I Was Hit By a Drunk Driver on the Fourth of July

Unfortunately, the Fourth of July is associated with an increased risk of drunk driving accidents. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), this holiday period often sees more alcohol-related crashes than other times.

The USDOT reported that during the Fourth of July holiday period in 2021, there were 538 crash fatalities in the United States, and 39% of those involved at least one driver who was impaired by alcohol.

The Jones Law Group will work to protect your rights if a drunk driver hits you and causes significant injuries. We have a team of attorneys who know how to help clients obtain the money they deserve. Please use our online contact form or call (727) 571-1333 for a free consultation.

Why is Driving Under the Influence so Dangerous?

Driving under the influence is exceptionally dangerous due to the significant impairment it causes. Alcohol affects the central nervous system, leading to various impairments that can seriously compromise a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Here are some key reasons why it’s such a big problem:

Impaired Judgment

Alcohol diminishes a person’s ability to make sound judgments and decisions. This impairment can result in reckless behavior, such as excessive speeding, aggressive driving, or running red lights, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Slowed Reaction Time

Alcohol also slows down cognitive and physical responses, including reaction time. In a critical situation on the road, such as sudden braking or an obstacle, a driver under the influence may have delayed reactions, making it difficult to avoid a collision.

Decreased Coordination

Drinking before driving affects fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. This impairment can make it challenging to steer, brake, or perform other essential driving maneuvers accurately.

Reduced Concentration

Alcoholic beverage intake can lead to decreased concentration and an inability to maintain focus on the road and traffic conditions. This lack of attentiveness increases the risk of missing essential cues or hazards while driving.

Altered Perception

If you drink before getting behind the wheel, that can also impact your visual perception and depth perception. Compromised depth perception can lead to blurred vision and difficulty judging distances accurately. This can hinder a driver’s ability to recognize and respond to hazards effectively.

Drowsiness and Fatigue

Alcohol can cause drowsiness and fatigue, further impairing a driver’s alertness and ability to stay awake behind the wheel. Fatigue can increase the likelihood of falling asleep while driving, resulting in severe accidents.

Impaired Decision-Making

Finally, consuming alcohol impairs decision-making skills, leading to poor choices on the road. A drunk driver may take unnecessary risks, underestimate dangers, or engage in erratic behavior that endangers themselves and others.

The combination of these impairments dramatically increases the likelihood of accidents and makes them more severe, often resulting in devastating injuries or fatalities.

How to Prove that the Driver That Hit You Was Drunk

Proving that the driver who hit you was drunk typically involves gathering evidence at the accident scene. Here are some common ways to establish the other driver’s impairment:

• Police report: If the police arrive at the scene and suspect the driver is intoxicated, they’ll conduct field sobriety tests, breathalyzer tests, or blood alcohol tests. The results of these tests will be documented in the police report, providing strong evidence of the driver’s intoxication.
• Witness statements: Eyewitnesses who observed the driver’s behavior, such as slurred speech, erratic driving, or the smell of alcohol, can provide statements that support your claim of drunk driving. Their testimony adds credibility to your case and helps establish the driver’s impairment.
• Photos or videos: If possible, take photos or videos of the accident scene, including the other driver’s behavior, physical appearance, or any open alcohol containers in their vehicle. These visual records can serve as compelling evidence the other driver was intoxicated.
• Admission or statements: In some cases, the driver who caused the accident may admit to being drunk or make incriminating statements about their alcohol consumption. If you have witnesses who can testify to these statements, it can be valuable evidence supporting your claim of drunk driving.

Steps to Take After a Fourth of July Drunk Driving Accident

There are several steps you should keep in mind if you’ve suffered an injury In an accident caused by an intoxicated driver. Doing the following will help your recovery, and it will also help you obtain maximum compensation.

• Call 911: If there are injuries or significant damage, immediately call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance.
• Ensure safety: Move your vehicle to a safe location, away from traffic, and turn on hazard lights.
• Document the scene: Take photos or videos of anything important. Pay attention to skid marks, vehicle damage, and damage to signs and guardrails.
• Talk to witnesses: Obtain contact information from witnesses who can provide statements about the accident or the other driver’s impairment.
• Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, seeking immediate medical attention to address potential injuries and document them for insurance and legal purposes is crucial.
• Consult an attorney: Contact a skilled car accident attorney immediately. The earlier you call, the earlier your lawyer can gather the proof needed to win your case.

Compensation After a Fourth of July Drunk Driving Accident

The compensation you may receive after a drunk driving accident will depend on several factors, including the specific circumstances of the accident and the extent of your injuries and financial losses or damages. Here are some key considerations:

Medical Expenses

You may be entitled to compensation for all medical expenses related to your injuries resulting from the accident. This includes hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, therapy, and any ongoing medical treatments required.

Lost Wages and Future Earning Capacity

If your injuries prevent you from working, you might be able to recover the money you’ve lost in salaries, bonuses, and more. If you suffer long-term or permanent disabilities that affect your ability to work and earn a living, you may be eligible for compensation for losing your future earning capacity.

Pain and Suffering

Compensation for pain and suffering addresses the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident and subsequent injuries. The compensation for pain and suffering can vary based on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your quality of life.

Hiring an Attorney for Your Fourth of July Car Accident

If you were involved in a Fourth of July car accident, it’s time to seek help with your case. If you want the best chance of getting all the money you deserve, you must hire an experienced personal injury attorney. These cases can be complex, so you’ll need a lawyer who knows how to win them. Jones Law Group attorneys will put their knowledge and skill to work for you, fighting for your rights at every turn. 

Please schedule a free evaluation of your case by calling (727) 571-1333 or contacting