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Involved in a Car Accident on St. Patrick’s Day? Here’s What to Do

St. Patrick’s day or not, never go behind the wheel after you’ve been drinking, even if you think you are able to drive.

St. Patrick’s Day is very busy in Missouri, and it’s not just about the parade. Oh, and we’re not talking only about a day, either. A lot of events dedicated to the holiday happen all around St. Louis for about a week or so.

drinking on st patricks day

And, as you may know, St. Patrick’s is perhaps one of the most alcohol-friendly of the holidays. Unfortunately, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the number of vehicle accidents involving drunk drivers also spike around March 17th. Roughly 21% percent of all traffic fatalities in Missouri take place because of substance-impaired driving, including driving when drunk.

Although the state has increased its safety measures at this time, with additional officers on the streets to keep everyone safe and media campaigns that talk about the dangers of drunk driving, it is not enough. Road safety is also up to the drivers, and the reality is that no safety measure can eliminate the chance of an accident. If you were the victim of a car accident involving a drunk driver, here are some steps to take.

1. Call for Help

If you are able to, then you should call 911 and report the accident right after it happened. Your call will get the law enforcement and paramedics to the scene. If you need extra medical attention, the paramedics will take you to the nearest hospital.

Keep all the medical records you get in the course of your treatment, as you’ll need it for your claim.

2. Gather Evidence

If you are well enough to deal with the legal aspects of the accident, then you should start documenting the crime:

If you file a compensation claim, you’ll need to prove the claim has merit by showing proof that the incident has caused you personal injury damages.

3. File a Report

After getting medical attention, you should file an official report with the police, recounting the event with as much detail as you can. This report can help you in subsequent compensation claims.  

4. Speak with a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

It’s a good idea to speak with a lawyer at this time, even if you only plan to ask for compensation through the driver’s insurance. A lawyer can represent you in settlement negotiations and make sure insurance companies don’t try to offer a lowball settlement for your injuries

St. Patrick’s Day or not, never go behind the wheel after you’ve been drinking, even if you think you are able to drive. Either ask a friend to take you home or get in a cab, but never put your life unnecessarily at risk.


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Don’t talk to an insurance claims adjuster before speaking with The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. We can help you avoid making statements that may affect the outcome of your case. The consultation is free; you don’t pay unless we get you money!

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Updated: January 10, 2024