Spring break is a ritual for American college students from coast to coast—and one that often involves the overconsumption of alcohol. Usually falling sometime in March or April, this week or two off from school allows students a much-needed respite from the rigors of academic life, with many students heading to popular beach destinations in Florida, Mexico, or other places with warm weather and sandy beaches.
While Richmond is not a traditional spring break spot, it sees its fair share of students returning home to see friends and family or who have an interest learning more about what Richmond has to offer. Unfortunately, this influx of students can often result in an increased number of impaired drivers on Richmond roadways, endangering other motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, or anyone else who happens to be around.
How to Reduce Your Risk
You can reduce the risk of injury by a drunk driver during this spring break season. Perhaps most importantly, you can choose to not play a role in the problem yourself—if you plan to consume alcohol, make alternative travel arrangements. Next, avoid driving in areas with a high concentration of bars and restaurants, particularly in the evening. Finally, give erratic drivers plenty of space and inform local law enforcement.
What to Do if You Are in an Accident With a Driver You Suspect is Under the Influence of Alcohol
Unfortunately, there is no way to completely avoid drunk drivers and eliminate your accident risk. As a victim, then, protect your legal rights so you can recover compensation for any losses you sustain.
If you were in an accident with a driver you think may be drunk:
- Call the police, even if the accident is not severe enough to require a police report. If the police also think the other driver is drunk, they will likely perform sobriety testing and arrest a driver who is, in fact, intoxicated. That not only protects other people by getting a dangerous drunk driver off the road—evidence that supports the assertion that the driver was drunk at the time of the accident can make it easier to recover compensation.
- See a physician after your accident, even if you don’t think you’re badly injured, because some injuries, like whiplash, may develop with time. Follow all of your doctor’s orders and attend all follow-up appointments. Actively participate in physical therapy if your doctor refers you to such treatment.
- Call a lawyer as soon as you can after an accident. The sooner an attorney gets involved, the better your chances of recovering the maximum amount of compensation available under the law.
Injured in an Accident? Call Emroch & Kilduff Today to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation
If someone else’s negligence injured you in an accident, call a lawyer right away. At Emroch & Kilduff, our Richmond car accident attorneys will review the facts of your case at no cost to you and let you know whether we believe that you can file a legal claim to recover compensation. If you choose to retain us, we will not collect any legal fees unless we obtain a settlement or award on your behalf. To schedule your free case evaluation with a lawyer, call Emroch & Kilduff today at (804) 358-1568 or send us an email through our online contact form.
