Proceed with caution on the roads during the Fourth of July

Throughout the United States, including the Baton Rouge, Louisiana area, people love to celebrate their Fourth of July holiday. For some, it could be as simple as taking the family out to watch the parade or fireworks. For others, it means firing up the grill and hosting family and friends for a good ol’ American barbeque. No matter how you celebrate the holidays, it is important to remember that many others on the road may not be as responsible, and may get behind the wheel after having too much to drink.

Drunk driving accidents injure and kill thousands of Americans each year. No matter how cautious of a driver you may be, you cannot account for the others you are sharing the road with. It might be someone behind you who has a slower reaction time and does not stop when you stop in front of him. Or, it could be someone who cannot focus on the road and may swerve into your lane or oncoming traffic.

Police and authorities do their best to minimize the chance of drunk drivers on the road and subsequent drunk driver accidents, but nothing can ever completely prevent someone from getting behind the wheel and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

If you have been involved in a drunk driving accident, it is important to know that the negligent or reckless driver may be liable for your damages and injuries. You may want to speak with a law firm familiar with personal injuries to determine whether you could be owed compensation. This could include not only pain and suffering and medical costs, but even lost wages during your time away from work.