Category: Drunk Driving Accidents

For many households, The Big Game is more than a sporting event, it’s a tradition where friends and family gather with food, drinks and shared excitement. As enjoyable as the celebration may be, during major sporting events like the Big Game there is an increase of alcohol consumption, which can lead to impaired driving.

Why The Big Game Leads to More DUI Accidents

The connection between major sporting events and increased rates of drunk driving is well documented. Group gatherings for these events are often paired with alcohol. As a result, law enforcement agencies frequently report a surge in DUI arrests and alcohol-related crashes on game day.

It’s important to consider your alcohol intake, even small amounts of alcohol can impair judgment, lower inhibitions, and make people feel more confident behind the wheel than they should be. Add in late-night driving, fatigue, and crowded roads, and the risk multiplies. Many people don’t plan and instead make a last-minute decision to drive home, which is when dangerous mistakes happen.

How Alcohol Impacts Reaction Time and Decision Making

People often assume they’re “fine to drive,” even after several drinks. But impairment begins earlier than most realize.

These effects don’t require heavy drinking. Even “buzzed driving” can cause a driver to make a critical mistake.

The Best Way Thing To Drink Responsibly is Plan Ahead

By putting simple plans in place, you are making responsible decisions.

If you’re planning to drink, make your plans for the night include not getting into a car at all.

If you have to get in a car, choose a trusted and reliable friend, family member, or even volunteer yourself to stay alcoholfree for the night. Having a designated driver is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent impaired driving.

3. Use rideshare services

If you know you’ll be drinking, plan to order a ride from a rideshare service.

4. Stay overnight

If you’re watching the game at a friend’s house or family member’s house, consider making sleeping arrangements in advance.

The Legal and Life-Altering Consequences of Impaired Driving

Aside from the immediate danger of causing a crash, impaired driving carries serious legal and financial consequences. These may include:

But even more devastating are the long-term personal consequences. A momentary lapse in decision making can lead to life-altering injuries or the loss of someone’s life.

 

Make This Big Game One to Remember — for the Right Reasons

The Big Game is meant to be enjoyed and with the right planning, you can celebrate fully while keeping yourself and your community safe. Be mindful, look out for your friends, and take steps ahead of time to avoid impaired driving.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by dangerous road conditions, a commercial vehicle, or an impaired driver, you don’t have to face the situation alone. The Ezequiel Reyna Law Office has decades of experience helping individuals and families across Texas navigate serious injury claims. Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and help you understand your options. For a free consultation, contact the Ezequiel Reyna Law Office today — because when it matters most, you deserve experienced legal guidance you can trust. Call 956-968-9556 for more information.

 

Drunk drivers are, sadly, a common sight along small town roads and big city highways. Even though drunk, or impaired, driving is illegal, just about every 20 minutes someone is injured or killed in a vehicular accident involving alcohol. In Texas, a person is legally intoxicated and can be arrested and charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) with a .08 BAC (blood/breath alcohol concentration). A person is also considered intoxicated if impaired due to alcohol regardless of their BAC. Being hit by a drunk driver is a terrifying experience that no one should have to go through, but being prepared for an unexpected accident can help expedite the legal process and even prevent potential car accidents.

Steps to Take:

The first two steps to take after being hit by a drunk driver are to seek medical attention if needed and call the police. Checking for injuries should happen immediately; and, if necessary, the injured parties should seek medical treatment. If you are unable to move, wait for emergency responders to arrive to help transport the injured to an emergency facility.

Once injuries have been evaluated, if you are able to, call the police. A witness may have already called the police, but make sure to call as soon as possible to report that an accident occurred. Give the location of the vehicles and answer any questions the emergency call operator may have.

If there are no serious injuries, attempt to collect information from the other driver, including information from their driver’s license and their insurance card. If a drunk driver caused the collision, that may make things more difficult. If they are being unsafe or are threatening, do not attempt to speak to them. Wait until the police arrive to get the information you need. Make sure to document and tell the police of any odd behavior or strange smells coming from the drunk driver. The police must be made aware that the driver that caused the accident was drunk when the car crash occurred.

If there were any witnesses, politely ask for their names and contact information, as they may be able to corroborate the details of what happened. Make sure to also take pictures and video of the vehicles involved for future reference. Document any other details from the accident, such as odd swerving by the drunk driver, as quickly as possible so as to not forget that information. If you are injured, recording a voice memo on your phone can preserve your thoughts.

If the drivers are able, all vehicles should be moved out of the flow of traffic. If the vehicles are unable to be moved, wait for tow trucks to arrive. In Texas, cars in a collision that can be moved out of the flow of traffic are legally required to be moved, even before police arrive. If a drunk driver attempts to flee the scene, try to read their license plate and remember it for the police to investigate.

Injuries sustained after an accident may not appear until a few days afterward. After the collision, adrenaline and shock may take over and mask injuries or pain caused by the crash. Seek medical attention immediately if you feel any pain that may have been caused by the auto accident.

South Texas Car Accident Lawyers

Car accidents can be confusing, complex, and stressful, but victims of drunk drivers don’t have to handle it all on their own. By selecting quality legal representation, the injured won’t have to worry as much about their next steps because they will have the guidance and support of an experienced personal injury attorney. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, contact the Weslaco car accident lawyers at Ezequiel Reyna, Jr. Law Office today to discuss your case. There is limited time to act following a Texas car accident, so don’t delay.