Drunk Driving Accidents and the Holidays

 Posted on December 21, 2023 in Car Accident

It is fairly easy to correctly conclude that there is an elevated risk of encountering a drunk driver during the holiday season. People are having parties where the alcohol flows freely. Others may be drinking more to cope with the stress of dealing with family. While it is easy to understand why people tend to drink during the holidays, it is much harder to understand why the drunk driver who just hit you thought they could drive in their condition. Everyone knows that it is illegal to drive while under the influence of alcohol - or marijuana, or opioid pain medication, or any other intoxicant, legal or otherwise. Yet, the statistics year after year suggest that quite a few people do it anyway, putting everyone around them in danger and causing an unusual number of car accidents. If you were recently injured by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. A Palo Alto, CA, car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue the funds you are owed.

Does it Matter Whether the Drunk Driver Got Arrested?

While it can help your case quite a bit if the driver did indeed get arrested and convicted of a DUI, it is not critical. If the driver is arrested and convicted, then the court will accept it as fact that they were drunk when they hit you. However, even if the police did not take the intoxicated driver into custody, you can still offer proof of their intoxication. The court or jury may believe the driver was intoxicated based on evidence like witness testimony.

New Year's Eve is Among the Most Dangerous Nights on the Roads

Many people spend a religious or cultural winter holiday with their family. New Year’s Eve is not generally seen as a family holiday, but rather, a time for parties and events with friends. Drinking champagne at midnight may be the official tradition, but drinking heavily is a common practice. Unfortunately, this means there will be quite a few drunk people who try to drive themselves home.

The problem with drunk drivers is that even when you know they are out in force and are actively looking out for them, you may not be able to avoid one. Drunk drivers can make highly unpredictable movements, and you may not be able to see one coming until it is too late to react.

Contact a Palo Alto, CA, Car Accident Lawyer

Fuller Law Firm can help if you have been injured by a drunk driver. Cory Fuller, an experienced Santa Clara County, CA, car accident lawyer, will fight for every dollar you are entitled to. Contact us at 408-234-7563 for a complimentary consultation.