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An Accident on New Year’s Starts Your Year The Wrong Way
It should come as no surprise that New Year’s is one of the most substantial drinking holidays of the year. And while many people choose to ring in the New Year at home, millions of others celebrate at restaurants, clubs, concerts, or holiday parties. Whenever you spend a night out on the town drinking, you must be safe and make smart decisions, such as staying the night somewhere or designating a sober driver. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Accidents caused by drunk driving happen at an alarming rate here in Texas and throughout the rest of the United States. Although there are countless campaigns aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of driving drunk, many people will make the unfortunate decision to get behind the wheel of a car after drinking.
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a car accident on New Year’s, we could help. At Rad Law Firm, we understand how stressful these types of situations can be, whether you were driving or a passenger. Over the holidays, we see an increase in the number of accidents that occur. While the holidays are a time of joy and cheer for many, they can also be quite dangerous. In today’s article, we will take a closer look at New Year’s accidents, including some facts that will highlight why they are so deadly. We will also discuss steps to take following a car accident, what damages you may be able to recover, and tips for staying safe on the roadways.
If you have any questions, or if you were injured in a holiday accident in Dallas, contact Rad Law Firm today. We offer free consultations and are here to help you understand your legal rights and what the best course of action will be.
New Year’s Car Accident Statistics
December was National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, a timely month to raise awareness about the repercussions of driving under the influence. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 300 people die on average in drunk driving accidents between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Furthermore, fatalities from traffic accidents account for more than a quarter of ALL crash deaths. And while not all car accidents on New Year’s are alcohol-related, many of them are. Before we look at some of the most common causes of New Year’s accidents and what you can do about it, let’s go over a few additional facts about holiday accidents:
- January 1st is the worst day of the year for drunk driving, topping even July 4th as the day with the most drunk driving arrests
- On average, 163 people die on U.S. roads over the New Year’s holiday period every year
- Drunk drivers have likely gotten behind the wheel of a car as many as 80 times before they are arrested
What are the most common causes of holiday car accidents?
- Drunk driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Inclement weather conditions
- Failing to stop at a red light
- Night driving
If you have suffered an injury following an accident in the new year, contact Rad Law Firm today. Our Dallas car accident attorneys are here to answer your questions and help you understand the damages you may be able to recover.
Steps to Take Following a Car Accident
Whether you find yourself involved in a minor fender bender or a more severe collision, car accidents are stressful. Often, your adrenaline takes over, and many details of the accident are forgotten. This is why it is vital to have a good understanding of the steps you should take following an accident. Knowledge is power, and the information below may be able to help you recover damages for injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and more. Regardless of the type of accident you are involved in, there are certain things you can do to protect yourself.
The following is an overview of the steps you should take following a New Year’s car accident:
- Remain at the scene of the accident
- Move your car to the side and protect the scene of the accident, if possible
- Call the police
- Never admit fault
- Give the police an accurate account of what happened
- Talk to any witnesses and gather information from them
- Take pictures and document the scene of the accident
- Exchange information with other drivers, passengers, and witnesses
- Report the accident to your insurance company
- Seek medical attention, even if you don’t think you’ve been injured (injuries from car accidents can take hours, days, or even weeks to show up in some cases)
- Keep copies of all your accident-related documents, including:
- Claim number
- Name of the claim’s adjuster
- Record of all expenses you’ve incurred as a result of the accident
- Record of any medical care you’ve received
- Consult an experienced personal injury lawyer
What Damages Can I Recover?
The best piece of advice we can give you is to do everything you can to protect your interests. Often, insurance companies will try and get you to settle quickly. While this may be the right move in some cases, this is not always the case. Depending on the extent of your injuries and the details of the accident, you may be owed more compensation than the insurance company claims. Under Texas law, victims of car accidents have a right to recover compensation if another person’s negligent or reckless actions caused the accident.
Some of the damages you may be able to recover include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional damages
Unfortunately, victims of car accidents who do not have legal representation are often taken advantage of. Not only do insurance companies use unethical tactics to try and get you to settle, but they may advise you against getting a lawyer. We offer free consultations and encourage car accident victims to take control of their case, rather than sit back and see what happens. The holidays are stressful enough on their own. If you find yourself the victim of an accident that wasn’t your fault, it can make this time of year even more exhausting. Let us help you ensure justice is served. Contact our Dallas personal injury law firm today and schedule a consultation. In Texas, there is a statute of limitations in place governing how long you have to file a claim following a car accident. Don’t wait – let us get started on your case today.
