While a time for celebration, the long Independence Day weekend can also bring with it a number of serious personal injuries, including car accidents from drinking and driving, illegal firework injuries, and dog bites. Indeed, according to the National Safety Council, July 4th is the deadliest holiday in the United States. The patriotic holiday has also historically been the deadliest day on the road for Americans. Unfortunately, we saw several fatal auto accidents over the weekend that confirmed how dangerous July 4th can be for some.
If you or a loved one was injured by a negligent driver in an auto accident over the July 4 weekend, know that California law is on your side. If your injuries and/or property damage were the result of another driver’s reckless or careless behavior, you may be able to recover financial compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and more.
The big summer holiday puts a lot of drivers on the road, as you likely experienced while sitting in traffic on the 101 or 405, which increases the likelihood of serious crashes. And there’s riskier driving, too: People are going to barbecues, pool parties, and fireworks shows that often involve drinking.
Not surprisingly, alcohol is a factor in a greater number of car crash deaths on both the Fourth of July and New Year’s Day. 41% of the deaths on the Fourth and 51% on New Years Day involved high blood alcohol concentrations. Tragically, alcohol-related deaths continue to rise, even though police presence and checkpoints have increased in a campaign to combat drunk driving over the holiday. If your loved one was killed by a drunk driver, you may be able to bring a wrongful death claim against the driver and recover compensation for your loss. Discuss your rights with an experienced auto accident attorney.
Auto accidents can cause serious and lasting injuries. With the right attorney by your side, you can focus on your recovery and rest easy knowing that your attorney is fighting on your behalf to help you obtain the financial compensation your injuries deserve.
For more information on how to file a personal injury claim after being injured in an auto accident, contact injury attorney Barry P. Goldberg today for a free, no obligation consultation.