DUIs & the Holidays
The holiday season can be stressful and dark for many people. Because of grief, anxiety, social pressure, depression, and a number of other factors, people may drink alcohol during the holidays. Research has proven that the holidays are a common time when people binge drink (i.e. consume a lot of alcoholic beverages within a two-hour period).
With the rise in alcohol consumption, drivers should use caution and be aware of other vehicles when traveling during the holidays. Hundreds and thousands of people die or are injured during holiday weekends in the U.S. because of DUI-related accidents.
Each year the National Safety Council collects data, tracks, and estimates the number of fatalities that will occur during specific holiday weekends. Their data has shown that:
- In 2022, they estimate that 427 fatalities will occur because of DUI accidents over the New Year’s weekend.
- In 2019, 38% of motor vehicle accidents over the Christmas period involved a drunk driver.
- In 2020, drunk driving accidents accounted for 36% of the fatalities that occurred during the Thanksgiving period.
The Most Common Injuries in Drunk Drinking Accidents
Not all DUI accidents lead to fatalities; some victims/survivors of the accident may suffer from injuries. These injuries can range in severity based on the circumstances of the accident, such as the speed the vehicles were traveling, the size and type of vehicles involved, the seatbelt usage of those involved, etc.
Common types of injuries sustained in DUI-related motor vehicle accidents include (but are not limited to):
- Traumatic brain injuries. TBIs include a variety of head trauma including concussions, hematomas, protruding wounds, etc. These injuries can
- Spinal cord injuries (or nerve damage). A person can be paralyzed in a car accident.
- Organ damage. A person can suffer internal injuries, such as damage to their lungs, spleen, or kidney.
- Limb injuries. Broken bones and amputations are also common issues sustained in vehicular accidents.
- Soft tissue injuries. These injuries include the tearing or stretching of ligaments, tendons, or muscles in a person’s back, shoulder, neck, or other connective tissue.
- Ear-related trauma. Many people can develop tinnitus or other ear-related issues after an accident.
- Eye injuries. Many people can suffer from eye injuries, including temporary or permanent blindness, eye hemorrhages, orbital fractures, detached retina, etc. These injuries can be caused by head trauma, flying objects scratching or embedding in the eye, the airbag, and a host of other factors.
- Cuts/lacerations. Debris or flying glass can cut a person during the accident; deeper lacerations may also be caused.
- Burns. People can suffer first-, second-, and third-degree burns in an accident if either vehicle catches fire, the person had a hot beverage in the car the spilled during the collision, or for any number of reasons.
Contact Us If You’ve Been Injured in a Drunk Driving Accident
At The Dickinson Law Firm, our attorneys are backed by over 40 years of legal experience and are dedicated to helping clients pursue fair compensation. While you take the time you need to heal and focus on recovery, our firm can handle the case negotiations and legalities. From calculating your economic and non-economic damages to establishing liability to talking with the opposing counsel and insurance companies on your behalf, you can trust our team with your case.
Learn more about our services and how we can help you by scheduling an initial case consultation. Call (770) 924-8155.