The Fourth of July is a time of celebration. People get together with families and loved ones, friends and colleagues for picnics, barbeques, parades, and fireworks. These festivities often include alcohol, and those who choose to drive after consuming a few beverages are at a higher risk of involvement in a crash.
An increase in motor vehicle crashes during the Fourth of July is a sad reality. Experts expect reopening from the COVID-10 pandemic may mean an even higher than average rate of accidents this year compared to previous years as more people take up offers to join in on festivities. This year, the National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that 483 people could die due to fatal injuries from car crashes during Independence Day but notes that this estimate does not account for the impact of COVID-19 related reopening as noted above.
In an effort to reduce this number, the NSC encourages people to avoid drinking and driving and to wear seat belts when traveling by car during the Fourth.
What if I am injured in a car crash over the Independence Day holiday?
In some cases, the other driver may be legally responsible for the costs that result from the crash. This can be true if the other driver was drinking, driving too fast, or otherwise disobeying traffic laws. Victims can hold the responsible person accountable through a personal injury lawsuit. This can lead to funds to cover the cost of medical treatment, replacing or repairing a vehicle, lost wages, and future expenses.
It is important to note that there is generally a time limit for these claims. As a result, those who believe they are a victim of this type of accident are wise to begin moving forward with a claim promptly after they get the initial medical treatment they need.