What to Do If You Are Injured by a Drunk Driver on New Year’s Eve

One of the biggest dangers to New Jersey residents on New Year’s Eve are drunk drivers. Many choose to celebrate the holiday with alcoholic beverages. Unfortunately, some people end up consuming far too much alcohol and then get behind the wheel when they are too impaired to safely drive. Here is what you need to know about being involved in a drunk driving accident this New Year’s Eve. 

Drunk Driving Rates Go Up on New Year’s Eve

Drunk driving rates tend to spike on the New Year’s holiday for a few reasons. For some, New Year’s Eve is a cause for celebration and to let loose as the old year ends and the new one begins. For others, alcohol plays some significant function during regular New Year’s Eve gatherings with family and friends. Alcohol is also used by some as a way of dealing with the anxiety and stress of the holiday season or from having to spend time with family and friends whom people may have less than favorable relationships with. 

Many organized New Year’s Eve parties advertise themselves as “all you can drink.” However, because these parties only take place in a short time window, people may feel inclined to binge drink at these parties to get their money’s worth.

Unfortunately, too many people who choose to go out and drink on New Year’s Eve fail to make arrangements to get home safely, such as having a designated driver or calling a cab/rideshare, and instead make the catastrophic decision to drive while impaired. 

Tips to Avoid Being Involved in a Drunk Driving Accident

Tips that can help you and your loved ones avoid being involved or injured in a drunk driving accident include:

• Never drink and drive, even if you think you are “okay” after only having a couple of drinks on New Year’s Eve. Make plans to get home safely, including having a designated driver, calling a cab or a Uber/Lyft, using public transportation, or staying the night so you can sober up to drive home in the morning. 
• Never get in a car with a driver who has been drinking. If you are at a New Year’s Eve party where someone who has been drinking goes to drive home, confiscate their keys and help them arrange other transportation.
• If you encounter a vehicle that you believe may be driven by an intoxicated driver – such as when the vehicle swerves in and out of its lane, runs red lights/stop signs, or can’t keep pace with traffic – pull over when safe for you to do so and contact law enforcement to handle the situation.

Steps to Take If You Are Hit by a Drunk Driver

Actions you should take to protect your rights if you are hit by a drunk driver on New Year’s Eve include:

• Call 911 or local law enforcement
• Document the accident scene by taking photos or videos of vehicle damage, skid marks on the road, and any visible injuries you suffered
• Seek prompt medical attention to have a doctor examine you for injuries you may have suffered in the crash
• Keep copies of your financial expenses and losses from the accident
• Start a journal to record the pain and difficulties with daily living that you experience due to your accident injuries
• Report the crash to your insurance company
• Contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to get help with protecting your rights

Contact a Hamilton Township Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Drunk Driving Accident Case in New Jersey

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries because of a drunk driving accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Hartman Duff, LLC represent clients injured by drunk driving accidents in Hamilton Township, Ewing Township, Lawrence Township, Princeton, and throughout New Jersey. Call 609-853-5579 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 2681 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton Township, NJ 08619.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.