AUSTIN, Texas. If you were in an accident on New Year’s Day, the chances that alcohol may have been a factor in your crash is about 50%. The New York Times reports that one half of all accidents that take place on New Year’s Day involve drivers whose BAC exceeds 0.08. This doesn’t begin to account for the other accidents where alcohol may have been a factor because a driver was hung over, fatigued, or sick due to drinking. If you were hurt in a drunk driving accident on New Year’s Day, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself.
- Contact a qualified car accident personal injury lawyer in Austin, Texas. The Robson Law Firm are personal injury lawyers in Austin, Texas who can review police reports, speak to insurance adjusters, contact witnesses, and do everything in our power to determine negligence and help you get the best possible settlement permitted under the law. While drunk driving won’t automatically make the other driver responsible, in many cases drunk drivers are indeed found negligent. Drivers have a responsibility to follow the rules of the road, avoid speeding, avoid distracted driving, and are required to avoid drinking and driving. The Robson Law Firm may be able to help you receive a recovery to pay for your medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages after your accident.
- Report the accident to proper authorities. The Texas Department of Transportation requires that drivers involved in any accident that results in injury, death, or damages to vehicles exceeding $1000 be reported within ten days of the accident taking place. The best thing you can do to protect your rights is to report your accident at the scene of the crash. Police have the authority to require drivers to submit to breath and blood tests which can result in a stronger police report at the scene. Additionally, sometimes injuries like PTSD or traumatic brain injury may not become apparent until days or weeks after an accident. Always assume that any crash, even a minor one, could involve personal injury. However, if for some reason, you failed to report the accident, you still have time. Contact the Texas Department of Transportation as soon as possible. If you need to seek damages for your crash, you’ll need to have a police report on file.
- Seek medical attention. In the days and weeks following your crash, you may be required to follow up with doctors. It is important that you go to all your medical appointments and keep all records. You may be entitled later to claim damages for all your medical bills. Failure to make your appointments could jeopardize your claim.
If you were in a drunk driving crash over the New Year’s holiday, you may be feeling stress, may be facing high medical bills, and may have many questions about your legal rights. The Robson Law Firm are personal injury attorneys in Austin, Texas who may be able to assist you with your claims and speak to insurance adjusters to help you get the best possible settlement permitted under the law.
Robson Law Firm
1114 Lost Creek Boulevard
Suite 440
Austin, TX 78746
Phone: (512) 345-8200
