According to the National Safety Council, it is estimated that approximately 375 car accident fatalities on the United States roads this New Year’s holiday. Further, approximately 42,800 accidents will likely result in medically-consulted injuries. This unfortunate prediction is based on statistics from past holiday seasons. So, before you go out and commence your holiday festivities, please read on to discover why there is usually an uptick in accidents on New Year’s Eve and how a seasoned Panama City car accident attorney at Manuel & Thompson, PA can assist you if you happen to get involved in one.

Why is there typically an uptick in auto accidents on New Year’s Eve?

Essentially, the uptick in auto accidents on New Year’s Eve may have a direct correlation with the spike in impaired drivers on the roads. That is, as per the National Safety Council, 40 percent of the predicted 375 fatal car accidents may be caused by impaired drivers. This is because this holiday is commonly celebrated with parties that involve alcohol consumption or drug use. And, as you may already know, driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs may hinder a driver’s capabilities behind the wheel in the following ways:

  • A driver under the influence may experience slowed reaction times to external stimuli on the roads.
  • A driver under the influence may experience reduced coordination when reacting to external stimuli.
  • A driver under the influence may experience blurred or double vision, along with decreased peripheral vision.
  • A driver under the influence may experience overconfidence and risk-taking tendencies that prevent clear, smart decision-making.

What should I do if I am involved in a DUI accident on New Year’s Eve?

You may have done your part in planning for a sober driver ahead of your New Year’s Eve celebrations. But most unfortunately, not everyone present on the Florida roads past midnight may have been as responsible. With this, you may have gotten involved in an auto accident with a driver whose mental and physical capacities are hindered by drugs or alcohol. Well, if this is true, they may most certainly be held liable for the injuries and damages they inflicted on you upon your collision.

As a reminder, the state of Florida follows a modified comparative negligence law. This means the other driver must be found 50 percent or more responsible for your economic and non-economic damages to receive financial compensation via a legal claim. While their being under the influence may put them over the mark of being more than 50 percent at fault, the court will not take your word alone. That is, you should obtain evidence of the breathalyzer and field sobriety tests taken at the scene of your accident, along with witness testimonies and more.

There is a lot to consider before pursuing a DUI accident case against someone. To help you make the right considerations, please consult with a competent Panama City auto accident attorney. Our team at Manuel & Thompson, PA will guide you toward the best decision.