Do Drunk Driving Accidents Increase Around Thanksgiving?

If you are having guests over for the Thanksgiving holiday and are planning to serve alcohol, make sure you help keep them safe by having designated drivers or alternative forms of transportation available.

Keep in mind, you could potentially be held liable if you over serve a guest who is involved in a drunk driving accident. Additionally, if you are out driving on Wednesday (Thanksgiving eve), make sure you use caution.

Last year, USA Today reported that vehicle accidents spike on Thanksgiving eve. The news outlet used data provided by car insurers, which said that poor weather and alcohol play a role in an increase in accidents.

“Black Wednesday isn’t a day that pops up on most people’s radar, but the mixture of relatives in town, students home from school and no work the following day makes for a busy day on the roads,” said Tricia Griffith, claims group president at Progressive, in a statement, according to USA Today.

The paper reported that between the hours of 8 p.m. and 3 a.m. on Thanksgiving eve there was a 24 percent increase in accidents involving parking or rear-enders. Additionally, there was a 17 percent increase in general collisions and a 14 percent increase in claims involving vehicles that ran into buildings or other private property.

Should I talk to an Attorney If I’m Injured by a Drunk Driver?

In addition to criminal charges, if you cause a drunk driving accident, you can be held civilly liable. Through a personal injury lawsuit, a victim, or his or her family, can obtain money for pain and suffering, lost wages as well as medical treatment.

There are no excuses for driving while under the influence of alcohol. If you plan to drink for Thanksgiving, make sure you have a sober form of transportation. Do not become another statistic.

Contact us directly or fill out the form on our website to schedule a consultation if a drunk driver has harmed you.

Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C. – Injury Lawyers

KGG’s Corner: Many law enforcement agencies plan to have extra enforcement on roadways this Thanksgiving. Make sure you stay safe!

Source: http://www.usatoday.com/story/driveon/2013/11/27/traffic-accidents-wednesday/3762337/