Thanksgiving weekend is a time to celebrate and have fun with friends and family. For many people, this means gathering up the friends who are back in town to hang out at the bar. For others, the drinking starts early on Thanksgiving afternoon and lasts well through dessert and into the evening.
If not done safely, though, all this drinking can have a steep cost. Statistically speaking, more drunk driving accidents occur on Thanksgiving than on any other holiday.
Plan ahead, stay safe
Planning ahead is the best way to avoid getting into a drunk driving accident – whether you’ve been drinking or not. If you’re going to be on the roads, keep the following tips in mind:
- Get a ride home if you’ve been drinking: Either use a designated driver, or take a taxi or Uber home. It’s never worth taking the risk of harming yourself or someone else.
- Stay back to stay safe: You never know what someone else has been doing. Drive cautiously and give other vehicles extra room. Staying back gives you extra room to maneuver if another driver makes a dangerous move.
- Watch for signs of intoxication: Erratic behavior, drastic speed changes, weaving and missed turns might be signs of intoxication. Don’t be afraid to call police if you see a drunk driver on the road. You might save someone’s life.
Taking care of yourself after a crash
If you get into an accident with a drunk driver – or someone you suspect might be drunk – call the police. It is important to hold people accountable for their actions. A police report will also be crucial evidence to document fault.
If you are injured in an accident with a drunk driver in Colorado, the law is on your side. You are entitled to seek damages for the losses you have incurred, including medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.
Your actions immediately following the accident can make a big difference when it comes to pursuing a personal injury claim. Getting immediate medical care is important for your health, and to document your injuries and their relation to your accident. If you need to take time off work to recover, it can be helpful for your doctor to note this in your record as well.
After a serious car accident, it is always a good idea to contact a Colorado personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Don’t wait until you’re in over your head. Your lawyer can work with you to ensure the insurance companies are treating you fairly and can help you gather evidence to hold the drunk driver accountable.