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Car Accidents During Spring Break in South Florida

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As personal injury attorneys in South Florida, we know that spring break can be a time of fun and relaxation for many people. Unfortunately, it can also be a time of increased risk on the roads, as more tourists and party-goers flock to the area.

According to a study conducted by the University of Miami, the 14 most popular spring break destinations, including South Florida, saw a 9.1% increase in auto accidents

Here, we’ll take a closer look at the issue of car accidents during spring break in South Florida and what you can do if you are involved in an accident.

Why Are Car Accidents More Common During Spring Break?

Spring break is a time when many college students and tourists come to South Florida to enjoy the warm weather and beach parties. While this can be a fun time, it also means that there are more people on the roads, and many of them may not be familiar with the area or local driving laws. This can lead to a higher risk of accidents, particularly if drivers are distracted, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or simply not paying attention to the road.

Car Accidents During Spring Break in South Florida 1 Auto Accidents South Florida Injury Law Firm

Common Causes of Car Accidents During Spring Break

At South Florida Injury Law Firm, we have seen firsthand the devastating consequences of car accidents during spring break. Here are some of the factors that can contribute to car accidents during this time of year:

Increased traffic

With more people on the roads during spring break, traffic can be heavier and more congested than usual. This can lead to more accidents, especially in areas where there are a lot of tourists and visitors who may be unfamiliar with the local roads.

Impaired driving

Unfortunately, spring break is also a time when many people engage in excessive drinking and drug use. This can lead to impaired driving, which is a leading cause of car accidents during this time of year.

Distracted driving

With so much to see and do during spring break, it’s easy to become distracted while driving. This can include texting or using social media, taking photos or videos, or even just looking at the sights and sounds around you.

Road construction

There is a number of ongoing road construction and maintenance being performed on major roads throughout South Florida and is also a common time for road construction projects to begin, which can lead to traffic disruptions and increased risk of accidents.

Car Accidents During Spring Break in South Florida 2 Auto Accidents South Florida Injury Law Firm

Driving under the influence

Many people come to South Florida to party, and unfortunately, this often leads to an increase in drunk driving accidents.

Speeding

With so many people on the roads, drivers may feel pressure to get to their destination quickly, which can lead to speeding and reckless driving.

Inexperienced drivers

Many tourists and college students may not be familiar with the area or local driving laws, which can lead to confusion and accidents.

Car Accidents During Spring Break in South Florida 3 Auto Accidents South Florida Injury Law Firm

What Should You Do If You’re Involved in an Accident During Spring Break?

If you are involved in a car accident during spring break in South Florida, it’s important to take the following steps:

Call the police

Even if the accident seems minor, it’s important to call the police and have them document the accident. This can be important if you need to file a claim with your insurance company or if you need to pursue legal action.

Seek medical attention

Even if you feel fine after the accident, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention to make sure that you don’t have any hidden injuries. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms right away.

Gather evidence

Take photos of the accident scene, get contact information from any witnesses, and make note of any relevant details about the accident.

Exchange information

Be sure to exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver involved in the accident.

Contact an attorney

If you’ve been injured in an accident during spring break, it’s important to contact a personal injury attorney who can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation for your injuries.

How Can You Stay Safe During Spring Break?

If you’re planning to visit South Florida for spring break, there are several things you can do to stay safe on the roads, including:

Avoid distracted driving

Put your phone away and avoid other distractions while driving.

Don’t drink and drive

If you plan to drink, make sure that you have a designated driver or use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft.

Obey traffic laws

Follow the speed limit and other traffic laws to avoid accidents.

Be aware of your surroundings

Pay attention to other drivers and pedestrians on the roads, and be aware of any hazards or obstacles.

Car Accidents During Spring Break in South Florida 4 Auto Accidents South Florida Injury Law Firm

Spring break can be a fun and exciting time in South Florida, but it’s important to remember that the roads can be dangerous during this time. By following the tips outlined in this blog post and staying aware of your surroundings, you can help reduce your risk of being involved in a car accident. If you are injured in an accident during spring break, be sure to contact an experienced personal injury attorney.

