Does Drinking And Driving Increase Over the Holiday Season?
Every year millions of Americans travel for special occasions that are the holidays. Between November and January, there are a number of events worth celebrating with friends and family who may live a long distance away, such as Thankgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Years. So, as many take to the roads, they may wonder about the dangers of drunk driving over the holiday season. Reach out to a New York drunk-driving attorney from Gattuso & Ciotoli today to learn more.
The Dangers of the Holiday Season
While the holiday season is an especially jolly time for many people, it can be quite hard for others as well. Having a great amount of time off of work coupled with the stresses of everyday life that are tied in with the winter holidays can lead people to consume more alcohol than normal. Eventually, these people take to the road driving home from bars and the homes of friends and family.
While there’s nothing wrong with a few beers here and there, drinking and driving is highly illegal and equally as dangerous in every state across the nation. With so many people hitting the road to meet with their friends and family members across the USA, there is a high risk that those transporting their family members find themselves crossing paths with a drunk driver or two. Accidents involving drinking and driving can lead to serious injuries and fatalities for the victims.
These claims are supported by data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA). In 2020, there were 209 drunk driving-related fatalities during the New Year and Christmas holidays. As injuries are even more common than fatalities, and these statistics represent “low” years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is plenty of reason to keep a sharp eye on the road. The NHTSA reports that the aforementioned fatalities are 100% preventable and much more common on the holidays compared to other times of the year.
Who Can Recover Compensation for Drunk Driving Accidents
There are a myriad of different types of damages that are recoverable in a drunk driving suit. The type and amount of compensation that someone may receive from a drunk driving claim and lawsuit depends on the type and quality of attorneys representing them.
The first type of compensation available is that provided due to medical bills and damage to property. Damage done to a car and bills acquired at the hospital are all available as possible compensable repayment to the plaintiff if they are not liable for the accident. Furthermore, some attorneys can negotiate for future medical bills and mental health support if someone is suffering from mental anguish, among other things.
How to Get Your Life Back After a Serious Accident
Gattuso & Ciotoli understand the hardships of finding oneself the victim of a drinking and driving accident. The impacts it can have on the lives of family, friends, and other loved ones can be excruciating and detrimental. To learn more about the damages available to someone who has been afflicted by a drunk driver, reach out to a New York drunk driving attorney from Gattuso & Ciotoli today by calling (315) 509-2873 or sending us a message through our online messaging system.