Did a Drunk Driver Injure You Over the Holidays?
Drunk driving spikes over the holidays, which significantly increases your risk of being injured by an impaired driver in the month of December. If you or someone you care about was injured by a drunk driver this holiday season, don’t wait to consult with a practiced Charleston car accident attorney with a wealth of experience successfully handling complex drunk driving claims.
The Holidays Seem to Invite Drunk Driving
While the spirit of the holiday season is infectious, it is not an excuse to get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol. Unfortunately, too many motorists fail to recognize this fact.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that drunk driving numbers for the month of December are on the rise. In a recent December, drunk driving claimed 1.013 lives, which was the highest number in 14 years. Further, in the five Decembers from 2017 to 2021, 4,500 people lost their lives to drunk driving accidents. In other words, the threat posed by drunk drivers around the holidays is all too real.
Impairments Experienced
The more alcohol a driver consumes, the more serious the impairments they experience. Basic categories of impairment include:
- Loss of judgment
- Exaggerated behaviors
- Decreased inhibitions
- Decreased awareness or alertness
- Lost muscle coordination
- Difficulty detecting danger
- Losses related to reasoning and self-control
- Slowed reaction times
- Slowed thinking
None of these forms of impairment bode well for anyone on the road.
Injuries Common in Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk drivers often cause very serious accidents that leave victims with very serious injuries like the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries that include permanent paralysis
- Internal injuries
- Broken bones
- Limb loss and injuries that require amputation
- Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries
- Serious cuts and burns
- Permanent disfigurement
Your Legal Damages
The legal damages – or physical, financial, and emotional losses – you suffer as a result of a drunk driver can be immense and include the following categories:
- Medical expenses that may extend to ongoing healthcare needs
- Lost income that may include losses related to career advancement and earning potential
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering that can overshadow other forms of loss and make your recovery considerably more difficult
A primary component of your car accident claim involves carefully assessing the full extent of the covered losses you experience, which your capable car accident attorney will be well prepared to identify.
It’s Time to Consult with an Experienced Charleston Car Accident Attorney
The trusted Charleston car accident attorneys at John Price Law Firm appreciate the level of loss you’ve experienced as a result of being injured by a drunk driver over the holidays, and we’re committed to zealously pursuing a favorable resolution that supports your renewed health and well-being. Our legal team is in your corner and ready to help, so please don’t put off reaching out and contacting us online or calling us at 843-552-6011 for more information about what we can do to help you today.