At The South Florida Injury Law Firm, we have extensive experience helping clients who have been injured in car accidents during spring break. We understand the unique challenges that this time of year can present, and we are dedicated to helping our clients get the justice and compensation they deserve.

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Car Accidents in South Florida: How to Find the Right Attorney

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South Florida is known for its heavy traffic and busy roads, which can unfortunately lead to a high number of car accidents. There are a number of reasons why accidents occur, including:

  • Heavy traffic: South Florida is known for its busy roads, which can lead to congestion and long commutes. Many do not pay attention as well in heavy traffic, creating avoidable accidents.
  • Inclement weather: South Florida is prone to hurricanes and heavy rain, which can make driving conditions treacherous. Wet streets and limited visibility can easily cause a wreck.
  • Distracted drivers: With the increased use of cell phones and other electronic devices while driving, distracted driving has become a major concern on the roads and responsible for a number of accidents throughout Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties each year.
  • Aggressive drivers: Some drivers in South Florida are known for their aggressive driving habits, which can increase the risk of accidents.
  • Poor road conditions: Some roads in South Florida may be in poor condition, with potholes, construction, or debris that can be dangerous for drivers.
traffic accidents in miami dade county

It’s important to be aware of these potential hazards when driving in South Florida and to take appropriate safety precautions such as wearing a seatbelt, obeying traffic laws, and avoiding distractions while driving to prevent being an accident statistic.

According to data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, in 2021, there were over 400,000 car accidents in Florida, which resulted in over 250,000 injuries and over 3,000 deaths.

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If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident, it’s important to have the right legal representation on your side. But with so many car accident attorneys to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start.

First and foremost, you want to make sure that the attorney you choose has experience handling car accident cases. Ask about the attorney’s track record in terms of settlements and trial verdicts, and look for testimonials or reviews from past clients.

Secondly, it’s important to find an attorney who is a good fit for you and your case. Some attorneys may specialize in specific types of accidents, such as truck accidents or motorcycle accidents, while others may have experience handling cases involving serious injuries or wrongful death.

Car Accidents in South Florida: How to Find the Right Attorney 5 Auto Accidents South Florida Injury Law Firm

Another important consideration is the attorney’s fee structure. Some attorneys may work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case. Others may charge an hourly rate or a flat fee. Make sure you understand the attorney’s fee structure and are comfortable with it before moving forward.

Finally, it’s a good idea to schedule a consultation with the attorney to discuss your case and get a sense of their communication style and approach.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident in South Florida, it’s important to take the time to find the right attorney for your case. By doing your research and being selective, you can increase your chances of a successful outcome.

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Who Is Liable in Florida If a Rental Car Driver Hits You?

by Auto Accidents

 

What are your chances of getting hit by someone driving a rental car in Florida?

Every year, the state of Florida has 15 million active drivers on its many roads and highways. About 250,000 drivers end up in car crashes annually in Florida. Since almost 125 million visitors come to enjoy Florida every year, you may end up with injuries from a car accident with them.

 

What are most of these visitors driving?
Rental cars. In our state, they’re not just everywhere – they’re everywhere all year long.
That means your chances of being involved in a car crash with a rental car driver are far higher than in most other states.

Who Is Liable in Florida If a Rental Car Driver Hits You? 6 Auto Accidents South Florida Injury Law FirmWho will be held responsible if a rental car driver hits you? The answer depends on several different factors.

 

Factors Involved in Rental Car Accident Liability

 

  • Rental companies require renters to carry insurance.
  • Drivers should be covered under their personal auto insurance policies, but this isn’t always the case.
  • Some drivers may opt to buy a collision-damage waiver through the rental company.
  • In Florida, renters have $10,000 in secondary coverage through the rental company, which means it only comes into play after their personal auto insurance has been exhausted.
  • The situation gets complicated because different states have different requirements for auto insurance. For example, many companies offer no-fault insurance, but some states don’t require it.
  • Additionally, many insurance companies will still cover the insured if they are driving a rental vehicle, but not all of them.
  • Because of these discrepancies, if you are injured in an accident, it’s essential to get the rental car driver’s personal insurance information.

