November 29, 2016 | Car Accidents
One of the major parts of the winter holidays is the food and drinks. Whether you are around the table with your family, at an office party, or at a gathering with friends, many people drink wine, spiked eggnog, champagne, and more during their holiday celebrations. When people have too much to drink and then make the dangerous decision to get behind the wheel of a car, they put everyone else’s safety and enjoyment of the winter season at risk. Sadly, the holidays are considered to be one of the most dangerous times of the year1 to be driving or riding in a car because of the heightened risks of drunk drivers.
The Aftermath of a Drunk Driving Accident
Anytime you are in a car crash, you should pull over if possible or make sure it is safe to get out of the car. Even if your car is not driveable, you should get to the side of the road to avoid getting struck by passing traffic. You should then call 911 as soon as possible so they can dispatch necessary emergency medical personnel and law enforcement officers to the scene.
Having police come to the scene is essential if the driver may be drunk. Police officers know how to administer certain field sobriety tests or breathalyzer tests to determine whether a driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is over the legal limit of 0.08 percent. If the officer determines through tests or observations that the driver is intoxicated, the driver can be placed under arrest and charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (OWI).2 A conviction in the criminal case can only help any personal injury claim that you file against the drunk driver.
It is also highly imperative that you seek medical treatment immediately after your accident. Even if you think that your injuries are relatively minor, it is necessary to have all injuries and treatments documented to ensure that a drunk driver is held fully liable for all of your losses.
Discuss Your Case with an Indianapolis Auto Accident Lawyer Today
At the Fountain Law Firm, P.C., we have successfully helped many drunk driving accident victims obtain the compensation they deserve for their injuries and related losses. To make sure that you receive all of the compensation to which you are entitled, it is important to have an experienced Indianapolis car accident attorney handling your case. Attorney Merry Fountain can help you today by meeting in her office or by meeting in your home. Call Merry Fountain anytime at 1-888-242-HURT (4878) for a free consultation.
[1]https://www.bactrack.com/blogs/expert-center/35042821-the-most-dangerous-times-on-the-road