The holidays are a joyful time filled with parties and other fun events. However, this is also the time of year when people are more likely to imbibe and get on the road. Drunk driving during the holidays in Florida endangers everyone on the road and can create lifelong impacts on those involved in these types of car accidents. If you have been injured in a car accident with a drunk driver, consider contacting an Orlando car accident lawyer.
Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso, and Dennis, P.A. has worked with far too many victims of drunk driving accidents during a time of the year meant to be focused on family and friends, fun, and holiday cheer. Understanding some of the more sobering facts about drunk driving during the holidays in Florida can remind those who enjoy a few drinks during the festivities to make the best decisions.
Sobering Florida Drunk Driving Facts
The holidays are meant to be a happy time of year, and yet, drunk drivers ruin it for hundreds of Floridians annually when they get behind the wheel. Considering a few sobering truths about drunk drivers in the Sunshine State may help keep you safe this holiday season.
Hundreds Are Killed by Drunk Driving in Florida Annually
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), alcohol-impaired driving fatalities accounted for 32 percent of all traffic deaths in the United States in 2023, with more than 13,500 lives lost nationwide that year. Florida consistently ranks among the states with the highest rates of impaired driving fatalities, with hundreds of lives claimed by drunk drivers in the Sunshine State each year. Injuries sustained in these crashes are often life-altering and permanent, resulting in significant medical expenses and lasting lifestyle changes for victims and their families.
More Florida Adults Report Drinking and Driving
CDC research has noted that a meaningful percentage of adults nationwide report driving after drinking more than they should. Florida’s rate of self-reported impaired driving has historically run higher than the national average, meaning more Florida adults get behind the wheel even after recognizing they may have had too much to drink.
Drunk Driving Dangers Increase on Holiday Weekends
When Christmas and New Year’s fall on weekend days, drunk driving accidents tend to increase, since there is more leeway for festivities without work considerations for many. It is especially concerning on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, a period in which drunk driving incidents increase 129%, making it one of the most dangerous times of year for impaired driving on Florida roads.
Florida Drunk Driving Laws
In Florida, it is against the law to drive if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher if you are over 21. If you are under 21, you can be charged with a DUI if your BAC is 0.02% or higher. For those under 21, this is equivalent to just one drink in some instances, in addition to the fact that it is unlawful to consume alcohol under age 21 in the first place.
Review Your Case with a Skilled Orlando Car Accident Lawyer
Drunk driving certainly increases during the holiday season, which means your chances of being harmed by one of these careless drivers increases as well. If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, the responsible party should be held accountable for their actions. Trust the compassionate and experienced attorneys at Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso, and Dennis, P.A. to advocate on your behalf. You may be due compensation for any injuries you have suffered, including the emotional and mental suffering of being put in such a stressful situation.
To schedule a free consultation with a team member, visit us online today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Accidents in Florida
What should I do if I am injured in a drunk driving accident in Florida?
If you are injured in a drunk driving accident in Florida, your first priority is to seek medical attention, even if your injuries appear minor. Call 911 and wait for law enforcement to arrive so a police report is filed. Do not admit fault, and gather contact information from witnesses if it is safe to do so. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible can help you understand your legal options and preserve important evidence before it is lost.
What is the legal BAC limit for driving in Florida?
In Florida, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher for drivers over the age of 21. Drivers under 21 can face DUI charges if their BAC is 0.02 percent or higher. Drivers of commercial vehicles are held to a stricter standard of 0.04 percent BAC.
Can I pursue compensation after being injured by a drunk driver in Florida?
Yes. If a drunk driver caused your injuries, you may be able to pursue compensation beyond what personal injury protection (PIP) coverage provides. Florida law may allow you to bring a claim against the at-fault driver for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages, particularly if your injuries meet the serious injury threshold. An attorney can review your case and help identify all available avenues for recovery.
Why do drunk driving accidents increase during the holiday season?
Holiday celebrations often involve alcohol, and the combination of social gatherings, long weekends, and reduced work obligations leads more drivers to get behind the wheel after drinking. New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are historically among the most dangerous times for impaired driving nationwide. Using a designated driver or arranging a rideshare are among the most effective ways to stay safe during these periods.
How long do I have to file a claim after a drunk driving accident in Florida?
Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident under current law. Acting promptly is important because evidence can disappear, witness recollections fade, and insurance companies begin building their case early. Consulting with an attorney soon after your accident can help protect your right to pursue compensation within the required timeframe.
Legally Written and Reviewed by a Managing Partner
Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso, and Dennis, P.A.
Our content is written and reviewed by our founding attorneys Butch Wooten, Orman Kimbrough, Mike Damaso, and Tom Dennis. Helping the injured since 1966, they’ve successfully handled thousands of personal injury cases across Florida. Whether you’re a Florida resident or an out-of-state visitor injured in Florida, we’re dedicated to providing clear and reliable information to help you navigate your legal options confidently.