 

These questions are important to consider:

 

  • Who was driving the rental car at the time of the accident? Only certain drivers are covered by the rental agreement. Immediate family members are covered, but other drivers may not be covered, even if permission was granted by the renter.
  • What kind of rental vehicle was being driven? Some vehicles do not have any coverage available, such as vans, pickup trucks, and U-hauls. Your claim may be denied with vehicles like these.
  • Where was the rental driver headed? Certain insurance coverage only applies to particular areas. Check with the insurance company for details.

 

Auto Accident Liability Quirks Specific to Our State

 

In Florida, liability is determined by a comparative negligence system. Each person will be held liable for damages according to the portion of their fault.

 

For example, one driver may be held 70 percent at fault for speeding, while the second driver will be held 30 percent at fault for failing to signal. That means the first driver would be ordered to pay 70 percent of the second driver’s damages, and the second driver would be required to pay 30 percent of the first driver’s damages.

Who Is Liable in Florida If a Rental Car Driver Hits You? 7 Auto Accidents South Florida Injury Law FirmWhen the renter allows someone other than an immediate family member to drive the rental vehicle, complicated problems can arise. In one case, the renter had given permission to a non-family member to drive the car, and that person allowed another unauthorized person to drive the vehicle.

 

One person died and two others were seriously injured in a crash caused by the third driver. After a lengthy legal process, the Florida Supreme Court said that the original renter’s insurance company was responsible.

 

If you are injured by a rental car driver, waste no time in contacting an experienced Florida car accident attorney familiar with collision cases like yours. They will help you learn who is liable for the damages and help you receive the highest possible compensation for your injuries. Schedule your free initial consultation today.

 

 

 

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A New Report Reflects A Dramatic Increase in Auto Accident Related Deaths

by Auto Accidents

Roadway safety and Auto Accidents have worsened nationwide during the COVID-19 pandemic and shows no signs of improvement.

Recently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a new report that details 31,720 people were killed on U.S. roadways in the first nine months of 2021, a record 12% increase from the same period last year.

A New Report Reflects A Dramatic Increase in Auto Accident Related Deaths 8 Auto Accidents South Florida Injury Law Firm
from the NHTSA:
NHTSA projects that an estimated 31,720 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes from January through September 2021, an increase of approximately 12% from the 28,325 fatalities projected for the first nine months of 2020. The projection is the highest number of fatalities during the first nine months of any year since 2006 and the highest percentage increase during the first nine months in the Fatality Analysis Reporting System’s history.

 

Also in the report, Florida saw 304 fatalities, 169 were pedestrians and 45 were bicyclists. The number of hit-and-run accidents in 2021 went up by 17% compared to 2020.Auto accident rates are already bad, but they are likely to get even worse during the summer months. Auto accidents are also the leading cause of personal injury in the United States and the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death.

 

With these new statistics from the NHTSA, it indicates that your odds of being involved in a motor vehicle accident one day are pretty good.

Of course, you can only control your own actions. If you are injured in an auto accident due to another’s negligence reach out to a Florida personal injury lawyer and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

If you are ever hurt in an auto accident, the attorneys at the South Florida Injury Law Firm are ready to discuss your incident and determine whether you have a valid accident claim.

Car accidents are serious matters, both medically and legally. The South Florida Injury Law Firm includes experienced and driven attorneys with the litigation skills you need to obtain the highest compensation possible in your injury verdict or settlement.

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South Florida Distracted Driving Accidents & Laws

by Auto AccidentsDistracted Driving

We don’t have the most accidents in the country, but we’re near the top. Florida placed third on the most dangerous U.S. states for driving list, with speeding the primary crash cause. Texas and California are ahead of us.

