If you live in Florida, you know that summer is a busy season for the state. With beautiful beaches and seemingly countless attractions, tourists tend to come in droves during the summer months. You have probably shared the road with people who have been enjoying their vacation and perhaps drinking a bit too much.
It may not surprise you to learn that the month of July is the leading month for drunk driving fatalities. There are more people on the road during the summer, and drinking and driving rates tend to increase around popular vacation times and the 4th of July holidays. It’s possible that you may find yourself the victim of a drunk driving accident, and if you do, you will want to know how you can pursue recovery.
Staying safe in July
According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, July is worse than other months for drunk driving accidents that result in fatalities. Much of the increase is due to the tendency for people to have parties, cook out and drink together over the Fourth of July holiday. In Florida, however, this problem is exacerbated by the fact that there are thousands of tourists driving on unfamiliar roads – and some of them may be feeling the impact of enjoying alcoholic beverages while on their vacation.
There is no excuse for drunk driving. With the ability to get a ride through a rideshare company at the push of a button, call a taxi or text a friend, people have no reason to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. Unfortunately, people may overestimate their ability to drive safely, and sadly, it is often innocent motorists that pay the price for that reckless decision.
What happens if you are a victim?
If you were in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. You should not have to carry the financial burdens associated with another person’s poor choices alone. It may be possible for you to hold liable parties accountable and secure what you need for your recovery through a personal injury claim.
As a victim, you do not want to lose any time in getting what you need to get better and move forward. This means you will want to act quickly to reach out for experienced guidance, an assessment of your case and an explanation of the legal options available to you.