Sadly, the day before Thanksgiving has become known as Blackout Wednesday, which refers to the sharp increase in drunk driving accidents that occur on this day. Impaired drivers make this day one of the most dangerous driving days of the holiday season, so you’ll want to learn what you can do to stay safe.
If you are involved in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you’ll want to reach out to a DUI injury lawyer ASAP to get started on a claim. That said, you can avoid serious injuries, vehicle damage, and having to take legal action by using the following five safety tips for Blackout Wednesday.
1. Avoid Driving
One of the easiest safety tips to follow on Blackout Wednesday is to avoid driving. Staying off the road or arriving at your holiday party before the evening will help you avoid impaired drivers and an accident that could cost you your life.
2. Know How To Spot a Drunk Driver
If you do have to drive on Blackout Wednesday, the most important safety tip you can utilize is learning how to identify an intoxicated driver. Impaired drivers often swerve their vehicles, stop short, accelerate abruptly, and engage in other dangerous driving behaviors like exceeding the speed limit.
If you see a driver that you believe to be under the influence of alcoholism, pull over and report them to the police. Make sure to give law enforcement any information about the vehicle you can remember, including the plate number, make and model of the vehicle, and any other significant details.
3. Practice Defensive Driving
If you are driving back home or going to a holiday party on Blackout Wednesday, defensive driving safety tips can help you avoid a serious or fatal accident. Maintaining a safe speed, being aware of other drivers around you, and staying aware of your surroundings can help you protect yourself from impaired drivers.
4. Choose a Designated Driver
If you’re planning on going to a bar or private gathering the day before Thanksgiving, make sure your party chooses a designated sober driver. Having a sober driver can ensure that you don’t drive with alcohol in your system and that you have a safe ride home. It’s best to choose a designated sober driver before you go out so there won’t be any confusion about who is driving.
5. Take an Uber or Taxi
If you are drinking at a holiday event on Blackout Wednesday, another helpful safety tip is to download a ride-share app or save a local taxi service’s number in your phone before you go out. Having easy access to an Uber or taxi ride can ensure you don’t get behind the wheel after drinking.
If the town or city you live in has public transportation, taking a bus or subway is another great alternative to driving.
What To Do After a DUI Accident on Blackout Wednesday
While the above-mentioned safety tips can help you avoid an accident on Blackout Wednesday, there are some situations where even the most cautious defensive driving can’t protect you. If you or a loved one has been involved in a drunk driving incident, you’ll want to hire a skilled attorney to help you recover compensation.
A DUI accident lawyer can take the following steps to get the damages you’re owed:
- Investigate the impaired driving accident
- Gather evidence and prove fault
- Calculate how much your claim is worth
- File an insurance claim on your behalf
- Negotiate a settlement or seek payment for your losses in court
- Meet important filing deadlines
- Offer helpful legal guidance and answer any questions you have about seeking compensation
Compensation a Lawyer Can Demand After a Blackout Wednesday DUI Accident
Depending on the severity of the collision, you could be dealing with a number of different financial losses and challenges, including medical bills, vehicle repair costs, and even the tragic loss of a loved one.
No matter how serious your situation is, a personal injury lawyer can pursue the following damages on your behalf:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Vehicle repair costs
- Lost wages
- Decreased earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death compensation if your loved one has passed away in a DUI crash
Unfortunately, the night before Thanksgiving sees a dramatically increased number of drunk driving fatalities, making it one of the deadliest nights of the winter holiday period.
If you’ve lost a spouse or family member in a Blackout Wednesday accident, a compassionate drunk driving accident lawyer can help you seek justice and financial remedies.
Hire a Skilled Attorney To Help You Move Forward After a DUI Crash
Utilizing safety tips for Blackout Wednesday can only do so much. If a heavily intoxicated driver takes to the road, you might not have time to react to their reckless driving and pull over, resulting in a life-threatening collision. If you or a loved one has been involved in such an incident, working with an attorney can give you the peace of mind and compensation you deserve.
If you’re worried about being able to cover the cost of an attorney, you’ll be happy to hear that the majority of personal injury lawyers offer free initial consultations and don’t charge upfront or out-of-pocket fees. Instead, they take a portion of the money you receive from your claim. Reach out to a lawyer today to get the affordable and effective advocacy you need to move forward.
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