The Florida Highway Patrol reports there are about five distracted driving accidents in Florida every hour.

We all know Florida is not the safest state for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. But distracted driving is making the roadways even more dangerous.

Whenever you think of distracted drivers around South Florida, you may assume it’s only using your phone wile driving. Although it is a leading reason in distracted driving accidents, it’s not the only thing that takes attention away of drivers on the road.

 

What Is Distracted Driving?

 

 

In Florida, distracted driving is defined in a very broad range of things that can be considered as a distraction for dfriving as “any activity which takes a person’s hands off the steering wheel, eyes away from the road, or mind (thoughts) away from driving, creating manual, visual, and cognitive distractions for driving.”

Distractions endanger the safety and lives of drivers, passengers, bystanders, and anyone else on the road. Some common distractions include:

  • Texting
  • Talking on a cell phone
  • Using a cell phone or smartphone
  • Eating while driving or tipping a bottle or can up for a drink
  • Putting on makeup
  • Having a conversation with passengers
  • Reading
  • Looking at things on the side of the road like an accident or a broken-down vehicle
  • Watching a video
  • Adjusting climate control, radio, or GPS settings
  • Rubbernecking

 

“I risk my life every day while driving on I-95,” said Brianna McCall, an Oakland Park resident who works in Coral Springs. “I prepare myself for 40 minutes of anxiety every morning. It’s like people forget to use their brains while operating a moving vehicle.”

South Florida Distracted Driving Accidents & Laws 9 Auto Accidents South Florida Injury Law Firm

Florida Distracted Driving Statistics

 

 

The latest distracted driving statistics in Florida that are available are from 2017. In that year:

  • There were 234 car crashes that resulted in a fatality as a result of distracted driving.
  • 270,000 non-fatal accidents occurred that resulted in injuries ranging from minor to catastrophic.
  • Of those 270,000 accidents, 3,100 caused life-altering injuries for one or more people involved in the event.
  • Distracted driving is most common among teenagers and young adults. In fact, distracted drivers under the age of 30 caused 12,000 auto accidents in 2015 alone.

Distracted Driving Has Caused Accidents to Skyrocket in Florida

 

What do South Florida drivers do to prevent an accident from distracted driving?

 

 

The distracted driving laws in Florida have made it easy for law enforcement officials to pull over people that they see or suspect that are distracted while operating a vehicle.

There is a hand-held device law that went into effect in 2019 that allows law enforcement to pull over people they see or suspect them of using their phones while driving. Unlike before, where they could only ticket someone for this only if they had pulled them over for a different reason.

 

South Florida Distracted Driving Accidents & Laws 10 Auto Accidents South Florida Injury Law Firm 

Tips for Avoiding Distracted Driving

 

 

Saying “no” to distracted driving does not just prevent you from getting a ticket, it can keep you from causing a serious accident and lifelong damage to other drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Sometimes it seems like we can’t get away from our phones, but it is a necessary thing to do while driving. Here are some tips to help you put it down when you’re behind the wheel:

 

  • Be aware of safe phone zones. Sometimes, you might be expecting an important call or need to contact someone while on the road. If you find yourself in this situation, seek out a safe phone zone so that you will be less likely to be distracted by your upcoming call or text.
  • Assign a passenger to be your “phone buddy.” They can give directions, send texts, and manage hotel and restaurant reservations on a road trip.
  • Take advantage of “hands free” options. As we mentioned above, you can receive a citation for texting while driving, but general cell phone use is not included in the ban. In case of emergencies, learn how to use the “hands free” options on your cell phone. Smart phones give you the option of giving verbal commands for texting, calling, or finding directions to your destination. This is still a form of distracted driving, but at least it allows you to keep your eyes on the road while using your cell phone.
  • Leave your phone at home. It sounds like a wild idea because we’ve all gotten so used to having our phones at all times, but the truth is that you don’t need your phone for every shopping trip or errand. If you keep your phone at home, you won’t be able to use it while driving.

