Drunk Driving Crashes In Winter

During the winter, Americans take to the road to visit family members and friends, as well as partake in parties and other holiday festivities. They also tend to consume more alcohol than at any other time of the year. The combination of increased alcohol intake and more people on the roads, unfortunately, causes an increase in drunk driving accidents in Las Vegas and all throughout the country.

Drunk Driving During the Holidays

Multiple studies and government agencies show that the holidays bring an increase in driving while intoxicated. In addition to there being more travel and more alcohol consumed, people who do not typically consume alcohol in large amounts and therefore have a lower tolerance for it are drinking and getting behind the wheel. Less than ideal winter driving conditions can also contribute to drunk driving accidents during the holidays.

According to the United States Department of Transportation, between 2012 and 2016, almost 14,500 people lost their lives from traffic accidents in the month of December alone. Of those, 28 percent died in a crash caused by drunk driving. On average, 300 people lose their lives in drunk driving accidents during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. In comparison, about 10,000 people die from drunk driving crashes throughout the entire year, causing many of their families to turn to a Las Vegas personal injury attorney for help.

Drunk Drivers Could Face Criminal and Civil Charges

Not only is drunk driving illegal in Clark County, but those who drink and drive, causing injuries and damages to other people, could face civil claims as well. Drivers who are caught driving while under the influence will be subject to any criminal penalties that the DA decides to charge them with, and they leave themselves open to civil liabilities. These are separate cases, and their outcomes are not dependant upon each other, though a criminal conviction could help victims receive compensation in a civil suit.

If you were involved in an accident with a drunk driver around the holidays or any other time of year, a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer can help file a civil lawsuit on your behalf. Through this lawsuit, you could receive monies for your damages such as:

• Lost wages
• Medical bills
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Plan Ahead for Holiday Drinking and Travel

When it comes to drinking and driving, if you do not have a plan, the risks of drinking and driving are higher. If you will be drinking at dinner, at a bar, at a holiday party, or anywhere else, make sure you have a plan for how you will get home or where you need to go. Plan ahead to help keep everyone safe on the roads this holiday season. Ask someone to be a designated driver for your group, download a rideshare app in advance, stay the night at your friend’s house, or do whatever else you need to do to avoid drinking and driving.

Seek Help from a Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorney

Drunk drivers quickly ruin lives with one selfish decision. Though you cannot go back and change what has happened, you can take control of your future with the help of an experienced lawyer. Call a personal injury attorney in Las Vegas Nevada at (702) 819-7770 or complete our online contact form to schedule your consultation with an experienced Breeden and Associates today.