just compensation you are entitled to. Please continue reading to learn why driving on the Fourth of July is more dangerous than on any other day of the year.
Why are drunk driving accidents more likely to occur on the Fourth of July?
In New Jersey, law enforcement officers patrol the roadways more aggressively during the Fourth of July for several reasons. Firstly, more alcohol is sold on the Fourth of July than on any other day. This means during festivities, people will likely drink beer, wine, or other alcoholic beverages. Even if you do not plan on drinking, your friends or family may encourage you to loosen up and enjoy this leisure time by knocking back a few drinks.
When this happens, peer pressure can cause an individual to drink more than expected. It is critical to note that even after you have stopped drinking, alcohol remains in the stomach, which means it continues to impair judgment and coordination for several hours. Alcohol diminishes an individual’s decision-making abilities, cognition, and motor skills needed to operate a vehicle safely. More people are on the road during this holiday than usual, as families are projected to travel more than 50 miles to attend Fourth of July celebrations. More drivers on the road increase the likelihood of an auto accident.
What should I do if a drunk driver hits me?
If you are injured in an auto accident, the most important thing to do is seek immediate medical attention. Treating your injuries with a medical professional is essential, even if your injuries seem minor. Not only will this ensure your injuries are treated properly, but it will provide you with documentation that can corroborate the extent and severity of your injuries. Although in some cases, it is unnecessary to call the police as you can exchange information with the other driver.
If you suspect the other driver was driving while under the influence (DUI), you must call the police. The police will conduct field sobriety and administer a chemical test to determine the driver’s blood alcohol concentration. If the driver’s BAC exceeds the legal limit of 0.08%, they will be charged with DUI, as it is illegal to drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs. These steps taken by law enforcement officers can help you prove that the other driver was responsible for the cause of the accident as they were driving while intoxicated. This will help you satisfy the burden of proof, proving they were negligent as they failed to abide by the rules of the road and violated a law.
If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident, contact The Law Offices of Christopher T. Howell, Esq. Our firm is prepared to work tirelessly to help you hold responsible parties accountable for their negligence. Allow our firm to represent you today. We can help you seek reasonable compensation for your damages.