 

 

If you are cited for a distracted driving law in Florida, you could face hefty fines, be required to attend driving school, and you may see increases in your car insurance rates.

It is also important to remember that distracted driving can lead to accidents. If you are distracted and cause an accident, you can be held responsible for the event. Negligence is a very serious charge, and you could face financial and legal problems if found negligent.

If you are involved in an auto accident and believe that the other driver’s distracted driving caused the accident or your injuries, you should speak to an attorney immediately. If another driver is found to have been distracted at the time of the crash, you could be entitled to extra compensation. Contact a Florida personal injury lawyer today for a free consultation.

 

South Florida Distracted Driving Accidents & Laws 11 Auto Accidents South Florida Injury Law Firm

reasons you may need a lawyer after auto accident

5 Reasons You May Need a Lawyer after an Auto Accident in Florida

by Auto Accidents

 

As we inch closer to life as it was before this pandemic, demonstrated by the increased swarms of cars that we’re all seeing return to the streets of South Florida, so are the rise of car accidents.

 

Just this month, two people in Hollywood were killed after their car was split in half after it smashed into a tree and busted through a fence. In Wilton Manors, 2 children were killed and 4 injured in a hit and run crash and a fatal crash on I-95 at Glades Road, near the campus of Florida Atlantic University also shutdown the interstate for hours.

There’s not just one reason to point to that explains why there has been such a huge increase in fatal car accidents. Neither is there a one-size-fits-all solution to stop them. What we can do is use, teach, and encourage safe driving practices. One way to do this is to hold responsible parties accountable if you are in an accident – especially if you lose someone.

How do you know whether or not you should hire an attorney to help you deal with your auto injury?

 

When Car Crash Injury Victims Should Contact an Attorney

 

South Florida Auto Accident Attorneys

You Don’t Know Your Rights.

Lawyers can be extremely helpful if you want to learn more about your rights and what is ahead after a car accident. Laws are always changing, and this may be your first time entering the world of personal injury law as it relates to car accidents.

 

Insurance companies may incorrectly try to tell you that you don’t have the right to do something in order to lower their payout to you. Reviewing your rights and your options after a car accident is the number one way to get the best outcome.

 

If you are new to Florida, or you are not familiar with Florida’s policies and procedures, it is especially important to talk to a lawyer who, has experience in the Sunshine State. Each state has different laws and policies regarding insurance, fault, and negligence claims, and ours vary more than most.

 

You Need to Negotiate with Your Insurance Provider.

Damages from an auto accident can’t always be calculated with a few receipts: an auto accident can cause financial damages in the form of lost work, loss of transportation, and so on. Your insurance provider can therefore negotiate these damages.

 

Haggling for the compensation you deserve can be extremely stressful and confusing, especially if this is your first time filing a claim of this sort. From writing a demand letter to finalizing your settlement, a lawyer can represent you, negotiate for you, and help get you the best settlement.

 

If you get involved with another driver’s insurance company, or if your insurance provider gets a lawyer involved, get on the phone with your lawyer immediately.

 

Filing a “Bad Faith” Insurance Claim.

Even after you negotiate with your insurance provider, they may deny your claim, leaving you with car repairs and hospital bills to pay.

 

An insurance company may deny you because you failed to make certain deadlines or applied for payments that are not covered under your plan. However, if they unlawfully deny you, it may be necessary to file a “bad faith” insurance claim. A lawyer can lead you through the process of negotiating a bad faith claim and fighting for the compensation that you deserve after an accident.

 

Damages Aren’t Fully Covered By PIP.

After many smaller, less serious car accidents, insurance will cover most of the damages and everyone can move on. Unfortunately, if your damages exceed $10,000, PIP will not cover them. Other types of coverage can step in to ease the blow, but if there is no additional insurance or if your damages go beyond even that, you may have to take the other driver to court.

