We wish nothing but for you to have had a safe Memorial Day. However, a possible reality is that you may have been involved in an auto accident over the holiday weekend. What makes this reality worse is if your accident was prompted by a drunk driver. Read on to discover why drunk driving accidents commonly occur over Memorial Day Weekend and how a seasoned Tampa drunk driving accident lawyer at Merricks Law Group, P.A. can come to support you.
Why do drunk driving accidents commonly occur over Memorial Day Weekend?
Usually, Memorial Day Weekend celebrations are centered around barbeques and other festivities of the sort. And more often than not, attendees of these events partake in alcohol consumption. Then, these attendees make the negligent decision to get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle to transport themselves home, instead of relying on the ride-sharing services readily available throughout the greater Tampa area. This is when drunk driving accidents are bound to occur.
According to the National Safety Council, approximately 40 percent of fatal auto accidents that take place over the holiday weekend are caused by intoxicated drivers. This is an unacceptable statistic.
What are the dram shop laws in the state of Florida?
While some individuals spend time in their friend’s or family’s backyards, others frequent restaurants and bars over the holiday weekend. With this, the state of Florida’s dram shop laws apply. That is, these laws hold that restaurants and bars cannot serve alcohol to a patron who is already visibly intoxicated or who is under the legal drinking age. And if an establishment fails to refuse service to a patron, and they, later on, get involved in an auto accident, they may have to suffer the consequences. Meaning, they may have a third-party lawsuit headed their way.
How much is my case worth?
First, you must determine whether you must proceed with a personal injury claim or with a third-party claim. Then, you must collect all evidence pertaining to the injuries and damages you suffered as a direct result of a drunk driving accident. With the right evidence, you may just be able to maximize the financial award you receive from your case. Just some examples of pieces of evidence you may present to the court include the following:
- Past pay stubs that reflect your current and future lost wages.
- Medical bills that reflect the cost of your current and future treatments.
- Repair bills that reflect the cost of your car damages.
- Personal statements made by loved ones that reflect how your accident has diminished your quality of life.
It should go without saying that you must consult with a competent Tampa auto accident lawyer immediately. Give us a call whenever you can.
