Accidents increase over the holidays for numerous reasons. Because of the heavy focus on shopping, more people are on the road at times when they ordinarily wouldn’t. This means there are added drivers with less experience, or poor skill, sharing the road at the same time as the rest of us. There are also drivers who shouldn’t be on the road, having consumed a few drinks or smoked marijuana.
The holidays are a joyous time for many of us, and for some, a time to indulge in libations. Christmas, Hannukah, and New Year’s Eve are all holidays that see an increased amount of drinking and with that comes added responsibility. There is nothing wrong with having a few drinks, but if you do, it’s up to you to find a safe ride home.
Best Practices for Getting Home Safe
Over the years, not much has changed as far as options for getting home safely. You are basically working on one principle – taking you out of the driver’s seat. Until self-driving cars become a common sight on the roads, you really shouldn’t bring your own vehicle to an event if you plan on drinking.
We put together a list of ways to get home, and some of these will seem obvious, but they are still the best methods to avoid getting behind the wheel.
• Appoint a Designated Driver
• Take a Cab
• Use a Rideshare Service
• Ride the Bus
• Ride Your Bike (Though there can be some liability issues if you injure someone)
• Walk
Were You Involved in an Accident Over the Holidays?
You have rights. Regardless of whether you’re the person who caused the accident or not, you need to speak to an experienced attorney. Every American has the right to due process and if you feel as if yours has been overlooked, talk to us.
There are many reasons accidents happen over the holidays, but negligence and DUIs are some of the most common. If you’re the victim of an accident with a driver who wasn’t paying attention, texting and driving, or under the influence, you may be owed more than just the repairs of your vehicle.
The best way to find out if you’re entitled to compensation is to talk to the professional and experienced attorneys at Traut Firm. From covering the cost of vehicle repairs to hospital bills, we may be able to help you avoid a costly insurance bill. We’ve worked with victims to achieve optimal results and we want to hear from you. Call us today.