 

Boca Raton Car Accident Lawyers

This only works if your injuries are truly serious and you believe you can prove that the other driver’s negligence caused the crash. If you are able to do this, a lawsuit can help to get you the compensation you need and deserve.

 

Be prepared for blame to be cast in your direction as well, though. To defend their actions, the defendant is likely to try to argue that you are at least partially at fault for what happened. Even if they succeed, though, it doesn’t mean that you won’t be compensated.

 

Florida’s comparative negligence laws mean that it is possible to assign a percentage of blame to each driver and base compensation accordingly. So if you sue the other driver for $20,000 and win, but you are found to be 25% at fault, you will only get $15,000.

 

The best way to get needed compensation is to find a lawyer who has experience dealing with these types of lawsuits. They will know how to collect the right evidence and make the most effective arguments to help you win your claim.

 

 

Reasons Your Holiday Accident Might Have Been Due to Negligence

Reasons Your Holiday Accident Might Have Been Due to Negligence

by Auto Accidents

If you were involved in a car crash over the holiday season, chances are good that negligence probably played a big role.

 

Even with the pandemic, there were over 341,000 auto accidents in the state of Florida. Since a good share of those accidents occur over the Christmas and New Year holidays, we’re going to cover the most common reasons for negligent driving during the holidays and we’ll discuss whether you may have grounds for an auto accident lawsuit.

 

 

Distracted Driving

 

Drivers are distracted all year round, but at the holidays, everyone is so busy that distracted driving is a big problem. Some drivers are distracted due to shopping, and others are visually distracted by light displays. The top reason drivers are distracted is because they are using their mobile devices while driving.

 

Drivers may also be distracted by eating, conversations, personal grooming, makeup application, or even reading. Any of these activities are dangerous because they take the driver’s focus away from the road. If the other driver in your accident was distracted, negligence will be a factor in your case.

 

Stronger negligence Distracted Driving Laws - Nope, Says Florida Senate

Fatigued Driving

 

The holidays can involve staying up late for parties or long hours of travel. A fatigued driver can be just as dangerous as a drunk driver in an accident. Fatigued drivers are not as alert and can cause many types of accidents. If fatigue affected the other driver in your accident, he or she may be held liable for damages.

 

Drunk or Drugged Driving

 

Drinking and drug use spikes over the holidays. Some people use substances to deal with stress. Others don’t drink often, but they do drink socially during the holidays. If those people get behind the wheel while intoxicated, they can cause serious accidents. Alcohol or drugs may have played a role in your accident too.

 

Navigation Problems

 

Drivers who are navigating new areas may drive too slowly, make sudden stops, or change lanes without proper signals. An elderly driver who is not usually on the road can also have navigation problems. These driver errors can contribute to accidents, and they may have been a reason for the accident you endured.

 

Reckless Driving

 

Drivers who are experiencing holiday stress or fatigue may engage in reckless or aggressive driving. This is a clear case of negligence, and if it caused your accident, be sure to tell your attorney about it.

 

Speeding

 

Many of us make this mistake on a regular basis. Unfortunately, it contributes to numerous holiday accidents. Speeding may have been a factor in your accident, and if the other driver was speeding, you can take them to court for damages.

 

Boca Raton Auto Accident Lawyer

Tailgating

 

With so many drivers on the road and in a hurry during the holidays, tailgating accidents are all too common. They can cause injury even at low speeds. If you were rear ended in a holiday accident, talk to an attorney about receiving compensation for your injuries.

 

What to Do Now

If you believe one or more of these descriptions fits your accident, it’s essential for you to take immediate action to protect your rights. Here are three actions to take right away.

 

See a doctor

A medical report is the strongest evidence you can use to recover damages from an insurance company or from a civil lawsuit. Even if you feel fine right after an accident, some injuries show up weeks or even months later. See a doctor as soon as you can to get the record filed.

 

File an insurance claim

Don’t wait to report the accident to your insurance company. Florida has no-fault insurance laws, which mean that negligence on the part of the other driver will not play a part in the compensation you get from your insurance company – up to the $10,000 covered by PIP.

