December ranks as one of the most dangerous months to be out on the road in Florida, with some Decembers in the past few years reaching record numbers of traffic accidents and injuries. Driving tends to become more dangerous during the holiday season for a couple of reasons.
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The Risks of Holiday Driving in Florida
Among the most prevalent risks of holiday driving in Florida are:
- Increased traffic – The holidays mean more people are out and about shopping, running errands, going to holiday parties, and traveling to visit family and friends. With more vehicles on the road, the risk of collisions only goes up, especially as people rush to get where they are going and are distracted with the buzz or stress of the holiday season.
- Weather – Although December is considered the beginning of the “dry” season in Florida, the state can see some wild weather during the month, including tropical storms and hurricanes from an abnormally long hurricane season, which can make driving conditions more hazardous.
- Drunk driving – Arguably the biggest reason for the increase in motor vehicle accidents in December is increases in intoxicated driving. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve/Day rank as some of the most dangerous days to be on the road in Florida.
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Why Are There More Drunk Driving Accidents During the Holidays?
The holidays offer many opportunities for people to get together with family, friends, and co-workers at holiday parties and dinners where alcohol is often served. Unfortunately, some people make the dangerous choice to consume alcohol and then get behind the wheel. Significant percentages of adults report consuming more alcohol than usual during the holidays. Weekends account for the largest share of drunk driving-related accidents during the holidays, totaling nearly a third of all accidents. Not surprisingly, the early morning hours are the likeliest time for a drunk driving accident, as people leave bars and parties when they close or wind down, probably after having consumed way too much alcohol.
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What to Do If You Get into a Drunk Driving Accident
If you find yourself the victim of a drunk driving accident, there are steps you can take to help protect your legal rights and interests:
- Call 911 or contact the local police department (or Florida Highway Patrol if your accident takes place on the highway). Don’t let the other driver try to talk you out of contacting the authorities; if they are intoxicated, they simply may be looking to avoid criminal penalties.
- Ask for the contact and insurance information of the other driver or drivers involved in the accident; however, if the other driver appears to be severely intoxicated, let the police do their job — the other driver’s information will usually be written down in the police accident report, so it is important to request a copy of the report following the accident.
- Try to take photographs or video of the accident scene, if it is safe to do so (for example, don’t try to walk around on an interstate to take photos).
- Also take photos of any visible injuries you suffered.
- Get examined by emergency medical personnel at the accident scene, by a doctor at the emergency room or by your primary care physician so that you can have all the injuries you suffered in the accident identified.
- Notify your insurance company of the accident, even if you are certain you weren’t at fault.
- Contact a personal injury attorney to set up a consultation to discuss your accident and learn more about your legal rights and options and next steps you should be taking.
Read more: How Long Will it Take to Settle My Car Accident Case?
Contact a Lake Worth Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Drunk Driving Accident Case in Florida
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a drunk driver in Florida? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. represent clients injured because of drunk drivers and car accidents in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, and throughout Florida. Call 561-898-0497 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 813 Lucerne Ave., Lake Worth, FL 33460, as well as offices in Pompano Beach.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.