There is a wide variety of ways in which Americans can get hurt on the 4th of July holiday. Drunk driving is a serious problem as evidenced by data from Esurance and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) that indicates that 40 percent of all highway fatalities between 2007 and 2011 were caused by drunk drivers during the Independence Day holiday. Between June 30 and July 4, an estimated 37.5 million Americans will be driving 50 or more miles.
In addition to dangers on the highway, individuals could also harm themselves by not using fireworks safely. While a person may not die from a firework accident, he or she could still experience painful injuries to the head, face and ears. Mishandling fireworks could also lead to someone’s fingers or hands being disfigured. Finally, those who are celebrating during the July 4 time period should be careful about eating and swimming.
A person who is injured in an auto accident could have his or her life altered in a variety of ways. It may not be possible for an injured victim to return to work, go back to school or participate in other activities that he or she used to enjoy. Limitations caused by an injury may also cause mental health issues and other changes in mood. It may be possible to obtain compensation for physical and emotional issues caused by injuries sustained in a car accident.
An attorney may be able to review the case to determine if negligence played a role in its occurrence. A driver may be negligent if he or she was drunk or otherwise impaired while operating a motor vehicle. If so, an individual may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages and lost future earnings. In some cases, multiple parties may be liable for damages.
