This Labor Day, many people across the country will be driving to visit friends and family to celebrate the holiday. This is a wonderful time for all, however, the high volume of traffic will increase the chances of an accident occurring. Unfortunately, there are two scenarios that are slightly more probable than others, and they are a direct result of the holiday’s nature. The first type of car accident that we will see this Labor Day is drunk driving accidents. The second scenario we will see is, unfortunately, many injured passengers, as countless individuals will be carpooling to their destinations. Please continue reading and speak with our knowledgeable Florida personal injury attorneys to learn more about what to do and how we can help you if you are injured in a Labor Day car accident.
What should I do if I am injured by a drunk driver?
If you are hurt by a drunk driver, the very first thing you should do is call the police, as they will document the incident and test the driver to see if he or she was truly operating their vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. They will conduct field sobriety tests, as well as a potential breathalyzer test. Proving the driver was, in fact, above the legal limit can be a huge part of winning your future personal injury claim. You should additionally take pictures of the accident, ask witnesses for their contact information, seek immediate medical attention, and hire a Jacksonville personal injury attorney who can determine whether you may also have a valid third-party claim against the establishment that served the driver alcohol under Florida’s dram shop law.
The dram shop law in Florida essentially states that establishments are prohibited from serving alcohol to those who are either under the age of 21 or are “habitually addicted” to alcohol. This means that if an establishment serves a minor alcohol, and that minor gets into his or her car and causes your accident, there is a very good chance that you may hold both the driver and the establishment liable for your injuries in a personal injury claim.
Who will I have to sue if I am injured as a passenger in a Florida car accident?
If you are injured as a passenger while carpooling to your destination this Labor Day and it was your driver’s fault, you are most likely wondering about your legal options. Of course, you do not want to sue your friend/relative, though this does not change the fact that you have been injured and require compensation to help cover the cost of your medical bills, in-home care, lost wages, and more. Fortunately, in most cases, we will not have to sue your friend/relative directly; instead, we will sue your friend/relative’s insurance company, meaning you should be able to recover the compensation you need without having to financially hurt your friend/relative. If you have any additional questions about the claims process ahead, all you have to do is give us a call.
Contact our experienced Florida firm
Ansbacher Law is comprised of knowledgeable attorneys who are ready to assist clients with various legal matters throughout North Florida. We understand the urgency of your personal injury claim and additional legal matters, which is why we provide each of our clients with compassionate and efficient legal assistance, every step of the way. Please contact our office for an initial consultation today.
