Since yesterday was St. Patrick’s Day, the “morning after” is often when the reality of holiday-related injuries sets in. For many, the festivities were a success, but for others, the day was marred by the negligence of others on our roads and in our local establishments.
At The Injury Advocates, we know that St. Patrick’s Day is statistically one of the most dangerous times of the year for Florida residents. If your holiday took a turn for the worse, here is what you need to know about your legal rights.
The Danger of the “Designated Driver” Myth
Unfortunately, not everyone who celebrates St. Patrick’s Day does so responsibly. Alcohol-related accidents spike significantly during this 24-hour period. If you were hit by a driver who was under the influence, the legal path forward is clear, but the insurance hurdles can be high. At The Injury Advocates, we specialize in holding drunk drivers accountable, pursuing not just standard damages, but in some cases, punitive damages to send a message that this behavior is unacceptable.
Pedestrian and “Dram Shop” Liability
St. Patrick’s Day often involves “pub crawls” and heavy pedestrian traffic between venues. If you were a pedestrian struck by a vehicle, or if you were injured inside a bar due to a fight or a slip-on-spilled-drink that wasn’t cleaned up, you may have a premises liability claim.
Furthermore, Florida has specific “Dram Shop” laws. If a bar or restaurant knowingly serves a person who is “habitually addicted” to alcohol or serves a minor, and that person goes on to cause an accident, the establishment itself may share the liability for your injuries.
Your Next Steps with The Injury Advocates
If you are waking up today dealing with the aftermath of a holiday accident, don’t wait for the insurance company to call you. They are already working to minimize their payout. As your Personal Injury Lawyer, The Injury Advocates will immediately begin gathering evidence—from bar surveillance footage to police breathalyzer results—to build your case.
Did your luck run out yesterday? Contact The Injury Advocates today for a free consultation. We are here to ensure that another person’s poor decision doesn’t cost you your financial future.
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Kweku Darfoor is the founder of The Injury Advocates (Darfoor Law Firm, P.A.), a member of The Florida Bar since 2014, and a Plantation-based personal injury attorney representing seriously injured people and their families across Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, and South Florida. This content is for general information and is not legal advice.
