Every year, families across Florida look forward to celebrating the Fourth of July with barbecues, fireworks, and time together. Unfortunately, this beloved holiday also marks one of the most dangerous times to be on the road. Drunk driving accidents tend to spike during this time, often leading to devastating injuries or fatalities. Continue reading and reach out to a seasoned Florida personal injury lawyer from Ansbacher Law to learn more about Fourth of July drunk driving accidents and how our legal team can help if you’ve been injured in one. Here are some of the questions you may have:
How common are drunk driving accidents during the Fourth of July?
Statistics paint a sobering picture. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Fourth of July is consistently among the deadliest holidays for impaired driving. Over the past decade, nearly 40 percent of all traffic fatalities nationwide during this holiday involved a driver who had been drinking. Florida is no exception. Law enforcement agencies across the state routinely report a significant increase in DUI arrests and alcohol-related crashes during the Independence Day period. This rise is largely due to a combination of parties, late-night driving, and the easy availability of alcohol at celebrations.
While efforts like sobriety checkpoints and public awareness campaigns have helped reduce some incidents, the risk remains alarmingly high. The sad reality is that what starts as a fun evening can end in tragedy when someone makes the reckless decision to get behind the wheel after drinking.
Can a bar or party host be held responsible for a drunk driving accident in Florida?
When someone is injured by a drunk driver, one of the first questions they might ask is whether the establishment that served the alcohol—or even the person who hosted the party—can be held liable. In Florida, dram shop laws limit such claims. Under Florida Statute 768.125, a bar, restaurant, or social host generally cannot be sued for serving alcohol to someone who later causes an accident. There are exceptions, but they are narrow. A business can be held responsible if it knowingly served alcohol to a person under 21 or to someone who was known to be habitually addicted to alcohol. Outside of these situations, victims usually have to pursue compensation directly from the drunk driver and their insurance.
It is important to remember that while the law may not allow claims against most alcohol providers, this does not mean you have no legal options. An experienced personal injury attorney can investigate all potential sources of recovery and help you build the strongest case possible.
What should you do if you are injured by a drunk driver on the Fourth of July?
The moments after an accident can be overwhelming. First, always seek medical attention, even if you feel fine at the scene. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away. Next, contact law enforcement so that the crash is properly documented. If possible, gather evidence such as photos of the vehicles, the accident location, and any visible injuries. Getting witness information can also be helpful. Finally, reach out to a personal injury lawyer as soon as you can. A knowledgeable attorney can guide you through the legal process, deal with insurance companies on your behalf, and work to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical bills, and other losses.
The Fourth of July should be a time for celebration, not sorrow. That said, if you or a loved one has been injured due to another party’s negligence, we are here to help. Contact Ansbacher Law for a free consultation today.
