Beware of Drunk Drivers Around Thanksgiving

On Behalf of Hullverson Law Firm   |   Oct 30, 2023   |   Car Accidents, Motor vehicle crashes

Thanksgiving usually involves families coming together to give thanks and celebrate their blessings. Unfortunately, the season can be associated with increased drunk driving incidents. In fact, the Thanksgiving holiday in 2021 alone saw 190 fatalities due to drunk driving accidents.

At Hullverson Law Firm, we regularly represent victims of drunk driving accidents and know how seriously they can affect victims and their families. Unfortunately, these accidents continue to occur despite increased enforcement and stiff penalties. If you are hurt by a drunk driver around the holidays, you should contact an attorney as soon as you can. 

Below, we discuss some steps you can take to reduce your risk of being hurt by a drunk driver.

How to Spot a Drunk Driver

If you spot a driver who might be drunk, you should let them get in front of you and call the police. Signs of drunk driving include: 

  • Nearly striking another vehicle or object: One of the most noticeable signs is when a driver comes dangerously close to hitting an object, another vehicle or even swerving onto the sidewalk.
  • Inconsistent signaling: Impaired drivers often have trouble maintaining a steady course and may signal turns or lane changes erratically. This makes it challenging for other drivers to anticipate their actions.
  • Driving without headlights: Driving without headlights, especially at night, is a red flag. Impaired drivers might not realize they’ve forgotten to turn on their lights.
  • Following too closely: Tailgating is a typical behavior among drunk drivers. They might follow other vehicles too closely, leaving little room for reaction in case of sudden stops.
  • Erratic braking: Drunk drivers may brake suddenly and without apparent reason. This erratic behavior can catch nearby motorists off guard and lead to catastrophic accidents.

What if You Get into a Drunk Driving Accident?

If you are involved in a drunk driving accident, promptly taking crucial steps can help protect yourself and your rights under the law. 

Here are the steps we recommend: 

  • Call the police immediately
  • Gather evidence at the accident scene, which can be valuable later when dealing with insurance claims or legal matters.
  • Provide police officers with an accurate and detailed statement of what happened.
  • Collect contact information from witnesses and exchange insurance information with the other driver.
  • Seek medical attention promptly for treatment and documentation of your condition. This documentation is proof of injuries during your personal injury claim.
  • Reach out to a personal injury attorney. They can guide you, protect your rights, and help you seek compensation for damages.

Contact a St. Louis Drunk Driving Attorney Today

With the rising cases of drunk drivers around Thanksgiving, safety is paramount to avoid unnecessary crashes and injuries. However, if you find yourself in a drunk driving crash around Thanksgiving, you have legal options. Although obtaining compensation from the responsible party can be challenging – but we are here to help. Our St. Louis injury lawyers have what it takes to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free evaluation of your case.