• Why Do Drinking and Driving Deaths Increase in the Summer?

    Why Do Drinking and Driving Deaths Increase in the Summer?

    Unfortunately, drunk driving typically increases in the summertime, which means more fatalities on the roadways. When a drunk driver causes a car crash, they will be subject to criminal penalties. But criminal penalties do not compensate the victim. It’s up to the civil courts to provide car accident victims with the compensation they deserve for their losses.

    Recovering from injuries that were caused by a drunk driver is often traumatic. Depending on your losses, you might be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, among other losses. At Leary Law, P.C., we are committed to helping clients recover compensation for injuries caused by intoxicated drivers in Virginia. Call now for a free initial consultation.

    Drinking and Driving Summer Statistics

    According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the percentage of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2018 was higher in May, June, and July than in any other month. The NHTSA additionally found that alcohol impairment among drivers in fatal crashes was 3.4 times higher at night than during the day.

    The NHTSA also warns that the Fourth of July weekend is one of the most dangerous weekends to be on the road due to impaired drivers. Between 2014 and 2018, 812 people were killed in crashes involving drivers impaired by alcohol, drugs, or medications on or near the Fourth of July holiday.

    How to Protect Yourself on the Road this Summer

    Here are some tips to help protect yourself from drunk drivers this summer:

    • Buckle up. Wearing a seatbelt is your best defense against drunk drivers. A seatbelt is proven to drastically reduce the likelihood of a collision being deadly.
    • Drive defensively. If you suspect that a driver is drunk, be ready to take action. Keep your distance from the vehicle or let them pass you. If the vehicle is headed directly toward you, pull to the right, stop, honk, and flash your lights.
    • Stay home after dark. Studies have indicated that the majority of drunk driving crashes, and a higher percentage of fatal crashes, happen at night. It’s more dangerous if it’s dark outside, and it’s even more so when drivers have been drinking.
    • Be wary of the most dangerous roads and intersections near you. Be extra careful in places where drunk drivers may make a mistake. For example, if you’re coming up to a four-way stop, check twice to make sure that other drivers are stopping. Never assume they will stop. A drunk driver may not see the red light or stop sign

    Injuries Caused by Drunk Drivers

    Common injuries caused by intoxicated drivers include:

    • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
    • Neck and back injuries
    • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
    • Internal organ damage
    • Limb injuries
    • Fractured bones
    • Burns
    • Cuts, bruises, and abrasions
    • Soft tissue injuries

    Compensation for a Drunk Driving Crash

    You have the right to seek financial compensation when a drunk driver injures you. Common types of compensation from a drunk driving crash include:

    • Medical expenses
    • Lost wages
    • Lost earning capacity
    • Property damage
    • Disability, scarring, and disfigurement
    • Pain and suffering
    • Wrongful death

    How We Can Help

    If you were injured in a collision with a drunk driver in Virginia, you deserve compensation for the injuries or losses you suffered. The experienced Virginia motor vehicle accident attorneys at Leary Law, P.C. can help you build a compelling case against the drunk driver who caused your injuries. We will make sure the accident is thoroughly investigated and documented and that all the important evidence is gathered.

    Call us now at (703) 359-7111 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re ready to listen and help.

     

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