A Car Accident Attorney Examines the Problem
The holidays bring friends, family, and work colleagues together to celebrate, but there is a dark side to the festivities: drunk driving.
In Connecticut, crashes caused by drunk drivers result in death during the holidays more frequently than in any other state. That’s according to key findings from a ValuePenguin analysis of drunk driving during Thanksgiving and Christmas. ValuePenguin looked at data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Fatality Analysis Reporting System database.
Researchers found more fatal car accidents occur around Christmas than Thanksgiving. Drunk driving and speeding both were factors in one-third of the holiday crashes resulting in death.
In Connecticut, 43 percent of deadly crashes around Thanksgiving and Christmas were linked to a driver with a blood alcohol content of at least 0.08 percent. Texas and Rhode Island were trailing Connecticut. All three states were the only ones where four in 10 statewide crashes involved drunk driving.
Common Injuries Sustained by Crash Victims
Drunk driving and speeding often go hand in hand. The combination means crashes frequently result in serious injuries and even death.
The following are some of the severe injuries victims of drunk driving crashes often face:
- Concussion & traumatic brain injury (TBI): Blows to the head in car accidents can be devastating and may result in changes to the victim’s memory, emotions, vision, hearing, and ability to perform daily tasks.
- Spinal cord injury (SCI): When the spine is injured, a victim may suffer partial or complete paralysis. In other cases, a person may avoid paralysis but may experience chronic pain and nerve damage because of ruptured or slipped discs.
- Whiplash: Common in rear-end crashes, this type of injury involves the tendons and ligaments in the neck being stretched beyond their normal range of motion due to rapid back and forth movement of the head.
- Internal injuries: Organ damage can be life-threatening if left untreated. In accidents, internal injuries are not always immediately apparent. It’s critical to get a medical examination as soon as possible after a crash.
- Fractured & broken bones: Crashes can lead to broken or crushed limbs. In some cases, a victim may need to have a limb amputated.
- Soft tissue injuries: Ligaments, tendons, and muscles can get torn or stretched, which can lead to lengthy rehabilitation and physical therapy.
What To Do if You’ve Been Injured by a Drunk Driver
Getting hit by a drunk driver can be frightening. Even if you don’t think you’re hurt after the crash, you should seek immediate medical attention. Some victims may not realize how seriously injured they are in the minutes and even hours afterward. Call an ambulance. Contact the police. They can respond and create a report. They can investigate the other driver and may arrest the person if they suspect alcohol was involved.
If possible, gather evidence. Take photos of the crash scene. Take photos of your injuries. Note the condition of the other driver. Talk to others in the crash to find out how the accident happened. If there were eyewitnesses, talk to them and record their full names and contact information.
Legal Help is Available in CT
It’s important to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible after the crash. An attorney can handle your claim and help you with the insurance company.
Insurance adjusters often will push back against claims. They may offer a lowball settlement. They may downplay the extent of your injuries. A knowledgeable attorney knows all their “tricks” and “tactics” and can fight to maximize compensation.
If you were injured or a loved one died in a crash caused by a drunk driver, contact the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli for a free consultation. Our firm can put experience and resources to work to help you obtain the compensation you need and deserve.