 

However, you must get a medical examination within 14 days of the accident to be able to file a claim and get covered for medical care.

Seek legal counsel

 

If you are sure that the other driver is at fault for the accident, it’s crucial to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to protect your rights. The sooner you work with a skilled attorney, the better your chances of recovering the financial compensation you need.

 

Call us for a free case review. We represent many clients every year who have been victims in car crashes due to another driver’s negligence. We know how to hold drivers accountable for damages, and we can help.

 

 

 

 

 

Why You Should Be Careful On the Road Thanksgiving Eve

Why You Should Be Extra Careful On the Road Thanksgiving Eve

by Auto AccidentsDUI Accidents

You’ve probably heard about the dangers of driving on Thanksgiving. After the big meal, roads often fill up with people driving back home. Or, in recent years, to camp out at their store of choice to make sure they’re first in line for Black Friday deals.

 

These are people likely to be feeling a bit drowsy from all the food. Not to mention the fact that many of them have probably had one too many alcoholic beverages. The night after Thanksgiving can be a scary time to be on the road.

 

However, the night before may be even more dangerous.

 

 

“Blackout Wednesday”

 

You may not have heard yet, but the night before the big feast has gotten the notorious nickname of “Blackout Wednesday.” Why? Quite simply, because of all the people who end up getting blackout drunk.

 

If you’re out at the bars on Blackout Wednesday, you’ll probably see a lot of college kids back to see their hometown friends, or adults who would rather not think about what the conversation at the dinner table will be like with their extended family the next day. Unfortunately, all of these people have to head home eventually, and many end up driving themselves.

 

All that drunk driving means more traffic fatalities on the road. In fact, hundreds of people are killed by drunk drivers every year on Blackout Wednesday and Thanksgiving Day.

 

If You Are Hit By a Drunk Driver

 

Drunk Driving Accidents Boca Raton

If you go out Thanksgiving Eve, make sure you have a designated driver and take the right steps to avoid a DUI accident. Unfortunately, even if your designated driver sticks to their promises all night, obeys all traffic laws, and your crew is respectful as passengers, you still run the risk of getting into an accident with a drunk driver.

 

Use the following tips to give yourself and everyone with you the best chance at staying safe and getting the compensation you deserve if an accident does occur due to another driver’s negligence.

 

Be Extra Cautious Out on the Road

It’s not easy after a few drinks, but make sure everyone in your car is wearing their seat belt and isn’t doing anything to distract your driver. If the driver needs directions, make sure they hand their phone or navigation system to a passenger. Also make sure your driver isn’t speeding or running any red lights.

 

If your damages exceed what your insurance can cover, you may have to take your case to court. Taking all of the above precautions will reduce any arguments the drunk driver could have regarding your level of fault in the accident.

 

Call the Police

For the most part, you want to treat this accident like any other accident, documenting evidence and getting all information you need. In addition to this, though, make sure everyone sticks around until the police arrive.

 

You’re always supposed to call the cops, but in a typical fender bender this is a step that many people understandably skip. You can’t do that if drunk driving is involved, and you don’t want to. Making sure the other driver gets a chemical test is key to proving that they were intoxicated at the time of the accident.

 

See a Doctor Quickly

Enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner if you can, but be sure to get checked out by a doctor within the next two weeks so you can file a claim for the appropriate amount of medical bills. Your personal injury protection will only cover you if you seek medical treatment within 14 days of your accident.

 

For claims of under $10,000, you can receive compensation regardless of whether you or the other driver in the accident were consuming alcohol. If you sustain permanent injuries or your injuries exceed $10,000, however, the other driver’s BAC will definitely come into play. Their insurance company will be more willing to make a fair settlement offer if that means they can avoid a DUI lawsuit.

 

Meet with a Florida Auto Accident Lawyer. After an accident, a personal injury attorney can help you get the compensation you need for any damages and losses you may have suffered at the hands of a drunk driver.